Skincare is an important habit that every individual should consider. Keeping skin healthy and well-treated not only makes it look younger but also makes you more confident.
If you are a beginner looking for some inspiration to build a skincare routine, here are 3 basic steps to start with.
3-Step Skincare Routine
Here are 3 basic steps that should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine. These steps are based on popular opinion and expert recommendations.
- Cleansing
- Moisturizing
- Sun Protection
Now let’s go through each step in detail and understand why it should be added to your skin routine.
1. Cleansing
Cleanliness is the most important part of an effective skincare routine. Cleansing does the job by cleaning your skin and pores and removing dirt, oil, and dead skin.
It also makes the skin look radiant and healthy.
Why does it matter?
You can’t get away with clogged pores, dirt, and bacteria sitting on your skin and then expect good results.
Over time your pores get filled with dirt and even pus. Your skin also starts appearing dull and may break out due to impurities.
How to do it properly?
- Use a cleanser with a face wash twice a day (day and evening)
- Gently massage the skin but not too light
- Try a hydrating cleanser as a beginner (suits all skin types)
- Buy a cleanser with minimal chemicals and with no fragrance
Pro Tip!
While cleansing, massage the muscles within the skin instead of massaging your skin.
2. Moisturizing
Moisturization adds moisture to your skin, making it soft, radiant, and smooth. It also strengthens the natural skin barrier to protect the skin from harmful pollutants.
Why does it matter?
According to Michele Farber, (board-certified dermatologist in NYC), regardless of skin type, hydration is vital as dehydration can cause skin irritations and dryness.
Dryness can make cleansing and scrubbing hard and can even cause wrinkles.
How to do it properly?
- Apply on damp and clean skin
- Use gentle circular motions around the cheeks
- Use upward strokes around the neck
- Use a pea-sized amount for each section of your face
- Use clean hands for application
Pro Tip!
Get a fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid skin irritations and one containing SPF 30, for sun protection.
3. Sun Protection
Sun protection means protecting your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunblock (lotion, cream, stick, spray, etc.)
Why does it matter?
Sun rays can severely damage your skin, cause skin aging, and even skin cancer.
According to Michele Farber, (board-certified dermatologist in NYC), sun protection is the most important part of skincare even when you don’t put anything on, sunblock is a must.
How to do it properly?
- Apply after every 2 hours
- Use at least SPF 30
- Avoid outdoors during midday
Check out our 8 tips to find the best sunblock on the market!
Pro Tip!
Buy a broad-spectrum sunblock. Also, you can buy a lotion, spray, stick, or cream whatever suits you. What matters is that you use it consistently.
Tips To Keep Your Skincare Routine Effective
Here are a few tips that can help you stick to your skincare routine and avoid getting intimidated!
Understand that Less is More
While you might be tempted to buy a bunch of products, it’s crucial that you start small and then go from there. Start with basic products, test each one by one, and see what works for you.
Make sure your products have fewer chemicals but don’t miss out on the essential ones!
If you want product suggestions you should check out our list of the best skin care products.
You can also check out the best Pakistani skincare brands that are making their way to the skincare community.
Stick to the Basics
You might want to add multiple complicated steps to your beauty routine but you need to understand that starting from the basics is crucial. If you skip them you can end up damaging your skin.
Also, if you make your routine complicated you might not remain consistent, hence start with the basics till you have developed a strong and regular skincare routine.
Be Patient!
According to a popular Skincare enthusiast Hyram (Youtuber), a skincare routine shows slow results so, unlike makeup, one needs to be patient to see actual and substantial results.
Additional Steps for the Ideal Skincare Routine
Below are additional steps that you can incorporate into your skincare routine as you wish.
1. Toning
Toning helps other products in your skincare routine absorb better. It also acts as an extra layer of protection with additional ingredients that you are not getting from other products.
While this is an additional step, it can work wonders for your skin and you can consider it.
2. Scrubbing
Scrubbing helps remove dead skin and helps you remove dirt and oil from your skin. While cleansing also helps with that, scrubbing once a week can offer additional benefits. If you have pigmentation issues, scrubbing can help with it.
3. Serums
According to the NY Times, serums are like allies that offer active ingredients to treat skin issues. You can get serums for various issues but even if you don’t have one, an antioxidant serum can be great for your skin.
You can try a Hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate, Vitamin C serum to brighten the skin, and Retinol serum to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Start Your Skincare Routine Today!
Cleansing, Moisturizing, and protecting yourself from the sun can work wonders for your skin. While it will involve patience and consistency, you will eventually see results that will be long-lasting.
As you progress, you can add more steps and get the skin of your dreams.
Check out tips to keep your skin healthy during summers to perfect your summer skincare routine.
