Do you feel overwhelmed just looking at the different skin care products stacked on the store shelves? You’re not alone! With so many different products to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to begin. However, a solid skin care regime needn’t be complicated – all you need to do is go back to basics.
Know your skin type
Are you a teenager dealing with oily and problematic skin? Or perhaps a mature woman looking to keep wrinkles at bay? We all have different skin concerns – particularly at different stages of our lives – so when you’re choosing products for your skin, it’s important to select those suited to meet your current needs. If you’re unsure, speak to a professional and have them identify your skin type and address any concerns you have. And remember, just because a product worked for you previously doesn’t mean it’s still the right choice. Our skin condition is constantly evolving, so stay tuned to its changing needs and adjust the choice of products accordingly.
Start with a cleanser
Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skin care routine, cleaning the skin of any build-up and preparing it to absorb subsequent products that are applied to the skin. Aim to use your chosen cleanser twice a day to remove any dirt, grime, oil and other impurities. At night, your cleanser also has the important task of removing any leftover make-up from the day.
Exfoliate occasionally
Every few days you’ll need to add an exfoliating product into your skin care routine. Exfoliators offer a more intensive cleansing experience by physically clearing away the top surface layer of the skin. This action not only removes any dead skin cell build-up but also encourages the skin cell turnover process, which can leave the skin looking renewed and glowing.
Add a specialised product
If you prefer a low maintenance skin care routine, then you may want to skip this step. However, if you have specific skin concerns (such as pigmentation, wrinkles, blemishes, dehydration, under-eye darkness) then this is the point in your skin care routine where you should address them via specialised products. Serums, eye creams and other correcting products contain specially formulated ingredients to help manage some skin issues.
Apply a moisturiser
Every skin care routine must include a moisturiser; yes, even if you have oily skin! Our skin loses moisture throughout the day due to a combination of physical and environmental factors. The goal of your moisturiser is to replenish the lost moisture and prevent further water loss. The secret is to choose a moisturiser that’s geared towards your particular skin type. For instance, people with sensitive skin will benefit from a gentle formula moisturiser.
Always wear sunscreen
Regardless of the weather forecast, the final step in your skincare routine is a generous application of sunscreen. UV rays are a major contributor to visible skin conditions such as pigmentation, discolouration and fine lines, and a sunscreen offers your skin much needed protection from these harmful rays.