A Skincare Guide for Beginners
Taking care of one’s skin should be a top priority. However, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming. With so many creams, serums, and oils that are available in the market, it can get a bit confusing to know which one of those items you should be using. With keeping that in mind, here’s a beginner’s guide for someone who is just venturing into the massive world of skincare.
How Can I Figure Out What Type of Skin I Have?
First and foremost, your skincare routine should be based on your skin type. If you already know your skin type, then that’s great! If you don’t, then worry not as there are ways to figure that out. If you have a skin that gets patchy then you are the dry skin type. If it’s shiny, then you have oily skin, which tends to also be acne-prone. If you are oiler in some areas of your face and dry in the others, then you have combination skin. Lastly, if you have balanced skin, then you’re the normal skin type.
Once that’s all figured out, the next step is easier. For a skin that is dry, hydrating formulations tend to work for them, such as creamy formula and products that contain hyaluronic acid. For oilier skin type, a gel formula works the best.
What Products Should I Add in My Skincare Routine?
There is a wide variety of skincare products out in the market that is all used for different purposes. But if you don’t have time to include any additional products in your routine besides the basics then that’s alright as well. The basic products you need in your routine are a cleanser, a serum, a moisturizer, and of course sunscreen. You can just use these or add on to it as your skin gets used to the basics.
Additionally, make sure that you are applying them in the right order so they get a chance to absorb into your skin. When it comes to layering the products, start with the product that has the thinnest consistency and continue on from there. Let each product sink into your skin before moving on to the next.
Listed below is the order in which you should be using these skincare products. As mentioned above, the basic products tend to be enough, but you can add on additional products whenever you feel like your skin needs it.
Cleanser
The first thing you do is cleanse your face using a good quality cleanser. You use it both in the morning and at night. Thorough cleansing helps you remove all of the dirt, pollution, skin debris, and oil that your skin has accumulated throughout the day. Make sure you use a cleanser that works well with your skin type.
Toner
Toners help in rebalancing the skin’s pH level. The recent formulas come with brightening and hydrating properties as well.
Essence
This is a concentrated liquid that balances the skin out plus gives the skin added hydration. Its function is similar to that of a serum. You can use your fingers to apply it or use a cotton pad.
Serum
You can find a serum for practically every skin concern that there is, such as brightening, hydrating, preventing wrinkles, protection from the environment, and so on. Serums have the most concentration of the active ingredients inside a skincare product. Therefore, a high-quality serum is where you should be making a splurge.
Treatment
The next step is a spot treatment. Once you have applied your serum and it has fully absorbed, then you bring out your pimple products. Make sure that you are applying these products only on your affected areas since these products tend to contain a decent amount of salicylic acid that dries out the skin.
Eye Cream
According to experts, you should start using eye creams way early in your 20s. Moreover, you need to use the ring finger of your hand to apply the eye cream using a soft patting motion. Make sure you are not dragging the product all across your eyes.
Moisturizer
The moisturizer is made to protect the barriers of the skin. Its job is to keep the moisture in and make sure that it doesn’t escape. For people with oilier skin, a water-based gel moisturizer is better instead of heavy creams.
Now, when it comes to sunscreen, they come in two types: physical and chemical. If you’re using a physical sunscreen then you should apply it right before your makeup after the last step of your skincare routine. If you’re using a chemical sunscreen then use it after toner. However, make sure that you DO apply sunscreen as it is a crucial step.
