The largest organ of the body is your skin and developing a proper skincare routine can aid you in improving its look and maintenance. Caring for your skin doesn’t just make you look great; it is also a health issue and it can also help in preventing the signs of aging. You need to have a proper routine for pampering your skin in order to look fresh and amazing for years to come. Read on to learn how to begin one:
1- First things first, you need to be aware of your skin type. Establishing a skincare routine is completely dependent on the combination of dry, oily, sensitive, normal or even sun-burnt skin. There are lots of online resources such as quizzes that you can use for understanding your skin type.
2- You need to cleanse your skill properly. The trick is finding a cleanser that can work well for your skin. Once you have found one that goes with your skin, it is best to stick with it because finding it can be pretty tough. The best ones are usually liquid facial cleansers. Avoid using bar soaps habitually because they dry your skin most of the time as they aren’t designed for handling the delicate facial skin.
3- Make exfoliation a habit. This step is often missed by a lot of people during their everyday skincare routine, but it is of the utmost importance because cleans away the dead skin cells that can cause acne, pore clogging and dry skin. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on the scrub as you can find a cheap one at your nearest drug store. Just make sure it contains the exfoliating particles or beads and use it once a week.
4- Using toner isn’t necessary. There are people who just swear by toners, but experts are of the opinion that all traces of oil, makeup and dirt can be removed with the help of a good cleanser. Hence, using a toner isn’t compulsory, but if you have found one that agrees with your skin then you can use it.
5- Make moisturizing your mantra. Regardless of the type of skin you have, it has to be moisturized. An oil-free moisturizer can even benefit oily skin. The body and face have to be moisturized, but the formulas used for the face are different. The frequency of moisturizing depends on your skin. If it is dry or tight, then you should do it or else you will over-moisturize, which can clog pores.
6- Apply sunscreen regularly. Dermatologists state that this is an important element of your skincare regimen. You can get two benefits in one if you opt for a daily moisturizer that also offers UV protection.
While these practices help you in developing a beneficial and healthy skincare routine, there are some habits that can actually inflict damage on your skin. There are a number of factors that are known to have adverse impacts on your skin such as smoking, drinking alcohol, eating sugar, getting a sunburn or not sleeping enough. Even if these behaviors are avoided, you may still have some habits that may seem harmless, but turn out to be damaging to your skin.
Some of these habits are listed below:
1- Tanning
A clear sign of skin damage is sunburn, but prolonged exposure to the sun, which is defined as tanning can also impact the skin negatively and lead to photo-aging. The cells that renew your skin are heavily impacted by exposure to UVR or ultraviolet radiation and this can speed up the aging process giving rise to age spots, dark spots and wrinkles. You should use different forms of sun protection to keep your skin safe from harmful radiation such as a broad spectrum sunscreen that comprises of zinc oxide and a wide-brimmed hat.
2- Not removing your makeup
Skin damage and premature aging are the side effects of sleeping without removing your makeup. The product clogs the pores causing them to stretch and they don’t shrink to their original size again. Uneven skin texture occurs because of clogged pores and the skin starts to age when collagen levels start falling. You should use a waters-soluble and gentle cleanser for removing makeup from your skin as it can break down just about any product and leaves no residue on the skin. If you are wearing heavy makeup, you should clean your face twice to ensure there are no traces.
3- Over-exfoliating
Dead skin cells can be removed through exfoliation and this is important because these cells clog the pores, dull the skin and lead to breakouts. However, over-exfoliation should also be avoided because it damages the outer-layer of the skin, makes it sensitive and can cause irritation. Exfoliating products should be chosen according to skin type. In case of sensitive skin, avoid products that have large scrubbing particles as they cause irritation.
4- Using incorrect skincare products
Selecting the ideal products for your skin is a process of trial and error. It can be extremely challenging to find a balanced routine, especially if your skin type is difficult to classify. However, it is always best for you to use skin products that have been designed for your skin type in order to avoid using ingredients that can lead to allergic reactions. After using a particular skincare product, if your skin burns, looks red, stings, gets excessively oily or looks flaky, it is highly likely that it is inappropriate for you.
5- Picking blemishes
Hyper-pigmentation and scars can occur because of picking blemishes and they don’t heal easily. It is best for you to not pop or squeeze a blemish unless it is a licensed esthetician doing the task or you are following the techniques that have been given by a professional. Instead, you should promote healing by applying a topical anti-inflammatory treatment.
The best way for you to beautify and maintain your skin is to follow a proper skincare regimen and avoid the habits, which can damage the skin.