Taking time for self-care is a critical part of self-love. Self-care is the doing part of self-love that focuses on taking care of yourself. So creating a skincare routine is an act of self-love.
To practice self-care is, in essence, to nurture all aspects of yourself. Mental. Physical. Emotional. And Spiritual Well-being.
Self-care includes proper sleep, having fun, moving your body, eating nutritional meals, creating an AM and PM routine, setting boundaries, creating a skincare routine, learning new things, et cetera.
Today we are focusing on creating a skincare routine. Beginning a skincare regimen can be daunting because there are so many products on the market. But it is possible to create one that will result in healthy skin.
The main things to remember as you think about creating your skincare routine are:
- This routine is for you and no one else.
- A skincare routine is to tune up your complexion to function at its best. And it is also to work on any targeted area or troubleshoot any concerns.
Whether your routine is a three or ten-step process, in essence, it MUST work for you. And remember, as the needs of your skin change with age, so will your products.
But regardless of your skin concerns, your skincare routine should include:
- Cleansing: Washing Your Face.
- Using a toner or essence: For Balancing your Skin.
- A moisturizer: For Hydrating and softening the skin.
Apply Sunscreen with SPF 50 or greater daily to protect your skin.
Wash your face
Choosing a facial cleanser is essential to anyone’s routine—it also significantly impacts your skin’s overall health.
In the morning, I wash my face with warm water ONLY in the Winter, or my oily skin will feel tight and uncomfortable. During the other seasons, I wash with a gentle foaming cleanser.
The cleansing process looks different for me in the evening. So if I go out during the evening, I double cleanse. First, with an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm, then with a foaming cleanser.
Pro Tip:
Pick a cleaner for your skin type. The wrong cleanser can disrupt your skin’s PH balance.
Tone or Apply an Essence
If you are using toner, apply it after washing your face. Pour a few drops of toner on a reusable pad or Cotton pad and gently wipe onto the face.
If you are using an essence, pour a few drops into clean palms and gently press into the skin.
Apply a Serum
The mornings are the best time to use a serum with antioxidants—like a brightening vitamin C serum. They protect your skin from free radicals throughout the day.
At Nighttime, a moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid will keep your skin from drying out at night.
Serums can also contain exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids [AHA] or lactic acid.
Pro Tip:
With serum, always remember: Water-based serums should go underneath moisturizer; oil-based serums should be applied after moisturizer.
Eye Cream
I have read several articles that suggest using regular moisturizer for your under-eye area. While I am no professional, I would tell you not to do this. Based on my experience, this has not worked for me.
For example, I am currently nursing a pimple under my left eye because I was lazy and applied moisturizer to my under-eye area instead of my eye cream.
Buy a specialized eye cream to target your specific concern. Layer your eye cream before you moisturize since eye creams tend to be thinner than face moisturizers.
Pro Tip:
Use an eye cream with a metal roller-ball applicator and store it in the fridge to use in the morning. It is soothing to the under-eye, and it also depuffs.
Spot Treat
If you are nursing a breakout like I am right now, it is best to spot treat at night because the body is in repair mode during the night.
Pro Tip:
While tempting, do not layer acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acids with retinol. It can irritate your skin.
Moisturize
A Moisturizer’s job is to hydrate the skin and lock in all the other layers of product you have applied. Some of you may prefer a moisturizer with an SPF in the morning. Make sure you use one with SPF 30 or higher.
The Nighttime is best for thicker moisturizers.
Pro Tip:
If your skin is dry, use a cream moisturizer in the morning and at Nighttime.
Treat
Apply retinoids [retinoids are vitamin A derivatives, including retinol].
Retinoids reduce dark spots, breakouts, and fine lines by increasing skin-cell turnover.
Pro Tip:
If you do not have sensitive skin, it can still irritate; therefore, it is crucial to do a spot test.
Most importantly, retinoids break down in the sun so never use them during the day, and ALWAYS, always use sunscreen.
Lock it all in with Face Oil
If you use or want to use a face oil, this is the time to apply it. After you have layered all of your skincare products, the oil locks it all in. Nothing else will be able to penetrate the oil.
Pro Tip:
You can add a few drops of oil to your moisturizer and apply it if you are not using any treatments.
Sunscreen
The final and most crucial step is always to apply sunscreen. All dermatologists will tell you that sun protection is the most critical part of any skincare routine.
Protecting your skin from UV rays can prevent skin cancer and signs of aging.
For chemical sunscreens, wait 20 minutes before going outside for the sunscreen to be effective.
Pro Tip:
Look for broad-spectrum SPF; it protects from both UVA and UVB radiation.
A skincare routine is an integral part of your daily ritual. And with anything in life, it is not an instant fix to your skin concerns— results will be seen only with consistent use.
Final Tips:
Aim to use a product for at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to see results.
With any skincare product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest.
Comment Below: Do you have a skincare routine?