A skincare routine is an essential part of maintaining healthy and radiant-looking skin.
Your skin type matters
You may suspect you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, but do you really know your skin type? Knowing your true skin type can help the next time you’re in the cosmetics aisle. In fact, using the wrong products — or even popularized Internet hacks — for your skin type could worsen acne, dryness, or other skin problems.
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Building a daily skincare routine
No matter what your skin type is, a daily skincare routine can help you maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns like acne, scarring, and dark spots. A daily skincare routine has four basic steps you can do once in the morning and once before you sleep.
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Cleansing: Choose a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin tight after washing. Clean your face no more than twice a day, or just once, if you have dry skin and don’t wear makeup. Avoid washing for that squeaky-clean feeling because that means your skin’s natural oils are gone. Cleansers known to work well for all skin types include Cetaphil and Banila Clean It Zero Sherbet Cleanser.
Serums: A serum with vitamin C or growth factors or peptides would be better in the morning, under sunscreen. At night, retinol or prescription retinoids work best. Makeup Artist’s Choice has an effective vitamin C and E serum and retinol available.
Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs moisturizer, but use one that is lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic, or doesn’t block your pores. Dry skin may benefit from more cream-based moisturizers. Most brands will label their products as gel or cream on their packaging.
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Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before heading outdoors, as it takes a while for sunscreen to activate. Darker skin tones actually need more sun protection because hyperpigmentation is harder to correct.
Choose products that fit your skin type and sensitivity, and remember to read the labels. Some products, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, should only be applied at night.
For all skin types…
- Stay hydrated.
- Change pillowcases at least once a week.
- Wash or wrap up hair before bed.
- Wear sunscreen every day and apply it 15 minutes before going out.
- Start with a basic and simple routine to see how your skin reacts. Once you’re comfortable, you can then add extra products such as exfoliants, masks, and spot treatments to boost your skin’s health.
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And don’t forget to patch test new products, especially if you suspect you have sensitive skin. This can help you identify potential allergic reactions.
Taking care of your skin is important for several reasons. Here are some key reasons why skincare is essential:
- Protection: Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against environmental factors like pollution, UV rays, and toxins. By maintaining a healthy skincare routine, you can help protect your skin from damage caused by these external factors.
- Hydration: Your skin needs to stay hydrated to remain healthy and supple. By moisturizing regularly, you can prevent dryness, flakiness, and itching, which can lead to more severe skin problems.
- Anti-Aging: As you age, your skin loses elasticity and becomes more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. A good skincare routine can help slow down the aging process by keeping your skin moisturized and protected.
- Confidence: When you have healthy, glowing skin, you’ll feel more confident in your appearance. Taking care of your skin can also help you feel more comfortable in your own skin and boost your self-esteem.
Overall, skincare is important for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin, protecting your skin from damage, and feeling confident in your own skin.