5 Steps For Building An Amazing Skincare Routine
Building a skincare routine from scratch can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin, and what kinds of products will create the best results for your skin?
There’s no clear-cut answer. The best skincare routine is going to be unique to you and your personal needs. From discovering what kind of skin type you have to what the difference between serum and toner is, this guide has you covered. Check out our five steps for building an amazing skincare routine:
Understand your skin type.
Knowing your skin type is crucial to determining what kinds of skincare products you should and shouldn’t use. There are four basic types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily, and combination skin. People with dry skin are more likely to need more hydrating skincare products, like hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. Alternatively, people with oily skin would benefit from ingredients like green tea and lactic acid. This step is important, as you wouldn’t want to buy products with ingredients that cater to a skin type you don’t have.
Unsure of what your skin type is? Take this quiz and find out!
Determine any specific skin issues you may have.
Once you’ve determined your skin type, you’ll want to make note of any skin concerns, such as acne, scarring, eczema or dark spots that you want to treat. Certain skin care products may work wonders for specific issues; others may wreak havoc on your skin. Be sure to do your research so you don’t exacerbate any preexisting skin irritations.
Assess your budget.
No matter what your budget, building a personalized skincare routine is absolutely possible. Remember: just because a product is expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best one. Simple skincare ingredients with natural ingredients are just as effective as luxury items and can be found in your local drugstore or supermarket. You can even make your own with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Follow a regimen.
This is the fun part: finally applying the products! You’re all settled in with a new skincare haul, but you’ll want to be sure you’re applying them in the correct order. Because each skincare product serves a unique function, applying them in the wrong order can cause them to counteract each other.
This is an example of a typical, all-encompassing skincare routine:
I. Cleanser
Using both an oil cleanser and water cleanser will remove debris, like SPF, pollution and makeup, from your pores.
II. Exfoliation (about once a week)
Exfoliation with a sugar scrub gently buffs away old skin cells to make room for shiny new ones. Don’t over exfoliate, as that will irritate your skin.
III. Toner
Toner primes your skin for absorption, helping the rest of your skincare products soak in and do their job well.
IV. Serum
Serums are liquids made up of concentrated nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants. They’re essentially a super-charged shot of elements that tackle specific issues, like aging and dark spots, head-on.
V. Eye Cream
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but eye cream moisturizes the undereye and corner areas. Because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, using an eye cream (versus just a regular moisturizer) is crucial to keeping that area healthy. Eye cream is also packed with nutrients specifically to combat dark circles and crow’s feet.
VI. Moisturizer
Keeping your face moisturized keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay, as well as maintaining the barrier on the outer layer of your skin that prevents pollutants from entering.
VII. Facial Oil
Facial oils lock in the previous products you’ve just applied to your face. That’s why it’s important to do this step towards the end of your routine.
VIII. SPF
Sunscreen is the final step to a skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin. The minimum SPF you want to go for is 30, but the higher the better to help prevent signs of premature aging, skin irritations, and an increased cancer risk.
Again, be sure the toners, moisturizers, serums etc. you buy will fit your skin type and needs.
Adjust products as needed and as your skin changes.
Your skin concerns and skin type will inevitably change over time. As you get older, you may want to shift your focus to anti-aging products, or perhaps you’re dealing with a bout of hormonal acne. Whatever the case, a great skincare routine is flexible and able to adapt to the needs of your skin.