Working out a skincare regime can feel a little overwhelming when there are so many options and conflicting advice to be found online. However, you can break it down into simple routines recommended by dermatologists that are easy to do every day.
1. Double Cleanse – Day and Night
Daily cleansing is integral to all skincare routines. Many people skip the morning or evening session, but cleaning at both times is critical to keeping your skin free of pollutants and debris which builds up during the day and night.
2.Skin Toner
Many skincare enthusiasts skip toners because they consider them to be too harsh and irritating. However, the new range of toners can provide health benefits, including being a delivery system for vitamins, antioxidants, and toning acids. Many dermatologists will add that if your skin looks healthy without a toner, then there’s no need to add one to your regime.
3. Apply Sun Protection
Sunscreen should be a daily application, not just for when you are heading to the beach. Regular sunscreen application prevents UV damage which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and textural changes over time.
4. Morning Antioxidant Serum
The skin benefits from the application of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, and other ingredients can provide antioxidant protection against free radicals.
5. Eye Cream
Eye cream should be applied at least once a day, but twice is highly recommended. Eye creams help to maintain the health and thickness of the skin around the eye and stop the eyelid from losing smoothness and laxity.
6. Spot Treatment
Acne spot treatments can have significant variations in their ingredients depending on the brand, so it’s highly recommended to check in with a dermatologist. Some spot treatments will also need to be used before anything else is applied to the skin, so also check the packaging for detailed instructions.
7. Moisturize or Night Cream
Many people use the same moisturizer for day and night, but a heavier one for night time use will create a protective layer over the skin and prevent evaporation while you sleep.
8. Exfoliation Twice a Week
As skin cells die off, they can block pores if they aren’t regularly removed with a gentle exfoliation. Depending on your skin type and what you prefer, you can use physical exfoliants or chemical versions which contain hyaluronic, lactic, or glycolic acid.
9. Timing Matters
You should set up your regime so you are applying your products at the right time, especially when considering spot treatments. However, you should also consider the time it will take for your skin to absorb the ingredients.
Some products need 30-minutes or more before you should apply the next treatment. Most of us don’t have that sort of time, so the best advice is to keep your skincare routine as simple as possible.
10. Stay Hydrated
We spend a lot of time applying and locking in moisture on our skin. How much water you drink can also play a big part in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Drink, or sip, lots of water throughout the day. And remember, coffee and soda don’t count towards your water intake.