When it comes to developing a skin care routine that optimizes the health of your skin, there are many variables to consider. With products for every type of skin, and concern, it can be difficult to identify which is right for you.
The first step in creating your skin care routine is to identify what kind of skin you have. Is it dry or oily, or combination. Ingredients in each skin care product should be tailored to meet the needs of your particular skin type. Which type of skin you have depends on the amount of oil your skin produces, but the basic steps of a good skin care routine are the same:
Cleanse
No matter what your skin type, you will most likely only need to wash your face in the morning and before bed. Since the skin loses its natural lubrication when it is over-washed, it’s best to keep extra washing to a minimum.
Bar soap can be harsh and drying to the skin, so use a cleanser specifically formulated for the face. Look for products that are designed for your skin type and then experiment to find the one that works best for you.
If you have dry skin, make sure that you aren’t using too harsh of a cleanser. Dry skin needs gentle cleansing. Try beauty bars, which are “superfatted” and contain emollients, like olive oil or lanolin, which make the skin softer and add lipids to the skin. Creamy cleansers and tissue-off cleansing creams are also good options for dry skin.
If you have oily skin, avoid “superfatted” soaps and creamy cleansers, as these will only increase the amount of oil on the skin. Instead, use products designed for oily skin. Don’t give in to the temptation to wash your face every time it feels greasy. By doing so, you’ll kick the sebaceous gland’s production of oil into overdrive as the skin tries to replace the lubrication it loses when it is washed.
For combination/normal skin, look for products labeled for your skin type. Most likely, you’ll have to experiment to find the right cleanser for your particular skin. The right cleanser will be one that doesn’t over dry your skin but still does a good job of cleaning off dirt and oil.
Exfoliate
Two or three times a week you should exfoliate with a product containing natural AHA’s or a scrub designed for the delicate facial skin. Make sure that it’s nothing too harsh, it shouldn’t feel like sandpaper on your skin. Exfoliating is essential because it removed dead skin cells which can leave your complexion appearing dull, and can clog up pores.
Tone
Toner is used to restore your skin’s natural pH levels which are altered during cleansing. By restoring your skin to its natural pH, it enables your moisturizer to be more readily absorbed, and you also make it more resistant against bacteria and micro-organisms. There are many different types of toner out there, some simply restore your skin’s pH, others also kill bacteria, or leave a spot-fighting ingredient on your skin. Look around the shops for one to suit your skin type. Avoid toners containing alcohol, as it is very drying and can increase oil production.
Moisturize
Moisturizer is a must for dry skin. The drier the skin, the more moisturizing ingredients your moisturizer should contain. Our skin is oil loving and oils are more readily absorbed into the skin than a cream or lotion, making them ideal for dry skin types.
Oily skin generally doesn’t need extra moisture, but to balance oil production and reduce excess oil a light moisturizer is ideal for those with oily skin. Look for “non-comodogenic” products that won’t clog pores, and find ones with humectants, like glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which lock moisture into the skin by attracting and retaining water.
Repair
After cleansing and moisturizing, your skin care routine should tailor to the specific conditions that affect your skin. Finding a product that is tailored to your skin concerns can greatly improve the appearance of your skin and improve skin conditions considerably.
For wrinkles and sagging, or to achieve an “instant lift” effect, look for products that contain antioxidants and peptides. Antioxidants repair cells and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while peptides boost collagen and elastin production, making skin firmer and tighter.
Acne prone skin should use products containing natural antibacterials such as tea tree oil.
For red or irritated skin, use a product that contains vitamin C ester. As well as being an antioxidant, vitamin C ester is soothing and non-irritating to the skin. It can reduce redness and irritation, even from sunburn or psoriasis.
Prevent
A good skin care routine isn’t just about looking good for the day. It’s also about setting yourself up for beautiful and healthy skin for life. Taking the proper steps to promote both short- and long-term skin health is just as important as washing your face.
Sunscreen is an important product for everyone to include in their skin care routines. If you’re planning on being outside for any extended period of time, take the time to use stronger SPF. Without proper protection, damage from years of unprotected time in the sun eventually shows up in the form of wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven pigmentation. Also look for moisturizers or products that also contain antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the cell by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable cells that take electrons from healthy cells.
If you don’t have time to apply many different products, don’t worry. Many products address more concerns than you expect. For example, many moisturizers contain SPF, and many repairing products contain the same ingredients that will prevent future skin problems. Read labels to find out how many aspects of your routine you can address with each product.
However, even if you are able to combine some parts of your routine, make sure you are getting the best possible products for your individual concerns. Your skin will thank you later.