I was introduced to the world of skin care about two years ago when I started developing adult acne. I was overwhelmed, I had never had pimples & I had no idea what would help.
I followed this 5 step skin care routine and could see results in JUST 2 weeks!
If you are new to skincare, no matter what your skin type is, even an easy skin care routine can help you maintain clear skin.
There are 5 essential steps that you should start with.
- Cleanser
- Exfoliator (once per day)
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- SUNSCREEN (only in the day) – MOST IMPORTANT
STEP 1 – Cleanser
The cleanser is your first step in your routine. It helps remove make-up, dust, dirt and all the gunk from your skin. A skin care routine without a good cleanser is not really a routine.
A cleanser is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
Pick a cleanser based on your skin type. Make sure that it’s FRAGRANCE-FREE, especially if you’re just starting out with skincare. Here’s an article that lists the BEST fragrance-free cleansers for sensitive skin.
If you have acne-prone skin look for the tag NON-COMEDOGENIC – which basically means NON PORE CLOGGING. Any cleanser with pore-clogging ingredients will result in more breakouts. Here’s a list for cleansers for acne-prone skin.
While cleansing your skin use warm water and gentle strokes to rub the cleanser into your face. Don’t forget your neck! Rinse off with warm water and PAT DRY with a towel.
STEP 2 – Exfoliator
SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU HAVE VERY SENSITIVE SKIN or ask your dermatologist for a gentle exfoliator.
I know what you’re thinking.
Do I really have to SCRUB my face? NO!
By exfoliating, I mean using CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS to GENTLY exfoliate the top layer of your skin. Chemical exfoliators work especially well for acne-prone skin.
Adding a chemical exfoliator to your skin care routine makes sure that your skin stays SMOOTH and CLEAR.
You should exfoliate ONCE A DAY usually in the morning so your skin is smooth for makeup etc. Patch test an exfoliator before you commit to it so you know how your skin will react.
Here’s a link for a list of the best skin care products for exfoliation.
If you have acne-prone skin check out this link.
STEP 3- Serums
What serums you should use will depend on your skin type. BUT having a serum in your routine can help you target a specific concern you might have about your skin like acne scars, pigmentation, or dryness.
Here are some key ingredients you should look for in serums in your skin care routine based on different skin concerns.
- Acne Scars- NIACINAMIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID
- Pigmentation- NIACINAMIDE, VITAMIN C, RETINOL
- DRYNESS- HYALURONIC ACID, GLYCERIN
Incorporating a high-quality serum will help you see FASTER RESULTS!
STEP 4 – Moisturizer
A moisturizer is another ESSENTIAL product that should be in your skin care routine no matter what your skin type.
Use a water-based light gel moisturiser if you have acne-prone/oily skin.
Use a rich cream (only at night) and a lighter cream for the day if you have dry skin.
A moisturizer in your routine will help pack in all the other serums you have used. INVEST in a good moisturizer because you will be using it twice a day.
Look for the following tags on moisturizers as well – FRAGRANCE-FREE, PARABEN FREE, NON-COMEDOGENIC!
Here’s your link for the best moisturizers fragrance-free moisturizers.
STEP 5- Sunscreen
Sunscreen is by far THE MOST IMPORTANT step of your skin care routine!
Honestly, its the secret ingredient to FLAWLESS SKIN.
I will be writing a blog post on the various benefits sunscreen very soon! But here is the short version of the benefits of sunscreen.
Sunscreen PROTECTS your skin!
It’s ANTI AGING.
Helps reduce acne scars, pigmentation, fine lines and so much more.
There are two types of sunscreens Mineral and Chemical. Be on the lookout for my blog post on the difference between the two and recommendations!
MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION- ELTA MD UV Clear Sunscreen with SPF 46.
TIPS for building your skin care routine:
Lastly here are a few tips to keep in mind when building your skin care routine.
- wear sunscreen every-single-day, even if you are staying home (sunlight comes through windows too!)
- carry your products down to your neck and chest
- patch test to see what suits you
- enjoy your routine!
- BE PATIENT.
I hope that this post has helped make your skin care journey less daunting. Honestly, you have to be in it for the long haul to see results. Don’t get lazy. DO NOT SLEEP WITH MAKEUP ON.
& WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY
Check out the skin care tab for more tips and tricks!
Here’s to that start of your self-care journey!
Cheers,
Disha
