A Beginner’s Guide to Skincare Routine

When you look at yourself in the mirror, you may think that your skin is healthy and glowing today. But do you have an idea that your skin cells are shedding on a daily basis? Yes, it is true! Taking good care of your skin is important for more than just your appearance. Doing simple things like washing your face twice a day, not missing out on sunscreen, using a goof moisturizer etcetera will yield a good result. In the longer run, you will realize that it is worth the time and effort invested in your skincare routine!!!

Who needs a Skincare Routine?

A Good Skincare Routine can be started from any age from or above 16. When you have healthy habits for your skin in your 20s and 30s, it will help your skin in healthy aging down the road, because your skin has better elastic production and collagen in your 20s and 30s. Collagen is basically the protein in the human body, muscles, and bones. Collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure.

How to identify the Skin type?

The foremost step in starting a skincare routine comes in understanding your specific skin type. Basically, there are four types of skin: normal, dry, oily & acne-prone, and combination (oily & dry) skin.

To find out which skin type you have, wash your face clean and wait for an hour. Then keenly observe your face in the mirror.

Dry Skin – If your skin has flaky patches / if the pores aren’t visible / if your skin gets easily wrinkled after pressure is applied, then your’s is DRY SKIN.
Oily & Acne-prone Skin – If the T-zone (forehead & nose) of your face is shiny / if your skin is smooth after pressure is applied / if the pores are visible from a considerable distance, then your’s is OILY SKIN. Most people with oily skin are prone to acne.
Combination Skin – Symptoms are the same as above and are mostly according to the weather (dry in winter and oily in summer).

Sometimes skin type is much complicated.

Basic Skincare Routine

The basic skincare routine includes three simple steps – CTM – Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing + Sunscreen.

Cleansing

Cleansing is the first step of any skincare routine. The type of cleanser you use on your skin matters more than what you think. The cleanser could be anything – powder cleanser, gel-based cleanser, or foam-based cleanser but it should be gentle on your skin. It shouldn’t affect the pH value of the skin which is between 4.7 and 5.75. Also, do not forget to wash your face before you head to bed. If you have applied sunscreen/makeup, make sure you double cleanse your face and neck. Double cleansing is basically cleansing your face twice – one with an oil-based cleanser/balm and then with a normal cleanser.

Suggestions

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser – Oily Skin (click here)
Vilvah Honey Fix Face Wash – Normal to Oily Skin (click here)
Earth Rhythm Propolis Cleansing Balm – Normal to dry skin (click here)

Toning

As said the pH value of the skin is between 4.7 and 5.75 but once you cleanse your face with soap or face wash, the skin pH becomes more alkaline (pH level: 7 – 14). So to bring back the pH level to normal, you should incorporate toners in your skincare routine. Toners not only help to balance skin’s pH level but also to shrink pores, refreshed skin, and prevent ingrown hair. If you have acne-prone skin look for toners with salicylic acid to calm breakouts and if you have dry skin look for toners with a hydrating and soothing effect.

Suggestions

Blend it raw rose hydrosal – all skin types (click here)
Pure by Priyanka Green Tea Toner – Oily Skin (click here)
Juicy Chemistry Green Apple Water Toner – Normal to oily skin (click here)

Moisturizing

Moisturizer in skincare routine is basically for keeping your skin hydrated and strengthen your skin barrier. Moisturizers can sometimes be heavy, so opt for a lighter moisturizer for daytime use that will work for both non-makeup and makeup look so that it won’t cause pilling under makeup. If not moisturize your skin, then you could develop more wrinkles and sometimes it might aggravate your acne.

Suggestions

Plum Green tea Night Gel – Oily Skin (click here)
Re’equil Ceramide and Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer – Dry skin (click here)
Clinique 72-Hour Moisture Surge – Normal to oily skin (click here)

Sunscreen

This is the utmost important step in your skincare routine. Remember, the sun is the number one reason behind skin’s premature aging. Protecting your skin with sunscreen is important even if you are spending your days indoors as UV rays still could reach you via windows and glass doors. Sunscreen with a broad spectrum (between SPF 30 and SPF 50) helps to protect your skin from ultraviolet light which causes aging, discoloration, and dark spots that occur due to sun damage and more even skin tone.

Suggestions

YBP Sun Salve – all skin types (click here)
Qurez SPF 50 Sunscreen – all skin types (click here)
Re’equil Hydrate and Sun Protect – Dry Skin (click here)

Reasons Why Skincare Routine is Important

Beautiful skin is a lifelong process
Skin cells are shedding on a regular basis
Skincare routine will save you money in future
When you look good, you feel good obviously
Skincare routine can help establish other healthy routines

Also remember, skincare is individualistic. So, patch test any product you buy and then use it on your entire face and neck. Also, it might take time to show results. Consistency is the key.

Patch Test

Apply a small amount of product in any area not much exposed – under cheekbones etc.,
Wait for 48 hours to check if any allergic reactions occur
Check the same area after 96 hours after application to see if your skin has late reactions if any

General Guidelines

Drink enough water – stay hydrated
Include colorful fruits and vegetables & green leaves in your diet
Change pillowcases at least once a week (pro tip: use silk pillowcases)
Wrap/braid your hair before you head to bed
Wear sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going out

Watch this space for more skincare related articles. Click here to know how drinking water can make you sick!!!