The essential element of great artwork is to start of on a clean and smooth canvas. The same concept can be expressed in terms of beauty - having healthy skin and using the right skincare is the first step. Some of us may find it overwhelming with the variety of skincare products on the shelves these days. However, what makes for great skincare is using the correct products that suit your skin type. Here's a few ways on how to identify your skin type:
- Normal skin - skin is not too oily nor too dry, almost no visible pores or sensitivity
- Combination skin - skin can be oily in some areas (mostly the T-zone) and dry in other areas of the face, prone to blackheads and pores are more visible
- Dry skin - skin has a tight feeling, pores are invisible, flakey or red patches appear, lines easily form on face and complexion is dull
- Oily skin - skin is acne prone, pores are enlarged and shiny complexion
Now that you know your correct skin type, we can move on to the important part of skincare, that is the routine that should be followed. If products are applied in any random order, it may not actively work to improve your skin! This is why it is crucial to know these steps:
1. Cleansing
I cannot even begin to express how important it is to cleanse your face in the mornings AND nights! One of the first things I do is wash my face when I wake up each morning. This is because as you sleep, your skin regenerates and leaves a layer of dead skin on top. Furthermore...remember that your skin will perspire at night! So when you wake up with that amazing angelic glow, don't be too excited..it's just sweat that needs to be cleansed away.
Another huge mistake ladies tend to make is not cleansing at night. Firstly, if your'e wearing makeup for the day, why would you want to sleep with all of that product on your face?? Even if its simply mascara and BB cream, it needs to come off before going to bed! Sleeping with makeup on is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Also, during the day your skin is exposed to harsh environmental stressors. Cleansing will help to remove such impurities and keep your skin healthy.
2. Toning
Is a toner really necessary? A definite yes!!! If you asked me this a few years ago I may have said no, as I believed it did absolutely nothing for my skin. Clearly I was using a useless toner as it can make a significant difference in your skincare routine! Toning actually helps to restore and repair the skin's surface after cleansing. The appropriate toner for your skin can do wonders!
3. Eye Cream
An eye cream should be applied after toning and before applying serum and moisturizer. This is because the eye cream needs to get to the area under the eye and get absorbed. If you apply a serum or moisturizer first and then the eye cream, it will jut sit on top of the skin and wont be absorbed to do its functions. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post dedicated to eye creams.
4. Serums/ Facial Oils
A serum acts as a means of treating your specific skin condition whilst a moisturizer treats the skin type. On the other hand, facial oils (typically used at night) are used to assist the skin in regenerating as you sleep - Another reason why its so necessary to cleanse in the morning! Serums and facial oils work best before you apply your moisturiser because it will help with the absorption of the active ingredients in your moisturizer. When applying facial oils, its always best to apply a few drops in your hand, warm it up with your fingertips and gently pat it onto your face.
5. Moisturiser + SPF
A moisturiser is just as important as a cleanser and toner. Regardless of how oily your skin may be, a moisturiser must always be used in order to hydrate the skin's layer and provides a layer of protection. The last step would be to apply an SPF for face. A common misconception is that if it is not sunny outside, you don't need to apply sunblock. ALWAYS wear a sunblock, even on those gloomy days! It poses many benefits, which your skin will be thankful for as you age. Thanks to skincare guru, Caroline Hirons, I learnt that using a separate moisturiser and sunblock works better than a single moisturiser that includes SPF. To find out why, click here.
On that note, there are many ways to improve your skin's condition besides skincare products. Eating healthy, drinking lots of water, exercise, taking supplements and even green tea may also lead to amazing skincare benefits! If you do have any skincare routine tips that I may have missed, feel free to leave a comment below. I look forward to learning more!
N.
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