Building an effective skincare routine can get pretty daunting. Especially with thousands of products, tips, and routines we see out there, how do we know which does the job? Fortunately, this article will help break it all down.
Why start a skincare routine?
The goal of any effective skincare routine is to give you the essential building blocks to make sure your skin is functioning healthily and is at its best state. Another goal is that it should be complementing or helping you fix any issues that can pop up from time to time. Let’s say that the more you understand and learn about your skin, the more control you have in maintaining your skin’s best and natural state. Sounds amazing, right?
Healthy Skin Barrier
Before we talk about the products you need in a basic skincare routine, let’s talk a bit about science. This information will help you understand what you need to focus on and why.
The reason why we slather anything on our face is to maintain and build a strong protective barrier between us and the outside world. The skin that you externally see is actually a waterproof shield that works hard to keep all the good stuff in (collagen, elastin, fatty tissues, amino acids) and the bad stuff (UV ray exposure, invasive bacteria, pollutants) out.
For the most part, our skin naturally does a really good job in protecting itself against the outside world. But as we age, the skin protecting process starts to deplete. Your skin loses moisture and dries out. Additionally your collagen and elastin production levels slow down, which can eventually cause your skin to sag or form wrinkles and fine lines. We definitely don’t want that!
Basic Essentials
If you’re starting out your skincare routine, there are four product types that form the foundation:
Here’s a quick overview for each step.
Cleanser
The cleanser works to cleanse your face free of dirt, dust, natural oil, and any other residue on your skin. A good cleanser shouldn’t make your skin feel stiff, irritated, dry or tight afterwards. If you’re wearing makeup, you should consider following a double-cleanse method to ensure all traces of makeup are removed from your face.
Product Recommendations
Toner
Toner works to rebalance your skin’s pH levels after cleansing. Since your skin’s pH levels go up during the cleansing process, toner works to bring that pH level down to its normal levels. It’s also a step to help bring your skin some hydration and prep it for the next skincare steps.
Product Recommendations
Moisturizer
Moisturizer works to repair your skin barrier by delivering essential ingredients to the skin. It also acts to restore moisture and leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, and supple. Apply your moisturizer after your toner to seal in all the moisture.
Product Recommendations
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a MUST when it comes to protection. It acts as protective clothes over your skin barrier whenever you travel outside. Regardless of rain or shine, sunscreen is a priority for keeping your skin looking and feeling youthful.
Product Recommendations
For more detailed information on building an effective skincare routine, check out the full video:
Head over to more information and product recommendations:
PART 2: What are Skin Supplements?
PART 3: Add Skincare Extras to Boost Your Routine
Would a nighttime routine include the same steps except sunscreen? Or are there any additional steps during the night?