You may be wondering how to take care of your skin when you have zero idea where to start. That’s why we’re here to give you some basic tips that will help improve your complexion – regardless of your skin type! So, keep reading for all the info you need. 🙂
Three Main Steps
Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps:
- Toning — Balancing the skin.
- Cleansing — Washing your face.
- Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. “Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself,” says the San Francisco skin-care specialist Kristina Holey. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. Still, she adds, “it’s not about creating perfection.” Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.
Toning
Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine.
The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients.
Cleansing
It might seem simple, but washing your face takes time and attention.
Doing it the right way could make the difference between beaming skin and an acne breakout.
The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients.
Moisturizing
The most basic function of a moisturizer is to hydrate and soften the skin. A daily moisturizer is an essential that everyone must have in the skincare routine. But do we really know what a moisturizer really does for your skin?
The pores on your face secrete sebum, a natural oily substance to protect the skin’s natural barrier. However, with the changing temperatures, sweat, and even pollutants in the air, our skin’s need for hydration is higher than what can be naturally produced during your period. This is where moisturizers come into play.
Here are 4 reasons why you must use a moisturizer:
- A moisturizer cools you down
- It reduces the chances of skin problems
- It can help fight signs of aging
- The right moisturizer helps reduce blemishes
Tip 1: Never Wear Makeup to Bed
Even if you’re exhausted from a long day of work, make sure to set aside time to take off your makeup. When you fall asleep in your makeup, it can lead to clogged pores and potential breakouts. For that reason, you should always wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, dirt, bacteria and makeup before hopping into bed.
Tip 2: Exfoliate Longer, Not Harder
If you’re trying to give your skin a deep exfoliation, try tacking on a few more seconds to your gentle scrubbing routine instead of vigorously exfoliating your face. Taking a longer and gentler approach with your skin can help remove pore-clogging impurities without irritating.
Tip 3: Use Products as Directed
Don’t use scrubs that are formulated for your body skin on your face. These scrubs are typically not as gentle and can irritate. When in doubt, follow the instructions as listed on the product’s packaging.
Tip 4: Drink Water
We can’t stress just how important it is to drink enough water. Studies have found that drinking enough water every day helps the superficial look of your skin, so don’t miss out on hydration.
Tip 5: Relax and Unwind
A self-care Sunday can do your skin some good. A study has shown that psychological stress, mainly in teenagers, can actually increase the risk of acne. Try some soothing, stress-relieving tactics to help calm your nerves. Curl up on the couch with a good book, soak in a bath, listen to soothing music — whatever it takes to help you unwind.