Skincare, a word that has been all over the internet and is being used by men and women alike. You being here means you’re among the 30% population who’s wondering what it means and why people are so obsessed with it? Worry no more because this blog is the answer to all your queries.
So Skincare, like the name suggests means caring for the skin. It refers to the things that you do to keep your skin healthy and attractive using things like cleansers, moisturizers etc. Now more than ever, People are extremely conscious about their overall well-being, which includes following a consistent skincare regimen. No matter what kind of damages or impurities your face may encounter, a good skincare regimen will ensure that it seems clear and youthful. It consistently clears your pores of extra oil and junk, minimizes sunspots, keeps acne at bay, and leaves your skin looking radiant and lush. Let us talk about its benefits in a little more detail-
Benefits of a Skincare Routine-
Everyone around us in one way or another does skincare, the only thing that varies is whether it’s a simple washing of the face with water, using homemade DIY masks or an advanced skincare routine involving serums, moisturisers and SPF. Each has some benefits, however a proper and advanced skincare routine is the one that provides the most benefits.
1. Hydration-
Hydration is the key to a glowing, healthy and plump skin. Proper hydration ensures the skin is not dehydrated and causes a rejuvenated appearance.
2. Helps in Acne Treatment-
A proper skincare can help in treating and preventing acne by cleansing the skin and unclogging pores.
3. Slows down aging and improves skin texture-
The development of signs of aging is slowed down by an advanced skincare routine that includes beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, retinoids, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and peptides. These ingredients also boost skin cell turnover, the shedding of dead skin cells, and stimulate the production of collagen.
Dark circles and age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, loose skin, dullness, and increased pores are also reduced by a good skincare routine.
4. Protection-
Skincare protects you from harmful pollutants, harsh sun rays and other harmful environmental factors.
5. Self esteem and confidence boost-
It’s common knowledge that feeling good about yourself is correlated with appearance. You can ultimately feel more confident and have a stronger sense of self-worth as with consistent skincare, you’re likely to see visible results such as smoothness and radiance.
The must-have skincare products and their usage order-
Your skin is the factor that determines the ‘must-have products’ in your skincare, however, their usage order is something that matters the most.
It is important to follow a slightly different morning and night skincare routine for best results. A morning routine preps your skin and protects it from the harmful environment around you. On the other hand, a pm or night skincare routine cleanses your skin of all the day’s junk, hydrates it, and allows new skin cells to repair the skin.
Morning skincare routine-
Step 1: Cleanser
The first step to a radiant, healthy complexion is a clean face.
Why it’s necessary: Thorough cleansing gets rid of contaminants including grease, oil, and airborne pollutants.
How to apply it: After using a cleanser and warm water, thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water. Use a fresh towel to gently pat (never rub) dry your skin.
Product Ingredients: Taking into account the skin type, ceramide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid-containing cleansers help moisturize dry skin.Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil-containing cleansers can help manage excess oil and minimize acne outbreaks.
Step 2: Toner
Toners, depending on their contents, can either moisturize the skin or remove excess oil and grime. Although it’s optional, toning is a valuable morning routine inclusion.
Why you need it: After cleansing, a toner helps restore your skin and gets it ready for the rest of your regimen.
How to use it: After applying your toner to a cotton pad, move the pad from the center of your face outward. Alternatively, you could opt for a mild mist formula that penetrates with one quick spritz. In any case, wait for the toner to dry completely before proceeding.
Product Ingredients: Look for moisturizing toners that contain rose water or hyaluronic acid if you have sensitive or dry skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, toners containing oil-absorbing components like witch hazel or salicylic acid are great.
Step 3: Serum
Serums, whether they are oil- or water-based, penetrate quickly into the skin and a small amount goes a long way.
Why you need it : A daytime serum will hydrate your skin, shield it from pollution, and provide potent nutrients like antioxidants.
How to use it: Starting in the middle of your face and working your way outward, gently pat it into your skin.
Product Ingredients: With its ability to lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, vitamin C is beneficial for all skin types. Serums containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin E can help moisturize dry skin. Niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, is an antioxidant morning serum that can help minimize oiliness and acne. Additionally, niacinamide helps minimize pores, lighten wrinkles, and brighten skin. To maximize the effectiveness of the serums, avoid combining niacinamide and vitamin C.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Moisturizers work to lock in moisture and boost the water content of your skin. This is a crucial step in skin barrier repair.
Why you need it: The use of the proper moisturizer might aid in preventing excessive oiliness and dryness.
How to use it: Massage the moisturizer into slightly damp skin. A pea-sized amount is usually adequate for your entire face.
Product ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, and ceramides are ingredients in moisturizers that help hydrate dry skin. Look for oil-free or lightweight gel moisturizers that won’t clog pores if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid-containing moisturizers are excellent for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Although they are optional, eye creams can help your undereye skin become more hydrated and supple.
Why you need it: Specifically formulated for this delicate facial tissue, eye cream aids in the treatment of wrinkle appearance and development.
How to use it: Apply your eye cream in tiny dots to the inner corners of your eyes and blend it outwards. Using your ring finger, gently pat the orbital bones that encircle your eye, particularly the region directly beneath your eyebrow, into your skin.
Product Ingredients: Use an eye cream containing caffeine to look more awake following a restless night. Caffeine-containing eye creams can improve puffy under eyelids and dark circles by promoting blood circulation.
Step 6: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is necessary for the entire year, even on days when it’s cloudy.
Why you need it: Sunscreen is essential for avoiding skin cancer because it shields your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, which can cause cell damage and premature skin aging. Use one with SPF 30 or higher for your morning routine.
How to use it: Use at least half an hour before heading outside.
Night skincare routine-
Step 1: Cleanser
The primary distinction of a nighttime cleansing regimen is that you might also need to double cleanse or use an oil-free makeup remover to remove makeup.
Why it’s necessary: Double cleansing begins with an oil-based cleanser, which is most efficient for eliminating oil-based items such as makeup and sunscreen, and concludes with a water-based cleanser, which is more effective against sweat and bacteria.
How to use it: After giving your skin a gentle 60-second massage with the oil-based cleanser, rinse with warm water. Use your water-based cleanser and repeat the procedure while your skin is still damp. Pat skin dry gently.
To prevent clogging your pores, remove makeup using micellar water or an oil-free makeup remover if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Dry and sensitive skin types may also profit from double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser or balm that removes makeup and hydrates the skin.
Step 2: Toner
Same steps as for the morning skincare.
Step 3: Serum
Why you need it: Using a nighttime serum helps your skin recover after sleep.
How to use it: Starting in the middle of your face and working your way outward, gently pat it into your skin.
Product Ingredients: If your skin is dry, try a moisturizing serum that contains ceramides, peptides, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid. Glycolic and lactic acid are examples of AHAs that can be used by dry and oily skin types to moisturize, exfoliate, and smooth fine wrinkles. Blackheads and pimples can also be treated with these AHA serums. If you have acne, a serum containing azelaic or salicylic acid can also help clear your pores and lessen inflammation.
Step 4: Moisturizer & Step 5: Eye Cream
Same steps as for the morning skincare except you may choose one that contains SPF in the morning and a more hydrating one at night.
Step 6: Retinols
Not all skin types respond well to retinol, so be sure to do your homework to find out if it’s best for you.
Why you need it: Retinol can improve the texture of your skin by accelerating the rate at which skin regenerates. It can brighten dark spots and minimize small wrinkles in aged skin. Additionally, by minimizing oiliness, clearing clogged pores, and eliminating dead skin cells, it helps oily or acne-prone skin.
How to use it: To start, do this step just once or twice a week. You can apply it more frequently as your skin gets used to it.
A skincare regimen serves to protect, hydrate, and cleanse your skin. Your morning skincare regimen should ideally consist of a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You can moisturize and cleanse at night. You can then add skin-type-appropriate oils, retinol, treatments, serums, and toners. For assistance in selecting the best skincare products for you, consult a certified dermatologist