What Is a Good Skincare Routine?
A simple but effective skincare routine contains a few essential elements. The following steps are vital in maintaining glowing skin morning and night.
Cleansing
This is a vital first step in the skincare routine. Cleansing can be accomplished with an oil or a gel cleanser. The skin builds up a thin layer of dirt, oil, and pollutants throughout the day and night.
To effectively hydrate and nourish skin, you must remove that barrier of impurities. Using lukewarm water, use your fingertips to wash in gentle circles. Some choose to cleanse a second time, in a process known as the double cleanse.
This method typically begins with a cleansing balm followed by a cleansing gel. This ensures that all residual oils and dirt are removed. Following the cleanse, gently pat the skin to dry.
Toning
Toning supports a healthy skin pH and prepares it for serums and moisturizers. Make sure to use an alcohol-free toner, as skincare products containing alcohol can be extremely harsh and strip the skin of its natural oil barrier.
It can be helpful to use a toner with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to prep and clean the skin without stripping, which can cause redness and flaking.
Antioxidant Serum
This is where your vitamin C serum comes in! Once the skin is clean and toned, applying an antioxidant serum is next.
Vitamin C is a great choice because it is rich in antioxidants and serves to combat free radicals. Vitamin C can aid in skin brightening and result in radiant-looking, glowy skin.
Treatment
This step is important to address any blemishes or imperfections in the skin. This can include spot treatments like drying lotions and applications like retinoids and chemical peels.
This step must be gentle, not stripping the skin. Some choose to include a retinoid at this step in the skincare routine; however, remember that combining an acidic serum with a harsher retinol treatment can result in irritation, so proceed with caution!
Moisturize
Moisturizer can seal in the skin’s natural moisture barrier, ensuring effective and long-lasting treatments. It can also provide a protective layer and barrier against weather, pollution, and other damaging elements.
Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen with a high SPF is a vital final step in a daytime skincare routine. It can protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and sun damage, which are detrimental to the skin's health in many ways. UV exposure can cause discoloration, sagging, and fine lines.
It is important to use a mineral sunscreen rather than a chemical one, as these are non-comedogenic and are less likely to cause irritation and clogged pores.