[the 3 ultimate steps you should not miss in your skincare routine]
Now that you are capable of identifying your skin type, how will this help you build up your perfect skincare routine? While there may be different skincare products out there, you will not necessarily need all of them, or at least not all the time.
Therefore, knowing your skin type helps figure out what is good for you. A proper skincare routine consists of 3 main steps: Cleansing, Moisturizing, and Sun protection. Turning these 3 steps into a ritual will be essential to attaining your goal of having good skin.
Cleansing
This means washing your face. Contrary to popular belief, washing your face with water and soap is not enough to strip it of all the dirt and pollutants it encounters during the day. Using the right cleanser avoids having your pores clogged, reduces the dulling of your skin, and lessens your chances of developing acne. Using a cleanser permits you to clean your skin without affecting the healthy oils it needs to stay healthy. The formula of your cleanser, of course, will be determined by your skin type.
For oily skin, using foaming liquid cleansers is the solution. When in contact with water, the cleanser will form light and soft foam which will easily penetrate the skin and liberate the pores of the excess oil present.
For dry skin, picking a cleanser in the form of a lotion or cream is ideal. Look out for formulas that contain emollients such as glycerin and shea butter which deeply clear and hydrate the skin.
People with sensitive skin should go for oils as cleansers. Lightweight oils such as argan oil are perfect for you. Stay clear of harsh chemical-based products or heavy formulas that may cause irritations or clog your pores.
For older skin, balms that melt easily such as body butter are recommended for you. The light and fluffy texture of body butter will easily slide makeup off. In case you find difficulties in finding a formula strictly for your skin type do not panic. Micellar water works as a cleanser for any skin type. It is a soap-free solution that acts as a magnet when applied to the skin and attracts all the dirt and oil present on the face. As a bonus, you do not need to rinse it off.
Other cleansers are very effective in cleansing makeup. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is one of them. It works for all skin types, is soap-free, and leaves the skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
Moisturizing
This step is my personal favorite. The moisturizer's role is to hydrate and soften the skin. Picking the right moisturizer for your skin is like picking the right shoe to match your dress. Our skins need constant nourishment, reasons why the moisturizer is used daily after the bath. The texture of your moisturizer will entirely depend on your skin type. Two of my favorite moisturizers are The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors and e.l.f Holy Hydration Face Cream. Here’s a table that outlines what moisturizer matches its skin type and why.
Sun Protection
Wearing sunscreen is a must to keep your skin well protected from external aggressions, sunburns, and free radical damage caused by UV rays. Sun rays usually cause damage to skin cells and expose our skin to infections and chronic skin disorders such as cancer, acne, and hyperpigmentation. These rays are equally the number 1 reason for premature skin aging.
Over the years this step has been ignored especially by people with black skin who have melanin in the skin which offers protection. This is true. The production of melanin in the skin is triggered as the skin's response to protect itself from UV rays. However, this only offers a short-lived level of production and leads to severe hyperpigmentation the more we get exposed. Adding sunscreen to your routine will help reduce the stress on your skin to protect itself, by absorbing UV rays and deflecting them so they do not penetrate the skin and cause damage.
By forming a protective barrier on your skin, sunscreen helps even your skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation, and lots of formulas contain hydrating and soothing elements that prevent other sunburns and other skin inflammations. Choosing the perfect sunscreen will go. along the way to better our skin's condition.
Following this essential skincare routine will take you a step closer to getting that clear skin you want. For example, there are some great anti-aging products such as the Depology Argireline Serum, which you can add to your routine down the line.
In case you find all this information quite daunting to remember do not worry. Quite often, skincare brands label their products according to skin types. Of course, if you wish, you could always spice up your routine with serums, masks, scrubs, peel-offs, etc. I am here to show you just how.