What is a basic skin care routine? Experts suggest that the following steps must be included in your basic skin care routine – washing/cleansing, toning, exfoliating, hydrating and sun block. These professionals recommend having a simple routine to maintain skin care consistency. It doesn’t have to be complicated and arduous. If you pick a routine that takes too much time, there is a great chance that you will not follow through.
Some people tend to perform their skin care routine twice and this is the ideal number for most. Your skin type can identify the ideal skin care routine for you. People that tend to have oily skin are more prone to breakouts and may need different products to maintain skin health and prevent blemishes. People that have dry skin, on the other hand, are required to moisturize more than normal to keep the skin from flaking and drying.
Here are more details about the steps in a basic skin care routine and what will benefit your skin type the most.
Washing or Cleansing
Most of us are aware why we need a good cleansing routine. Cleansing is an important step to a good skin care regime. The main reason why we cleanse our skin is to remove dirt, excess oil, and make up products. However, there are some rules when it comes to cleansing the skin. Most people are unaware, but their cleansing routine can be the cause of their dry skin. Some people may have naturally dry skin, but some are caused by improper skin care routines. A misconception that people believe that skin isn’t clean unless it feels tight and dry after washing. This mindset makes people believe that skin should normally feel like this. Junk this misconception because skin is not supposed to feel dry or patchy after cleansing. It should feel smooth and moisturized. Pick the right cleanser to avoid damaging your skin further. Bar soaps can be incredibly drying on the skin, especially on the face. Avoid using antibacterial soaps on your face. Facial cleansers that are designed for your skin type is important. Avoid using cleansers that can alter the balance in your skin.
Toning and Exfoliating
Toning creates a deeper cleanse and removes germs and debris on the skin. Toning is not for every skin type. People with dry skin should not apply toner on their skin every day. Exfoliating is also important to a proper skin care regimen. Exfoliating will remove buildup in your pores and remove dead skin cells. You should exfoliate your skin at least once a week and no more than 4 times a week. This will depend on your skin type. People with oily skin should exfoliate more.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is an important part of a good skin care routine. Applying a good moisturizer can prevent your skin from becoming flaky, thick and cracked. A great moisturizer helps the cells to function properly and reduce the damage from free radicals. Moisturizers function by locking in the moisture on the skin. Picking a moisturizer clearly depends on your skin type because they are not all the same. Pick a moisturizer that will help enhance your skin type.
Sunscreen
The final step to a great skin care routine is applying sunscreen. Sunscreen is important to keep our skin healthy and protected. Most of the damage we get into our skin is due to harmful UV rays. UV rays penetrate from the skin and damage the skin cells. You may not see it, but there is damage on your skin. UV ray exposure can cause dark spots, premature aging and skin cancer. When picking out sunscreen, choose one that is suited for your daily activities.
Skin care is about optimizing your skin type. Learning the right skin care routine will help accentuate your skin and help it to be healthier. Disregarding your skin type and picking any popular product on the market will do more harm than good. It’s always best to consult a professional if you are unsure about your skin type.
Skin care routine should be performed twice – once in the morning and once at night. However, there are different products you should only use in the morning such as sun block and must be used only at night like night creams.
Now, you’ve learned about some of the basic skin care routine. It’s your turn to determine what type of regimen will fit your lifestyle, environment and skin type.
