A consistent skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. With all the products and different routines, it can get confusing and overwhelming, especially when it comes to the right order to layer your skincare products. We’re here to make it easy for you with this step by step basic guide to get you started.
Daily Skincare Routine
1. Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, or sensitive). Cleanse your face twice daily, morning and night, to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing, as these can irritate your skin.
2. Tone
Apply a toner after cleansing to balance your skin’s pH and remove any remaining impurities. This sets your face up to better absorb products.
3. Serum
Apply a serum after toning to target specific skin concerns. Serums are highly concentrated formulas that deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. Choose a serum with ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, or niacinamide, depending on your needs. If you’re just getting started with serums, start with vitamin C.
4. Moisturize
Apply a moisturiser suitable for your skin type to hydrate and protect your skin. Choose a moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides for optimal hydration. If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser.
5. Face Oil
For an extra boost of hydration and nourishment, apply a face oil after your moisturiser. Face oils are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that can help improve skin texture and elasticity.
6. Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days and even if you’re indoors all day. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays and helps prevent premature ageing and skin cancer.
Weekly Add-ons
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion. Use a physical exfoliant (like a scrub) or a chemical exfoliant (like a product containing alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids).
2. Masks
Face masks offer targeted benefits for various skin concerns. Mask 1-2 times a week. You can try different masks for different needs such as clay masks for a deep clean and to absorb excess oil, sheet masks that are pre-soaked with a concentrated dose of ingredients, and hydrating masks that provide intense moisture for dry skin.
As you experiment, always do a patch test on a small patch of skin to check for any reactions from new products. Listen to your skin especially if it feels irritated or dry. Get to know your skin type and invest in high-quality products.
If you struggle with ongoing skin issues, consult a professional. Otherwise, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep and stay consistent with your routine, for healthy, glowing skin.
