Whether stepping out onto the runway or just heading to the shops, we always want to look our best no matter where we are. However, with the bonanza of products available on the market, it can be difficult to decide exactly what’s an essential component of a beauty routine and what can easily be skipped.
If you really want to love your skin and feel confident whenever you leave home, you need to develop a beauty routine that nourishes, hydrates, and protects your skin. The best skincare routine is the one that you can stick with: it should be simple and streamlined, using trusted products that you know work well with your skin type.
It’s best to use the same products every day, especially if you have very sensitive skin; changing up your routine too much can lead to breakouts as well as allergic reactions if you’re not familiar with the products you’re using.
What are the most important steps to your morning beauty routine? Let’s take a look at the five basic steps involved in making your skin happy no matter what the time of year.
Step One: Facial Cleanser
While sleep is wonderful and essential to great health, it can be rough on your skin: overnight, oils accumulate, as do air impurities that land on the skin’s surface. That’s why the first step of your routine should be using a gentle face cleanser that lifts dirt and oils from the skin’s surface.
When choosing a facial cleanser, look for ones that are dermatologically tested and paraben-free, as well as those that work for your skin type. You should lather, apply, and rinse off, being sure you’ve removed all the cleanser before moving on to the next component of your routine.
Step Two: Toner
Toners help to reduce the appearance of pores, and they also whisk away any last oils or debris that the cleanser may have missed. While toners used to be made with harsh alcohols that dry out the skin, newer products are gentler, containing botanicals that nourish the skin even as they dissolve excess oils. They also help improve the absorption of serums and moisturizers, ensuring you get the best possible effects from your products.
Step Three: Serum
Serums are viscous substances that have a high concentration of active ingredients, allowing your skin to get a large dose of what it needs to thrive. These ingredients might include hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, or Vitamin C, all of which help your skin stay supple and smooth.
Step Four: Moisturizer
Your skin needs a certain amount of moisture content to stay smooth, and moisturizers provide that in spades. A moisturizer hydrates the skin, and it also provides a protective barrier to prevent dirt and other contaminants from getting into your pores.
A lot of people try to slather on moisturizers, but this can block your pores. Instead, place small dots of moisturizer across your face and rub it in. Your skin shouldn’t feel greasy or oily once it has all dried, as this indicates that you’ve used too much.
Step Five: Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer: you should be using this essential skincare product all year round, rain or shine. Winter is a particularly cruel time for your skin, given that cold winds will dehydrate its surface, and the harsh winter sunlight can cause just as many problems as it does during cheery summer.
Generally, you want to find a sunscreen that is specifically designed for your face, because the skin here is a bit more sensitive. Wait for your moisturizer to absorb, then apply a thin film all across the surface of your skin. If you have short hair, be sure to get around your neck and ears too! Facial sunscreen can also be used on the backs of your hands, another place that is relatively sensitive. Of course, you also want to apply sunscreen on any other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun’s rays.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re laid-back with your beauty style or you’re a cosmetics fanatic, skin care is important for everyone. The skin is the largest organ, and it needs to be treated just as gently as any other part of the body. Fortunately, a skin-safe beauty routine can be relatively simple, using only five or six products, depending on your needs.
Don’t skimp on your skin care! Maintaining a consistent beauty routine brings out your natural beauty, and it’s well worth the cost.
