As our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants each day, it’s essential to get them gently removed to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne. If not already part of your daily routine, we have summarized our beauty routine below as washing your face is one of the most basic and essential step to include into your daily routine. This can be done twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
But before digging deeper into this routine, we need to start with knowing what kind of skin you have. Only then, you’ll know how to take care of it.
Types of skin
Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough,
Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores,
Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin),
Sensitive skin may show redness, swelling, and scaling when irritated. It may also sting, burn, or itch after you use makeup or other products,
Normal skin is balanced, clear, and not sensitive.
Cleansing: choosing the right cleanser
Face cleansing should be the first step in any skincare routine. It clears away impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and dull skin. But it’s key to not cleanse too much, too often or with harsh cleansers which can damage the skin’s protective barrier. The right formula, cleanses your skin without removing essential, healthy oils.
Skin type Cleanser type Function
Dry skin Cream, lotion or milk Cleansers formulated to leave a layer of emollient oil on the skin to keep it smooth and supple
Oily skin Foaming liquid or gel Foaming cleanser to wipe away dirt and excess sebum from pores
Normal or combination skin Gentle cleanser Mild yet thorough cleansing of the skin
Sensitive skin Cream, lotion or milk Cleansers formulated to leave a layer of emollient oil on the skin to keep it smooth and supple
Toner
A toner is not mandatory, but it is a great way to remove any residual debris, and refresh the skin and balance its pH. It can be seen as a supplement that delivers an extra short of nutrients, helping the other product in the routine to better absorb, while still balancing your complexion.
Serum
A serum can both treat as protect the skin as they are filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients that all handle specific issues. As an example, Hyaluronic acid can be added to a serum to seal in hydration and strengthen the barrier function of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Another example could be Vitamin C that helps brightening dull skin and decrease dark spots when used continuously.
Eye cream
Eye cream falls under the treat category. As the skin around the eyes is particularly delicate, it could use a little extra nourishment. An eye cream is a perfect solution to smooth, moisturize and refresh the delicate skin. Best to apply using the tip of your finger by lightly tapping the cream around the eyes, working from the inner corners outward. Avoid pulling or dragging as this can damage the delicate skin.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated and help strengthen its barrier. You’re never too young to need a moisturizer, but the type can differ depending on your skin.
Skin type Cleanser type Function
Dry skin Cream A cream is heavier than a lotion and leaves a softening film on the skin
Oily skin Gel or light milk Water-based to lightweight formula's that absorb quickly
Normal or combination skin Lotion or light cream Formula that spreads easily and rubs into skin quickly
Sensitive skin Balm or cream Heavy cream to ensure protection against water loss
Sun protection
It’s the most important step in any skincare routine, for every skin type and age. Daily and consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, but more importantly, helps to prevent the formation of certain skin cancers. It’s recommended using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher face sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, including your neck and back of the hands. To make it easier, there are also moisturizers available with a built in broad-spectrum SPF 30.
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