4 basic steps skincare routine - Beginners’ guide to a glowing skin

There are few situations in which people need to build a complicated process of skincare products. Beginners are often confused and feel overwhelming when they create their routine for the very first time, in this huge skincare markets.

“While this is great because it gives us a variety of new ingredients and formulations, this can be really confusing for the consumer — especially a newbie”, Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

For who are still perplexed, this is a simple four-step routine to keep in mind for all type of skins, whether your skin is oily, dry, acne-prone, or sensitive.

Step 1: Cleansing

It is considered to be the most important part in any daily skincare routine. Skin must be cleansed thoroughly to get rid of any remaining dirt after a long day.

How to cleanse properly?

A general principle is remember to wash your face twice a day - once in the morning right after getting up, and once in the evening, is enough. Do not washing too many times per day, as it may cause skin dehyration and moisture loss.

• In the morning: rinse your face with warm water or a gentle cleanser in order to remove sweat, oil, or pillow dust during sleeping time.

• In the evening: never miss out cleansing your face in this time of the day. A facial cleanser is an indispensable product to wash off excessive oil and environment impurities and dead skin cells, keeping pores unclogged and leaving a fresh feeling for skin.

Step 2: Toner/Lotion

“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else,” says Jordana Mattioli, a New York City aesthetician.

Generally speaking, this essential step is often overlooked. Basically, toner/lotion returns skin to balanced pH condition after using harsh facial soaps. It also acts like a booster, helping skin effectively absorb the following nutrients.

TIPS:

• Lotion usually has thicker and stickier texture than toner. For oily skin, toner is a better choice while lotion is more highly recommended for dry skin type.

• Apply toner/lotion onto your face twice per day using a cotton pad or putting directly into hand, then gently pat until it is fully absorbed.

Step 3: Moisturizer

Every skin type needs to be moisturized, even oily one. The most basic function of a moisturizer is to hydrate and soften the skin.

Harsh outside conditions and daily activities, such as washing, can strip natural hydrators from the surface. Therefore, this is one product that doctors recommend using year-round. Moisturizers often have lengthy ingredients, containing various substances for several purposes, such as:

• Aloe vera, centella extract: soothes skin, calms redness

• Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Arbutin: brightens skin tone

• Tea tree extract: suitable for acne skin

• Hyaluronic Acid: restores lost hydration

TIPS:

• Non-fragrance and non-paraben moisturizers are typically recommended for all skin types.

• Use twice daily, and apply it after putting on every product needed, when skin is still damp to lock in as much moisture as possible.

Step 4: Sunscreen

This should be the last step in your daytime skincare routine. Sunscreen protects our skin from damaging UV rays (UVA & UVB), which destroy skin cells and cause several skin problems.

Wearing sunscreen every single day is a must, no matter the weather, otherwise your skin is more likely at risk of freckles, wrinkles, sunburn, and cancer. It is no use using a bunch of high-end products without wearing sunscreen.

Type of sunscreen:

• Chemical sunscreens:

  • Containing: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus,…

  • Lightweight and transparent on skin.

  • May cause irritation for sensitive skin.

• Mineral sunscreens:

  • Containing: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide.

  • Little or no risk of irritating.

  • Often leaving white cast on skin, especially on dark or dull skin tone.

TIPS:

• Remember to put on sunscreen even if you just stay at home all day, since UV rays can easily go through almost any kind of glass windows and curtains.

• Re-apply sunscreen after every 2 hours to ensure your skin is fully protected.

• Opt for a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.