With so many steps and types of skincare available on the market, it is easy to lose track of what they all mean and what they do. Therefore, we have comprised a list skincare steps in order and what they actually mean to help you build a proper skincare routine.
1. Cleansing
Cleansing is the bare minimum when it comes to taking care of your skin. This skincare step gets rid of all the dirt and impurities left on by the skin throughout your day. Removing oils and dirt will also prepare your skin in order for the skin to absorb more product for your face.
Makeup wipes
Makeup wipes are a single use cloth soaked with makeup remover. I would advise you to use only during emergencies when you do not have anything else to remove it with. The friction from the cloth and the face will usually irritate the skin with temporary redness.
Double cleansing
The term double cleansing is actually the act of cleansing your face first with an oil based cleanser followed by a normal daily cleanser. An oil based cleanser is used to remove stuff that cannot be normally removed by a daily cleanser such as mascara, non-transferable lipstick and some long wear concealers. Normal daily cleansers should not leave your skin feeling tight and dry. It does not mean that your cleanser is doing any better than the ones that leave your skin feeling like you have not applied anything to it.
2. Toning
A toner is designed to cleanse your face further and shrink the appearance of pores. It is not an essential step. However,it is a nice addition if you prefer it. Toners can have ingredients that are hydrating or exfoliating. A toner also primes your face so that you are able to absorb ingredients later on. You will usually apply it with a cotton pad. BHA or AHA are chemical exfoliants used to unclog pores and dissolve blackheads with time. A popular hydrating toner would be rosewater toners which boost hydration while having a lightweight texture.
3. Essence or Serum
A serum is a concentrated formula with an active ingredient to either reduce fine lines, uneven skin tones or wrinkles such as retinol. An essence is essentially the same thing. However, it is more lightweight and less concentrated. Ampoules and boosters are marketed to be a super concentrated version. Hence, why it is usually more expensive. These active ingredients will increase the cell’s turnover rate which will regenerate your skin to make it look brighter. A good tip is to use skincare products from a thin to thick viscosity. That way your skin is able to absorb all the ingredients properly. But be careful! Do not use more chemical exfoliants like Vitamin C after using BHA and AHA. Too much acid may damage the skin more than it would help it.
4. Masks
Masks come in many different types of forms such as clay masks, sheet masks and cream masks. It is first important to note that the type of masks dictates when you use them. Clay masks or any masks that are supposed to be rinsed off are used right after the cleansing step. Sheet masks may be used after your serum or moisturiser step depending on the viscosity of the ingredients put into the sheet masks. If it is meant to be an overnight mask, it should be at the last step of your routine.
5. Eye cream
This step is an added extra to your skincare routine. Eye creams are specially formulated skin products to cater to the thin skin underneath your eyes. The creams usually specialise in common under eye issues such as dark circles or wrinkles. Retinoids is an effective product to reduce wrinkles. However, it should only be used in the evening because this ingredient makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Vitamin K and caffeine reduces swelling and dark eye circles while ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrates and improves the barrier of the skin.
6. Moisturiser
A moisturiser is an essential part to any skincare routine. It should be applied twice a day as it keeps the ingredients locked in and also act as a barrier to keep your skin looking healthy and smooth. Face oils are not moisturisers, but they are occlusive and act as a stronger barrier which will leave the skin soft. It is the last to be applied as it locks in all the previous active ingredients to let it sink into the skin.
7. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important step for anybody as it can reduce the impact on sun damage which includes sunspots on skin, skin discolouration, premature wrinkles and so on. It acts as an armour for your face to protect it from the world. It is recommend that a minimum of 30 SPF on your face and it should be reapplied regularly.
Well there you have it! If you are just starting out on your skincare routine journey, do not fret. It is a lot to take in but with more research coupled with trial and error, you will soon be able to conquer the world with your flawless and dewy skin
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