If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn about skincare, it’s that a proper skincare routine can make all the difference in the world.
This is not about expensive facial sessions – I’m talking about simple skincare routines you can adopt while using affordable skincare products.
Most people fail to understand that our skin needs time, attention, and the right products to keep it healthy and supple. And I must also add that your skincare routine should work with what nature has given you and not against it!
Let me explain.
Skincare and Skin Types
The first step to skincare is to know your skin type. Different skin types have different needs and react differently to products. While your skin type could be oily or dry, another could be normal, combination, or sensitive. We’re all different.
Most people with clear skin, if not all, know their skin type, and they work with it. That’s basically the first step to knowing what products work for you, and what your skincare routine should look like. So, if you don’t know what your skin type is, I recommend you figure that out first.
You can determine your skin type either by observing how your skin feels and looks throughout the day, or by consulting a dermatologist/skin care specialist for a more professional opinion.
So, what are the basic dos and don’ts of skincare? Let’s find out!
Best Skincare Tips for Beginners
Do not use expired products
It should go without saying that using expired products on your skin can be harmful and ineffective. This is because expired skincare products can harbor bacteria, fungi, or mold that can cause infections or breakouts. They can also lose their potency, stability, or texture over time.
Before purchasing any skincare product, check the expiration date to confirm it’s not past its shelf life. And if you bought an expired product already, before checking (like we all do sometimes), be sure to discard it as soon as possible.
And here’s a tip – If you want to preserve the quality of your skincare products, always store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. You’re welcome!
Use a facemask when you can
Try using a facemask once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and condition. Adding a face mask to your skincare routine can be a great way to pamper your skin and address your specific needs. And trust me, there are lots of facemasks that you can try.
You can choose either clay, sheet, peel-off, or cream facemask, all of which offer different benefits, such as detoxifying, hydrating, brightening, or soothing – it depends on what you want.
Apply the face mask on your clean and dry face, avoiding the eye and mouth area, and leave it on for the recommended time. Afterward, rinse the product off with water and follow up with your usual skincare routine.
Apply sunscreen regularly
Applying sunscreen daily is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. This is not just about having sunburn or sunspots. Frequent exposure to the sun can also cause premature aging and wrinkles. So you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Ensure you apply this sunscreen daily, even on cloudy or rainy days, and reapply after sweating or swimming.
How do you know you’re on the right Skincare Routine?
Now that you know what basic skincare is all about, let’s see the signs that your skincare routine is actually working.
Your skin doesn’t become too oily
To confirm that your skincare routine is working, the oiliness of your skin should be balanced. This means that it should not be too dry or too oily.
For instance, if you have dry skin and use an aggressive moisturizer, it will only dry out more. If you have oily skin and use a light-yet-effective moisturizer without adding extra oils or fragrances, this could still cause oiliness in the long run. So always make sure your skincare products are suitable for your skin type.
You don’t have any breakouts or get an itchy rash
When using the proper skincare routine, you should experience little or no breakouts and itchy rash, except during hormonal changes.
Likewise, your skin should be smooth and shiny, with no redness or irritation. If your skincare routine is causing these things to happen to you, then it’s probably time to change it.
Your pores are smaller
You see those tiny openings on your skin? Those are pores, and they are the openings on your skin that allow air to pass through and also enable dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to escape.
Pores can get clogged by the buildup of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by your skin, and this makes it hard for dirt and other substances to flow out of your pores and onto a cotton ball or tissue paper.
And the result is frequent episodes of acne breakouts as well as increased blackheads and pimples.
You glow!
When you invest in good skincare products and dedicate enough time and effort to looking good, you will definitely see results.
Trust me, when your skincare game is top-notch, you almost have no need for makeup. And even when you do, it’s just a little additional here and there. This saves you from spending too much on makeup products. And, of course, it boosts your self-confidence.
Overall, your skin looks healthy, supple, and smooth when you’re on the right skincare routine. It is also even in tone and texture.
So, if you’re finding it difficult to reach your skincare goals, maybe now is the time to review your skincare routine and make necessary adjustments.
Remember, it might take a while to figure out what works for you, so be patient through the process.
