Routines are the foundation of making changes. If your skin is due for some changes, you can start by evaluating your current skincare routine, or by starting a new one. A lot of people skip out on a proper skincare routine simply because they do not know where to start. This guide will introduce you to the four basic steps of a great skincare routine and provide a little advice on which products to use.
First, let’s cover some basics. There are three general steps to a great skincare routine. Cleanse, treat, and moisturize. Cleansing and moisturizing are pretty obvious, but what does treating your skin even mean? This part of your skincare routine will involve using creams or serums to address specific skincare problems you are struggling with. This is where some research on your part will be necessary as well as some evaluation of what your skincare goals really are. Treatment is the one step that will really make a difference over time.
Also, keep in mind that a good skincare routine will be a two-part project; your morning routine and your night routine. Let’s jump right in.
Wash Your Face
The first step in your morning skincare routine is always to wash your face. This step clears away dirt, dead skin cells, extra oil, and anything else that would dull your skin and clog your pores. It is important to be gentle with this step. Washing your skin too much or too often can lead to skin damage. You should also make sure you are using a cleanser that is gentle enough for your particular skin type. If you use a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin, you could start to break down your skin’s natural barriers. This can lead to worse skin issues.
Those who have dry or overly sensitive skin should only wash their face at night. For morning cleansing, you would only need to rinse your face with water.
Apply Toner
This next step is an often-overlooked part of skincare routines. The reason this step is often skipped is because it is not a must, but it is still a great step to add if you really want to change the appearance of your skin. Applying a toner refreshes your skin, eliminates any hiding debris and can balance the pH levels of your skin. This is important for acne-prone skin.
If you do have issues with breakouts, then you will want to look for a toner that has salicylic acid. This is a professional-grade acne-fighting ingredient that can really cut down on your breakouts and improve the appearance of your skin.
If you are not prone to breakouts, but rather have dry, sensitive skin, then you will want to look for a toner that is aimed at hydrating skin. Hydrating toners are sometimes called a skin essence.
Apply A Serum
This is the crucial treatment step that often gets skipped. Remember, if you are hoping to improve your skin in some way, the treatment step is important. You will need to evaluate your current skin and determine what skincare goals you have in mind. For example, if you have dark circles under your eyes, you may want to focus on treatments that lighten that part of the face. Once you have determined what your skincare goal will be, you can then start researching products that can help in that area.
If you are not sure of what your skincare goal is, or if you are already pretty satisfied with the appearance of your skin, you should still use a skin serum such as a vitamin C serum. A vitamin C serum is good for all skin types and helps to reverse a lot of damage that our skin endures through exposure to the sun and toxins in our environment.
Along with serum for your entire face, this is also the step where you should use an eye cream. The skin around the eye and under the eye is very different than the skin of the rest of your face and body. This skin needs its own special treatment. This is especially true if you are over thirty. Be sure to find an eye cream that addresses your particular issues such as dark circles, or baggy skin.
Apply Moisturizer
The last step should be a moisturizer. You should always choose a lightweight moisturizer unless you have noticeably dry skin. The skin tends to dry out as we age. In general, lotions and gels are lighter, while creams are heavier. It is often recommended that you use two different moisturizers. One is designed for morning use to be worn under makeup and one for nighttime use.
A night cream will provide your overnight moisture treatment. You will want to use products that contain ceramides or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work to retain moisture.
During your morning routine, you will also want to use a sunscreen product if your daytime moisturizer does not contain sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun is an essential part of your skincare routine.
Where Can I Buy Skin Care Products?
So, the next obvious question is, “Where can I get products for each step?” There are many products on the market that target different aspects of your skincare routine. A great place to start with basic skincare is with the 3 Step Skin Care System created by Bee Naturals. This simple skincare system covers the basic steps you need for great-looking healthy skin.
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