Skincare routines are unique and different for all people. With the proliferation of skincare products on social media within the past few years; it has become more confusing for someone new to discover skincare to get started. In this blog, I intend to explain the main components of skincare to help you gain a better understanding.
In order to choose what to include in your skincare regimen, you should first determine your skin type and whether you have any major concerns.
For instance, oily skin has a shiny appearance due to the overproduction of fat by sebaceous glands.
It is commonly found among adolescents and people under 30 and is often associated with acne. Normal skin has neither excessively dry nor excessively oily areas. Usually, it has a smooth texture, a clean appearance, and a soft feel.
Dry skin condition results from external factors like low air humidity, and it is usually short-term. In some cases, the condition may occur more frequently and even last a lifetime. The sensation is typically tight and rough. Redness and small cracks can also occur.
Combination skin is characterized by dry and oily aspects. Oily skin is usually found on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), while dry or normal skin is found on the cheeks.
The fundamental steps of skincare
Skincare should always be aimed at tuning up your skin; so it performs at its best, and also addressing any problem areas. The basic skincare routine consists of three steps: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
Cleansing
The most fundamental and necessary step is to wash your face. The skin is constantly coated with pollutants, bacteria, and dead skin cells throughout the day. These pollutants are removed by daily facial cleansing, giving the face a new appearance. Regular facial cleansing with the application of a suitable moisturizer is also essential for maintaining the skin's hydration. Furthermore, washing aids in the control of the PH levels of the skin assisting our skin in the formation of a healthy skin barrier.
How to choose the right facial cleanser?
Remember:
choose a cleanser that does not dry out your skin after use
only wash your face twice a day
washing for a squeaky-clean feeling is not good since it removes your skin's natural oils.
Toning
The purpose of a toner is to freshen your skin gently without depriving it of its natural moisture. This implies that the toner won't irritate delicate skin or cause it to become too dry. Toner also helps your skin absorb your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skin treatments you might use. Saturating a cotton pad and passing it over your face is the usual application method. However, the most effective way to apply toner is with clean hands. Simply pour a few drops into your palm and apply with a swiping motion. Most formulae can be used both morning and night, although exfoliating acids should be used only at night.
Exfoliating toners are most commonly used on oily and combination skin. AHAs/BHAs/PHAs, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and other active ingredients will be found in exfoliating toners. Hyaluronic acid, different antioxidants, Panthenol, Amino acids, Glycerin, and other chemicals can be found in hydrating toners. These toners will hydrate your skin, aid in water retention, and build your skin barrier. Hydrating toners are beneficial for all skin types, but especially for dry or dehydrated skin.
Serums
Serums are skincare treatments that deliver high concentrations of active substances to the skin. Serums come in a variety of forms and perform a variety of functions, ranging from hydration to skin lightening. Serums are usually transparent, gel-based, or liquid, and they are thinner than moisturizers. To help lock in moisture, they're usually used before moisturizers.
The common products:
With sustained use, vitamin C can help to lighten dull skin and reduce dark spots.
Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide help to relieve redness and irritation by reducing inflammation and improving acne with antibacterial properties.
Hyaluronic acid prevents moisture loss by sealing in hydration and strengthening the barrier function (the top layer of your skin).
Vitamin B3, retinol, and peptides encourage the development of collagen and elastin, two proteins in the body that help prevent wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
Moisturizing
Moisturizer is an essential component of every skincare regimen, since it promotes healthy skin. The skin dries out as it is exposed to the sun, grime, and pollutants in the air. A moisturizer restores the moisture in the skin, making it smoother and more hydrated. Dry patches, flakiness, and redness may be reduced by using a moisturizer. It also helps the skin keep its natural moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss. Face moisturizers are available in a variety of textures and thicknesses to suit different skin types.
A water-based, oil-free moisturizer, such as a gel moisturizer, is the best moisturizer for oily skin. Gel moisturizers are largely based on humectants, with rejuvenators added for further advantages. Due to its thickness, the cream is the best moisturizer for dry skin because it feels heavier on the skin and takes longer to dry. Moisturizing creams contain both oil and water constituents, with humectants attracting moisture and oil compounds retaining them.
Sun protection
The most important skin-care product is without a doubt, sunscreen. Using sunscreen every day consistently helps to avoid fine lines and wrinkles, and textural defects. More significantly, using sunscreen on a daily basis can assist to prevent the development of some skin cancers. Use a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours. Chemical sunscreens should be applied straight to clean skin, whilst physical blockers should be used last in your skin-care routine, but before applying makeup.
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