Skincare is a science, and it can be intimidating to put together the perfect routine. But the truth is, a simple skincare regimen can make a world of difference for your complexion and overall wellbeing.
Start by choosing a gentle cleanser that is tailored for your skin type. Cleansers that are too harsh can dry out your skin and lead to breakouts.
1. Cleanse
Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine and it should be done twice a day, morning and night. It removes makeup, excess oil, pollution, and other irritants from the surface of your skin.
It also helps prevent breakouts and other signs of aging like wrinkles, dryness and dullness. To cleanse your face properly you should be gentle with it and not use harsh soaps, which can strip the acid mantle of natural oils that keep skin healthy.
To avoid a dirty face, double cleanse using a product that removes both makeup and impurities from your pores. This method is especially important if you have a heavy makeup or wear a lot of sunscreen during the day, says dermatologist Aryn Gohara, M.D.
You can start by dipping a cotton swab into micellar water, make-up remover or natural oils (castor, olive, or sunflower) to loosen makeup before cleansing with a gentle, moisturizing face wash. This two-step method is a great way to gently remove makeup and get your skin clean without drying it out or irritating it, suggests Kim Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls Natural Skincare.
If you have oily skin, opt for a foaming or gel cleanser that will ensure adequate removal of excess dirt and oil; salicylic acid and other acne-fighting ingredients can help regulate your skin’s oil production and clear your pores.
Your nighttime routine is the perfect time to switch it up; your skin is working hard to regenerate while you sleep, so you can give it the nourishment and active ingredients it needs, Dr. Magovern suggests. You can add a moisturizer to your routine, too, but be sure it’s a lightweight formula with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and botanical oils.
2. Tone
Cleansing is the backbone of any skincare routine, and the importance of cleansing cannot be overstated. It gets rid of dirt, oil, and makeup – all the things that can clog pores, cause breakouts and premature aging. Plus, it removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can exacerbate acne or make your complexion dull and sallow.
Toning is the next step in a cleansing regimen. You can use a toner after you’ve used a cleanser, or just before you apply a moisturizer. It’s usually applied with a spray bottle or an organic cotton pad.
A good toner can help balance skin’s pH, which is crucial before applying any moisturizer or serum. And it can also work as a base for your skincare products, helping them to penetrate deeper and deliver their most effective results.
Some toners contain ingredients that can be gentle exfoliants or anti-inflammatory agents, while others have astringent properties. The key is to pick one that will be most beneficial to your skin.
As a rule, your skin will benefit most from a natural toner. This is especially true if you have sensitive or dry skin, since many store-bought toners contain alcohols and other harsh chemicals that can be damaging.
A few drops of toner should go a long way, and you can apply it with your fingertips or a cotton ball soaked in the toner. Alternatively, you can pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it over your face. Always remember that clean hands are the best way to apply a toner, as they’re not dirty and can better grasp the product.
3. Serum
Serums are a must-have in any skincare routine. Not only do they hydrate and plump skin, but they also fight free radicals that cause aging and damage to the skin’s texture.
When choosing a serum, you’ll want to read the ingredients carefully. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C, which will help prevent moisture loss from your skin and boost its elasticity.
Some of the best face serums contain anti-aging ingredients, too, including retinol, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some even brighten the skin, thanks to kojic acid or licorice root extract.
If you have acne, try a serum with salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of breakouts. You can also find hydrating serums that soothe inflammation and rehydrate, such as those with niacinamide or glycerin.
For dark spots and discoloration, choose a serum with brighteners like niacinamide, vitamin C or kojic acid. These ingredients will reduce the appearance of sun spots and even out your complexion, says cosmetic dermatologist DiAnne Davis, M.D.
You can also use a serum as part of your daily sunscreen routine. Applying it in the morning will give your skin an extra layer of protection, so it’s worth a try.
If you’re just starting out with a serum, start with a gentle formula that won’t cause irritation and gradually work your way up to using it every other day or as directed on the product label. For a more effective approach, consider retinol serums that can be used once a day.
4. Moisturize
Moisturizers are an essential part of any skincare routine. They help your skin retain its moisture levels and improve its overall elasticity, which can prevent wrinkles.
Moisturizing also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and dark spots. It can even help you maintain a healthy sheen to your skin, which can make it appear more radiant and fresh.
For a moisturizer to be effective, it must contain the right ingredients to target your specific skin type and needs. Dry skin requires a more rich moisturizer to lock in moisture, while oily skin tends to need a lightweight formula that will not clog pores.
Another important factor to keep in mind is how often you should be moisturizing your skin. It’s best to use a moisturizer after every shower or bath and a few times a day after shaving or exfoliating.
You should never skip moisturizer in your teenage skincare routine because it’s important to protect your skin from the elements and other environmental stresses. It’s especially crucial for your face, ears, neck and chest.
It’s common for these areas to replace their skin cells more quickly than the rest of the body. This daily loss of skin can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
When choosing a moisturizer, you’ll want to choose one that contains ingredients like antioxidants, ceramides, and other nourishing substances. You can also look for a product that has SPF in it to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Your skin is more likely to break out when it’s not properly moisturized, so make sure you’re using a product that works for your specific skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin that stings or burns after applying a moisturizer, you’ll want a product with ceramides to reduce irritation.
5. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare routine. It protects the skin from UV rays that can cause a variety of issues, including sunburn and skin cancer.
It also helps prevent premature aging and can even fade scars caused by sun damage. It is important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains an SPF of at least 30 each time you go outside.
The best sunscreens protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. These rays can penetrate deep into the skin and damage cells, which in turn can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Physical (mineral) sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, reflect the sun’s rays before they can reach your skin. Chemical sunscreens, which include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octisalate, absorb the UV rays before they can cause damage to your skin.
A chemical sunscreen needs to be reapplied more often than a physical one. You should reapply your sunscreen every two hours while you’re in the sun, and at any time you get sweaty.
Your dermatologist will be able to tell you more about the right amount of sunscreen to use for your skin type and risk factors. But as a rule, you should use at least a third of the bottle, and apply it to all exposed areas.
Adding a moisturizer to your skincare routine will help keep your skin hydrated and supple, which will minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The right moisturizer will also help soothe dry or sensitive skin and prevent acne.
A good moisturizer should contain a non-nano form of zinc oxide, which is the safest form to use on your skin. This is because nanoparticles are more easily absorbed into the body, and they can be harmful to your health.