When it comes to taking care of your skin, the simplest of every day habits can make a world of difference. Taking a few moments each day to ensure that your face is receiving the highest level of care can be transformational over time. A regular personal routine should involve several key steps in order to keep your skin glowing and healthy.
Cleansers
For a comprehensive routine, cleansers or face washes are a necessary step for removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the surface of your skin. The type of cleanser you should use depends on your skin type as well as any other specialized needs you may have. For example, if you have a sensitive face or suffer from acne, you might require a Personalised Skin Care cleanser with certain ingredients that can help treat those conditions.
Below is a list of common cleanser categories and types to consider adding to your skincare routine:
Foaming Cleansers: Designed to help lift away dirt and oil without stripping natural oils off of the skin. Suitable for all types — particularly normal-oily skins in need of deep cleansing.
Gel Cleansers: A refreshing option that helps clear away debris from pores while preserving the natural moisture balance on your face. Great for those with normal-oily or combination skins.
Oil Cleansers: Uses oils or formulations based on oil (like balms and creams) to gently massage onto the surface of the face to break up makeup, dirt, and excess oil without drying out the complexion too much.
Milk Cleansers: Works by emulsifying oils without overly stripping them away while washing away other impurities in the process — ideal for dry and sensitive like desert skins.
Cream Cleansers: Contain added moisturizing ingredients like glycerin that can help hydrate dry complexions while still thoroughly cleansing them at the same time.
Toners
Toners provide both short- and long-term benefits for your face and should be included in every routine. They help refine skin texture, regulate oil production, restore pH balance, clear away any remaining dirt or cleanser residue, minimize pores, and remove dead cells. Not only do these products help to restore balance to the skin, but they also provide instant hydration and enhanced absorption of other products.
Toners come in a variety of formulations including water-based (aqua/hydrosols/floral waters), hyperactive (essences), or alcohol-based (astringents). Hydrosols often come as gentle mists that can be applied directly to the face with a cotton ball before moisturizer.
Essences generally have more active ingredients than hydrosols and should be applied with a brush or cotton pad first before moisturizing. Alcohol-based astringents are used mainly for oily or acne-prone skin as they have antiseptic properties that help control excessive sebum production. It’s important to choose the right toner based on your individual needs.
Exfoliators
Exfoliation can also help to reduce any pigmentation, leaving your face looking brighter, smoother, and more even-toned. They can come in a variety of forms, from basic scrubs made with natural ingredients like sugar or oats to more complex chemical exfoliate products packed with powerful acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Depending on your skin type and what kind of results you’re looking for, it’s important to choose the right exfoliator for you. Here are some common types:
Physical Exfoliants: They work by using granules such as sugar or ground nut shells to slough off the top layer of dead cells. They’re a good option if you want immediate results but should be used sparingly (not more than once a week).
Chemical Exfoliants: These contain antioxidants and/or acids such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). AHAs are water-soluble so they work best on dry skin; BHAs are oil-soluble so they work better on oily types. These types of exfoliants can be used on their own or incorporated into other types of products such as cleansers, masks, and serums for deeper penetration into the pores.
Enzymatic Exfoliants: Enzymes such as papaya extract or pineapple extract contain certain acids that help dissolve away dead cells without needing a physical scrubbing action – perfect if you have a sensitive skin type! If you have dry or dehydrated skin then this is a great option as it helps to reduce inflammation while still giving you that gently cleanse you need.
Moisturizers
Hydration and replenishment of the skin’s protective barrier are paramount to reducing and preventing signs of aging, sun damage, dehydration, dryness, and general discomfort. A well-formulated moisturizer can help keep the face balanced and hydrated while combating environmental stressors such as air pollution, wind, cold weather, and more.
When shopping for a moisturizer, look for natural oils that are ideal for all skin types such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil as these contain essential fatty acids that can deeply penetrate the epidermis. Natural plant-based ingredients like chamomile extracts will also help soothe inflammation. For those with oily face or acne, water-based moisturizers that contain light hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid will be beneficial in helping to balance sebum levels without leaving an oily residue on your face.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must for any daily routine, especially in the summer months. Sun exposure can cause premature skin aging and even cancer, so using sunscreen every day is imperative for healthy skin.
When choosing a sunscreen, pay attention to the SPF number—this will tell you how much protection the sunscreen offers from burning rays such as UVA and UVB. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection.
Serums
They are usually hypoallergenic, non-greasy, and lightweight, allowing them to penetrate quickly and deep into the face. Serums target specific concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, redness, dark spots, or dullness so they are designed to deliver powerful results with a few drops each day. Depending on your concerns, you can mix different types of serums for maximum results.
When it comes to choosing your serums, it’s important to find one that is tailored to your needs and skin type. If you have dry or sensitive face, opt for a serum formulated with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid; those with oily or combination complexions should look for mattifying formulas containing salicylic acid; and if you’re concerned about anti-aging effects, go for multi-correctional formulas packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C and retinol.
Masks
A face mask is a great addition to your routine and most of them can be applied quickly and easily as part of your daily or weekly regimen. Whether you choose a sheet, clay, or cream mask; each type has different benefits depending on your personal concerns.
Sheet masks are gaining in popularity as they are mess-free, easy to apply, and can target multiple problems at once. Sheet masks come drenched with nutrients that absorb into the face providing hydration, brightening, anti-aging properties, and more.
Clay masks work differently than sheet masks as they draw out impurities that may be hiding inside your skin. Their absorbent power can help to detoxify the face and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Many people use a clay mask once a week to keep their skin looking clear and healthy.
Cream masks provide more intensive moisturizing compared to other facial masks since they are often packed with essential oils and fruit extracts like avocado, aloe vera, mango, etc. They lend an extra boost of hydration to any areas that may be too dry or irritated due to environmental exposure or stress on the skin.
Conclusion
Taking care of our skin is an important part of fighting the signs of aging. Personalized care can be a great way to ensure that you are getting the most out of your routine, tailored specifically to your needs and concerns. Whether you opt for professional services or manage your own regimen at home, personalized care could be just what you need to keep your youthful glow intact as time marches on.