There’s no one size fits all skin care routine. You have to consider your skin type — normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive — as well as other issues you may have, like acne, uneven skin tone, or wrinkles.
There’s also the matter of choosing the right products. Different brands have different “specialties,” so to speak, and some companies even have exclusive technologies they use for their products. For example, Procter & Gamble’s Olay is a popular brand for anti-aging products, while South Korean cosmetics brand Laneige is known for its Water Science technology.
However, there is no doubt that we all should be taking care of our skin, one way or another. It usually does a good job in cleaning itself (primarily through sweating), but it needs all the help in other aspects, like restoring lost moisture. Here are some of the essentials to help you start a skin care regimen, no matter your skin type.
Cleanser
The skin on your face is more sensitive compared to the rest of your body, so your good ol’ bar of soap or shower gel just won’t cut it. Buy a cleanser that’s suited for your skin type (you might want to consult a dermatologist to know for sure): cream-type cleansers are good for dry skin, while gel-type ones are best for oily skin.
Before using a cleanser, it’s good to loosen clogged pores first using warm water. Use the recommended amount — usually a dime-sized dollop — and gently massage it onto your face to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil. You can use either cold or lukewarm water to rinse. Note that most eye makeup, like mascara and eyeliner, are more difficult to wash off, so you should remove these first before using your cleanser.
Exfoliator
Even if you cleanse your face everyday, dead skin cells and other impurities still accumulate on your skin and clog your pores. Exfoliators will help you gently scrub off these substances, leaving you with a fresher looking complexion afterward. If you have sensitive skin, you should opt for an exfoliator with fruit enzymes rather than those with microbeads.
Depending on your skin type, you may have to exfoliate just once or twice a week to as often as four times a week. The key thing to remember is to not do it two days in a row to prevent irritation.
Moisturizer
All skin types — yes, even oily ones — need a moisturizer. In addition, you need two separate moisturizers for daytime and evening use, since our skin tends to lose moisture faster at night. Lighter formulas filled with antioxidants like vitamins C and E and green tea extracts are suited for daytime use. These ingredients help protect the skin from pollutants and provide some level of protection from UV rays. Thicker, creamier moisturizers that contain ingredients like collagen, elastin, and retinol are best for nighttime use. These penetrate your skin while you sleep, refreshing and rejuvenating your face. Remember to use upward, circular motions when applying moisturizers so as not to stretch the skin and cause premature wrinkling. In any event, you can always just apply a wrinkle cream which will keep your skin healthy, youthful and vibrant.
Sunscreen
Some daytime moisturizers have “all-in-one” formulas that both hydrates and protects from the sun. However, if you choose to buy this kind of moisturizer, make sure that the SPF level is at least 30. Otherwise, you should apply your daytime moisturizer and then, once its dry, add a layer of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Don’t worry — there are a lot of lightweight formulas available that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a mask.
If you have other skin problems like acne, you should add specialized serums to your regimen. Apply these after cleansing but before putting on your moisturizer so that the ingredients will penetrate your skin better. Other miscellaneous skin care products you might want to consider are eye creams, if you’re prone to developing dark circles, and face masks for a quick spa-like treatment for your face.
After all is said and done, all you need to do is smile so you can brighten up your face even more!
