Skincare is not only about applying certain products but also about following the whole process that can meet your skin’s requirements. Of course, most people know the most basic routines, yet they miss crucial elements that can make the skin look much better. This article provides 7 steps that you need to include in your skincare routine. By integrating these practices into your daily life, you’re going to be able to change how your skin looks and make it more radiant.
Double Cleansing for a Thorough Clean
Double cleansing is a crucial step as it enables the removal of all kinds of impurities that may be on your skin. A single cleanse may leave behind some traces of makeup, sunscreen, and dirt that can block the skin pores. For a double cleanse, first use an oil-based face cleanser that helps to dissolve different types of impurities, and then use a water-based face cleanser to remove any remaining residue. This method is suitable for all types of skin, including oily, acne-prone skin. Double cleansing is useful because it opens up the pores and readies your skin for subsequent skincare products. It is suggested as a part of your daily regimen, and incorporating this should result in improved skin health and fewer breakouts in the future.
Layer Products Correctly
This is especially important because the sequence of applying your serums, treatments, and moisturizers matters. It is important to apply them in the right manner and, as a result, ensure that you apply them in the right sequence. Begin with the less viscous and dense variants first. For instance, use a toner after washing your face, then serum, treatment products before moisturizing, and sunscreen as the final step. This technique, known as the “thinnest to thickest” procedure, helps to guarantee that each layer can effectively penetrate and deliver the right nutrients to the skin.
Regular Exfoliation
Do not overlook this important step of the process. Exfoliating a few times a week helps to remove dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing a brighter complexion. People with sensitive skin should exfoliate their skin 1-2 times per week with a mild scrub. People with regular skin can afford to exfoliate their skin 2-3 times a week through physical scrubs like those containing jojoba beads or acids such as glycolic acid. Just don’t overdo it! It is also important to moisturize well after washing with soap or scrubbing the skin.
Incorporate Active Ingredients
Search for specific active compounds that are suitable for your skin problems. Substances like retinol will minimize fine lines and improve skin texture in the long term. AHAs and BHAs work to exfoliate the skin to help achieve a brighter and clearer complexion. Vitamin C helps in increasing collagen synthesis and fading dull skin. Niacinamide helps to reduce the size of pores and controls oil production on the skin’s surface. Additionally, you can also incorporate supplements for skin barrier repair. The natural defensive mechanism of your skin is supported by the vital nutrients these supplements offer, helping to preserve and restore a healthy complexion. Using active ingredients provides a much more significant improvement as compared to just washing and putting on lotion. However, consult with your dermatologist regarding the above options.
Hydration Focus
As with any living organism, hydration equates to a strong moisture shield and elastic skin. But just consuming water is not enough. Apply serums that contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These water-binding ingredients help to attract water to the skin. When using serums, remember to follow it up with a good, emollient moisturizer. Your cream or oil will soak in even better if applied right after a shower when the skin is still wet. Even in the cleansers, try to choose products that contain hydrating benefits for your skin. Use non-foaming gel cleansers that do not remove the skin’s natural oils.
Daily Sunscreen Use
Sun protection is non-negotiable! The skin gets pale due to exposure to UV radiation, and over time, it ages and develops wrinkles. Unfortunately, one sunburn sustained during childhood is enough to increase the skin cancer risk for a lifetime. For skin protection, use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher, which should be applied over your moisturizer daily. If exposed to direct sunlight, reapply the gel every two hours. It is also important to note that many lipsticks, foundation, and moisturizers come with SPF, but they may not be enough on their own. So, apply a layer of sunscreen and make sure to apply it thoroughly on the skin.
Facial Massage
Elevate your skincare regimen with facial massage. By reducing edema, massaging provides immediate modeling. It also aids in the circulation of healthy-looking skin and enables absorption of the product. Use your fingers, jade roller, or gua sha stone to perform a manual massage of your face. The general rule is to massage upward and outward, and this must begin from the chin and move up to the cheeks. Then, glide outward over the lines of your face. With the pads of your fingertips, make large circular motions from the center of your face out towards your temples. You can make the effects of the massage more pronounced by applying serum or facial oil.
Conclusion
It is important to note that great skin is not developed within a single day. But by being loyal to these seemingly insignificant aspects of the skincare regimen, you prepare the ground for gradual changes. This includes proper layering, active ingredients catering to your skin type, exfoliation, hydration, sunscreen application every day, and facial massage. Implement some of these steps in your skincare regimen and see how radiant and fresh your skin becomes.
SAM