For our skin to be healthy and glowing, a consistent skincare routine is essential. But as a beginner there are many questions that crossed my mind like, Where to begin it? How to choose products? Why it is important? What are the steps in Skincare routine? and many other questions. So, I am going to share a Skincare Routine in Six Basic Steps that I follow and you can also follow daily.
Step 1: Cleansing
I start my skincare routine with cleansing my face and neck with a Facewash. Initially I used to neglect this step as I used a soap. But, now I understand the importance of this.
Why It’s Important ?
I have an oily-acne prone skin. You can have dry skin, sensitive skin and be of other skin types. So at that time when I used soap, it made my skin dry and my acne marks didn’t fade way. Then I thought to use a facewash, because these are formulated to maintain our skin on face which is more delicate and sensitive compared to the rest of the skin on our body.
These facewashes help to maintain the pH levels, some of them are customized for our skin type, some of them have active ingredients that can help us with acne, open pores and other skin concerns, and most importantly they remove dirt, oil, makeup and environmental pollutants from our skin, which in turn helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
How to Do It :
- Choose a gentle Cleanser: Select a cleanser suitable for your skin type. For dry or sensitive skin, look for hydrating and soothing ingredients. For oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming or gel cleanser can help control excess oil.
- Wash Your Face Twice Daily: Cleanse your face in the morning to remove overnight impurities and in the evening/night to clear away the day’s accumulation of dirt and makeup.
- Use Lukewarm Water: Wash the face with lukewarm water as hot water can strip your skin of natural oils.
- Be Gentle: Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips to cleanse your skin effectively. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Step 2: Toner
The step 2 is applying a Toner. It is often overlooked but it is also an essential step in our skincare routine. It offers various benefits that contribute to get healthier and more radiant skin.
Why It’s Important ?
Toners help to balance your skin’s pH, remove any leftover impurities, reduce the risk of breakouts and blackheads, and help to replenish moisture and refresh the skin. I have read and also seen in videos where people talk about how after cleansing the face, having a damp face helps the other products that we apply gets absorbed into our skin. Toning really helps with that. After applying toner, the products that we apply next gets absorbed into our skin.
How to Do It :
- Choose the Right Toner: For dry skin, select a hydrating toner. For oily or acne-prone skin, a toner with some actives like salicylic acid or witch hazel can help control oil and minimize pores. For sensitive skin, choose alcohol-free and fragrance-free toners with calming ingredients like green tea, allantoin, and calendula. Choose the toner according to your skin type.
- Apply with a Cotton Pad or Hands: Now after cleansing your face, apply toner by either using a cotton pad by soaking it in the toner or putting few drops of toner on cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face and neck. You can also use your hand by putting a small amount into your hands and patting it into your skin.
Step 3: Serums
Serums, these became a very important part of my skincare routine. As I am someone with oily-acne prone skin, I needed something that can help me with clearing my acne marks, my open pores, and pigmentation. Serums played a pivotal role in helping me with these issues.
Why It’s Important ?
They are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin than moisturizers, delivering powerful ingredients directly to address specific skin concerns such as aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration.
Serums provide targeted care, that is they use higher concentration of active ingredients that help in treating specific skin concerns. Serums are often water- or oil-based, allowing them to be easily absorbed without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.
How to Do It :
- Choose the Right Serum: I am having open pores, so initially I used a niacinamide serum as it helps in reducing the appearance of pores. So choose the right serum for your targeted concern. If you are looking for hydration, use hyaluronic acid; for brightening, use vitamin C; for anti-aging, use retinol or peptides; for acne, use salicylic acid. These are just my opinion, but before using check the ingredients and do the patch test.
- Apply a Small Amount: Now I apply serum after washing my face and using toner. Usually, 1-2 drops are enough. Pat the serum into your skin using your fingertips, focusing on areas of concern.
- Layering Serums: If using multiple serums, apply the thinnest, water-based serum first and thicker, oil-based serums afterward. Sometimes you can’t mix some actives together so make sure to check the ingredients and then apply it accordingly.
Step 4: Moisturizing and Eye Cream
The next steps after applying serum is using a Moisturizer. All the skin type people must use a moisturizer. As the one with oily skin, I still use moisturizer which is a light weight, non greasy and helps me in keeping my skin soft and hydrated. Eye cream is also important as the skin near our eyes is delicate and needs proper care.
Why It’s Important ?
Moisturizers keep your skin hydrated, prevent dryness, support its barrier function, and protect against environmental damage. We also get moisturizers for specific skin concern like salicylic acid for active acne and others, that helps us treat our skin concerns. Eye cream targets the delicate skin around the eyes, addressing issues like dark circles and puffiness.
How to Do It :
- Select a Suitable Moisturizer: Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and skin concerns. For oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is ideal. For dry skin, opt for a richer, more hydrating cream. Similarly choose the moisturizer for your respective skin type.
- Apply Twice Daily: Apply moisturizer after the application of serum. Apply moisturizer in the morning to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and at night to support skin repair during sleep. Don’t scrub your skin harshly while applying.
- Use Eye Cream Sparingly: Apply a small amount of eye cream around the orbital bone, gently patting it in with your ring finger.
Step 5: Sun Protection
This is very important step. This should be the last step in your skincare routine. Sunscreen’s importance extends far beyond just preventing sunburn; it plays a critical role in protecting your skin from various forms of damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When I went to a dermatologist regarding my skin concerns, she recommended me to use a sunscreen along with other treatment. So, Never skip a sunscreen in any season.
Why It’s Important ?
UV radiation from the sun comprises UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause significant damage to the skin. Sun protection helps to prevent it. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, prevents sun burn, maintains even skin tone and protects the skin barrier.
How to Do It :
- Use Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And also a sunscreen that suits your skin type. For oily skin choose a sunscreen which absorbs quickly and doesn’t have a greasy look. Similarly for other skin types.
- Apply Generously: Spread sunscreen on your two fingers and apply it on your face and neck generously. And also apply it on other exposed areas.
- Reapply Every Two Hours: If you’re outdoors, swimming, or sweating, reapply sunscreen every two hours for continued protection.
Step 6: Mask (2-3 Times a Week)
Well, this step is not a daily necessity, but adding a Face Mask to your skincare routine can provide targeted treatment and enhance the health and appearance of your skin. Incorporating a face mask 2-3 times a week can offer various benefits depending on your skin type and concerns.
Why It’s Important ?
Masks help with deep cleansing. They clear impurities and dirt from deep within the pores. Masks provide an intensive treatment to address specific skin concerns, such as hydration, detoxification, brightening, calming and oil control. I am using a mask which contains salicylic acid, for treating my acne. I use this mask weekly twice. You can choose your mask according to your need.
How to Do It :
- Choose the Right Mask: Hydrating masks are great for dry skin, clay masks help control oil and clear pores, and sheet masks can provide a quick boost of nutrients and hydration.
- Apply as Needed: Use a mask 2-3 times a week to avoid over-treating your skin.
- Follow Instructions: Leave the mask on for the recommended time, then rinse off or remove it according to the product instructions.
Tips that help in our Skincare Routine
- Always wash your hands before starting the skincare.
- Know your skin type and use the products accordingly.
- While using the products, don’t scrub your face harshly. Do it gently.
- You can use the skincare products on both face and neck.
- If you are using active ingredients, always check whether two different ingredients can be used together or not. If not, you can use them alternatively or as specified on the products.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. It supports overall skin health. Have a balanced diet, stay hydrated, have a quality sleep and manage the stress by using yoga, exercise and other activities.
- Using too many products or over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and cause irritation.
- Always do patch test before applying new products. Test new products on a small area of your skin to check for reactions.
- Stay consistent.
Conclusion
This is my Skincare Routine in Six Basic Steps. Building a basic skincare routine around these six steps can help maintain your skin’s health and radiance. Remember, consistency is key, and it’s essential to tailor your routine to your specific skin type and concerns. As you get comfortable with these basics, you can gradually introduce more advanced treatments and products into your regimen. Here’s to glowing, healthy skin!
Share your thoughts
What is your skincare routine? What do you think about this Six Basic Steps Skincare Routine? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! If you have any questions for me kindly comment and ask me.
For more, read on Hii Charming.
Disclaimer: I am not a Dermatologist or Doctor. This is just my experience that I want to share in this blog. Please consult a dermatologist for professional advice. And the photos that I shared in this blog are the products that I am using, It is not a compulsion for you to do so.
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