Skin care is always a complicated subject matter. Speak with a dermatologist, and you will get a completely different response from an influencer, an aesthetician, or a friend. There is no one unique solution that will work for everyone, so it is essential to try out products yourself and see which works for your particular condition.
The ultimate solution to your skin woes is to come up with a skin care routine that you can commit to and will enjoy doing. While building one seems easy on paper, you have to consider a plethora of things, such as allergies and your skin type. Amid the whirlwind of products and millions of recommendations, here is a simple way to break down the essential steps.
Step 1: Cleansing
There is no doubt that a clean face is crucial in securing beautiful skin. But choosing a cleanser is an entire ordeal in itself. There are too many kinds to choose from, but here is a general breakdown to help you make a decision. Those with oily skin can try a foaming or gel-based cleanser, or gel-based cleanser, which is fantastic for decongesting clogged pores. A non-comedogenic product will work wonders for acne-prone skin, so check the label and purchase accordingly.
In contrast, if you have dry skin, opt for cream-based cleansers, which will help hydrate and give your skin a supple glow. If you are environmentally-conscious about packaging, consider a bar cleanser instead, which comes with very little soap and skin-friendly, moisturizing ingredients. Meanwhile, oil-based cleansers are effective alternatives to makeup removers. For a more in-depth cleansing experience, use a silicone face cleansing brush to penetrate the pores and get rid of unwanted impurities more effectively. Also be sure to consider an AHA cleanser.
Step 2: Toning
Toning is essential for balancing your skin’s pH level, but it is necessary to choose the right one to avoid drying up your skin. Generally, toners that contain strong astringents and hydroxy acids are great for oily and acne-prone skin. But people with dry skin should stay away from high acidity toners and instead opt for water-based variations. Rosewater is a wonderful and mild middle-ground if you are unsure of which to pick, but be wary if you have floral allergies. You can choose to spray, pat, or use a cotton pad to apply toner — it is entirely personal to your preferences to add to your skin care routine.
Step 3: Moisturizing
There are four rules for choosing a moisturizer. People with oily skin should go for gel or light options, those with dry skin should opt for thicker and more hydrating creams, those with inflamed skin will benefit from balms, and everyone should use sunscreen.
Consider using a lighter cream in the day for comfortable wear and a heavier cream at night to lock in the hydration. Filtering options out by texture is a great way to narrow down your choices, but you can also ask your dermatologist — or online skin care communities — for a recommendation. But remember to put on sunscreen every time you leave the house — it will save your skin from premature aging, burns, and UV damage.
A three-step skin care routine is great for starters, but additional steps will not hurt, especially if you need them. People with skin complications, such as rosacea or sensitive skin, should consult with their dermatologist for a medicated prescription. Otherwise, enjoy the world of skin care with serums, emulsions, eye creams, and other fun steps that will make your pamper routine a lot more fun.
Author: Jessica Ellen