Skincare is one of the most highly rated and discussed topics in recent times, especially among Gen Zers. It is a range of practices that support skin integrity, enhance its appearance, and relieve skin conditions.
It is one of the practices that are so rampant these days, that if you do not have a skincare routine, you are not doing the right thing. As much as we want to bash this set of people, everyone still has a responsibility to take care of their skin.
Skin issues and disorders are often viewed as unattractive and indicative of poor health. Neglecting them can be considered irresponsible. However, it’s important to recognise that achieving healthy skin takes time, effort, and consistent care to yield results.
Moreover, it’s essential to understand that people have different skin types, and what works effectively for one person may not produce the same results for another.
While some products in the market might be expensive or ineffective, it’s essential to remember that maintaining healthy skin is achievable through basic routines and measures, even without relying on unnecessary skincare products.
Here are some skincare routines that can be taken as personal skincare routines:
1. Wash your face
This step may appear insignificant, but it plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. In the morning and at night, begin by rinsing your face with water. Next, take a small amount of a gentle cleanser and rub it between your clean palms. Massage the face wash gently all over your face, applying light pressure as you do so.
Rinse your hands and massage your face with water to rinse your face until you’ve removed the cleanser and grime. Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel. If you wear makeup, you may need to cleanse twice at night.
First, remove your makeup with cleansing oil or micellar water. Try leaving dedicated eye-makeup removers on for a couple of minutes to allow the makeup to come off more easily and avoid rubbing your eyes. Follow up with a full-face gentle cleanse.
2. Apply toner
Toners are liquids, lotions, or washes created to purify the skin and reduce the visibility of pores. They are typically applied to the face. It also moisturises, protects and refreshes the skin.
If you use toner, apply after cleansing your face and before everything else. Pour a few drops of toner into your palms or a cotton pad and gently swipe onto your face. If your toner is exfoliating—meaning that it removes dead skin cells with ingredients like glycolic acid—use only at night.
Hydrating formulas can be used twice a day. Do not use exfoliating toner and retinoids or other exfoliators at the same time.
3. Apply serum
Serums can be likened to the main course in a three-course meal, following the cleanser and preceding the moisturiser. In the morning, it’s an ideal time to incorporate a serum rich in antioxidants, like a brightening vitamin C serum. These antioxidants help shield your skin from the free radicals encountered during the day.
On the other hand, nighttime is the perfect moment for a moisturising serum infused with hyaluronic acid. This helps prevent your skin from drying out while you sleep, particularly if you’re using anti-ageing or acne treatments that may cause irritation and dryness. Some serums may even include exfoliating agents such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or lactic acid.
Regardless of the serum you choose, keep in mind this essential rule: water-based serums should be applied before your moisturiser, while oil-based serums should follow the moisturiser in your skincare routine.
4. Apply eye cream
You can apply regular moisturiser to your under-eye area, but if you decide to use a specialised eye cream, you’ll typically want to layer it underneath moisturiser, since eye creams tend to be thinner than face moisturisers.
Try using an eye cream with a metal roller-ball applicator and storing it in the fridge to counteract puffiness in the morning. Using a hydrating eye cream at night can cause fluid retention that makes the eyes look puffy in the morning.
5. Use spot treatment
It’s a good idea to use acne spot treatments at night when your body is in repair mode. Be wary of layering acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acids with retinol, which can cause irritation. Instead, make sure you’re doing the most to keep your skin calm and hydrated.
6. Moisturise your body
A moisturiser serves a dual purpose: it hydrates the skin and seals in the benefits of the previous skincare layers. For your morning routine, seek out a lightweight lotion, preferably with SPF 30 or higher to protect against UV rays. In the evening, opt for a richer night cream. If you have dry skin, consider using a cream or lotion both in the morning and at night.
7. Apply retinoid
8. Apply face oil
If you use a face oil, make sure to apply it after your other skin-care products since nothing else will be able to penetrate the oil.
9. Always use sunscreen
It may be the last step, but nearly any dermatologist will tell you that sun protection is the most important part of any skin-care regimen.
Protecting your skin from UV rays can prevent skin cancer and signs of ageing. If your moisturiser doesn’t contain SPF, you still need to wear sunscreen. For chemical sunscreens, wait 20 minutes before going outside for the sunscreen to be effective. Look for broad-spectrum SPF, meaning that your sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB radiation.
10. Bathe regularly
You cannot perform all these routines on an unclean body. Make an effort to wash your body regularly to prevent germs and dirt from lingering in your skin pores. Daily bathing enhances skin freshness and contributes to achieving healthy skin.
Conclusion
Skincare assists you in maintaining good overall skin condition while ensuring your skin and pores remain clear. By following these routines, you can look forward to achieving healthier and clearer skin. Even if you can’t incorporate all the steps, prioritise the most essential ones.
Researched by: Safiya Onayi Ahmed.