An aesthetically appealing skin is not only an outcome of genetics but even one’s daily habits. A skincare routine has a significant impact on one’s appearance. Thus, to feel empowered in own skin, the skincare routine must be unique to an individual. A skincare routine should not be a one-size-fits-all formality in different weathers for people having varied skin types.
On social media, most of us come across skincare tips, tricks, and a variety of products that promise one to achieve their skincare goals. So, before reaching for that new product or including any skincare tip or trick in the skincare routine, one needs to be a bit strategic. Dermatologists can help one figure out what to keep in mind and how and where to start while building the best skincare routine. Usually, before creating a proper morning or night skincare routine, one needs to identify and understand their unique skin type.
To avoid guesswork in the skincare routine order, here is an ultimate skincare routine guide recommended by most dermatologists. Read on and know the basic steps to cover in creating the best everyday skin care routine, a routine specific to one’s skin type. [2, 4]
Different Kinds of Skincare Routines:
Before one starts forming their skincare routine, they need to go through various types of skincare routines and find out which one is best to gift for themselves. If one is a beginner, don’t worry, here is the guide that can help one achieve the skin they always desired for. Here are a few of the best skin care routines that one can follow to get plumper and healthy looking skin:
- Morning Skincare Routine-To start the day, follow this skincare routine so that one feels refreshed and also gets protected from the sun before stepping outside. This routine starts with cleansing of the skin, followed by exfoliation and masking. Next, treat any skin concerns that are causing trouble. Lastly, hydrating the skin with moisturizers and applying sunscreens to protect the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun.
- Night/Evening Skincare Routine- Before going off to sleep or after coming back home, it’s important to get dirt and grime off the face. A Night skin care routine is best for addressing specific skin issues and ensuring that skin is kept well-nourished and moisturized. A night time skin care routine can be much simpler than a morning one. It involves cleansing, spot treatment, applying under-eye cream to banish dark circles, and lastly hydrating, rejuvenating, and moisturizing the skin.
- Sustainable Skincare Routine- While making any skincare routine, the choices that one makes must be better for their skin. Sustainability and skincare must go hand in hand.
- A Dermatologist Prescribed Skincare Routine- Some people might need some support or help from skin experts to get their desired looks in the long term. If focus is needed on specific skin needs like treatment for acne breakouts, rosacea, psoriasis, or any other skin problems, such routines can work.
Among the above-mentioned skin care routines, morning and night skincare routines may vary slightly among individuals. One can opt for sustainable skincare products for both morning and night routines and even ask a dermatologist to help. [3, 4]
The Dermatologist-Approved Best Everyday Skincare Routine Steps:
1- Cleansing
Gentle cleansing of the face is the first step of any skincare routine. It is done to remove any impurities and excess face oils that can clog the pores and result in dull skin or acne breakouts. It is recommended to choose the best formulations of cleanser based on one’s skin needs and types. Here’s what one must keep in mind while buying cleansers specific to their skin type:
- Oily skin: Choose a gel or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid and niacinamide
- Dry skin: Look for a balm or cream formula containing hydrating ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acids, ceramides, and botanical oils
- Acne-prone skin: Get a gentle foaming cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide
- Sensitive skin: Go for ultra-gentle cleansers like micellar water
2- Toning/ Exfoliating/ Masking
After cleansing the face, toners (a water-based skincare liquid) can be applied to dry skin to make it gunk-free. It is a great way to remove any residual debris, refresh skin, and balance its pH levels. The ingredients to look for in toners based on one’s skin type include:
- Oily skin: Astringents like witch hazel or alcohols to tighten pores
- Dry or sensitive skin: A hydrating toner containing glycerine or hyaluronic acid to soothe skin
- Acne-prone skin: Alpha and beta hydroxyl acids like lactic acid and salicylic acid to increase cell turnover
- Combination skin: Gentle exfoliators, antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and great tea, and hydration boosters
Sometimes the skin (especially oily skin) needs extra polishing which can be done by using physical and chemical exfoliators. This helps in getting rid of the build-up of dead skin cells or other grim particles left after cleansing, boosts blood circulation, and smooths skin texture. It must not be overdone, rather can be used a couple of times a week. Once a week a deep detox can be given to the facial skin with a purifying face mask.
3- Treating Skin or Using Serums
Here, treating skin means addressing specific skin concerns like acne, dryness, dullness, and even pigmentation or wrinkles. A serum tailored to the skin issue can be chosen to both treat and protect the skin. The best time to treat the skin is nighttime before going to bed by using night serums. Vitamin C-based serums must be used by everyone, irrespective of their age. Anti-aging serums usually contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and retinoids.
4- Moisturizing
It is necessary to keep skin soft and hydrated at all times. For oily skin, opt for oil-free moisturizers in gel or lotion forms while, for dry skin, go for rich cream packed with humectants, emollients, ceramides, and occlusive. For sensitive skin, look for formulations with no potential skin irritants like alcohol and strong fragrance.
5- Sun-Protection
It is the most important last step in the morning skincare routine for any age and skin type. It involves wearing physical (mineral-based) or chemical sunscreens of SPF 30 above at least half an hour before heading outside.
6- Applying Eye creams
Eye creams that fall under the “treat” category can be applied to the delicate eye area to treat concerns like dark circles, under-eye bags, fine lines, wrinkles, or lack of firmness. They provide effective results when applied before sleep at night. [1, 3, 4]
References:
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a22850819/best-skincare-routine/
- https://www.skinstore.com/blog/skincare/how-to-build-a-skin-care-routine/
- https://blog.sugarcosmetics.com/how-to-build-the-best-skincare-routine/
- https://terasana.com/blogs/planted/skin-care-routine
