Gone are the days when you had to visit a beauty salon for a facial and other treatments. With businesses closed and people facing restrictions due to the pandemic, more and more people are turning to “beauty at home” solutions and DIY skin care.
Creating a skin care routine focused on the individual needs and concerns of one’s own skin is of great importance. This assures that visible results are always achieved and ensures the skin’s health and well-being. To help you get started with your skin care routine, here is a useful checklist:
1. Know Your Skin Type
The first and foremost step to an effective skin care routine is understanding your skin type. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, have an idea of what kind of skin you have, as this will determine your skin care needs.
2. Cleanse Facially
Cleansing twice daily is non-negotiable when it comes to skin care. Use a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type and take your time as you massage the product on your face in a circular motion.
3. Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin at least a few times a week will help to keep the skin looking smooth and refreshed. Use a gentle exfoliating mask or scrub to slough away any dead skin cells, unclog the pores, and get rid of any impurities.
4. Tone and Hydrate
The next step is to tone your skin and then use a damp cloth to gently remove any excess cleanser and to also encourage absorption of any active ingredients that may be present in the toner. Afterward, apply an appropriate serum, moisturizer, and eye cream.
5. Use a Face Mask
Facial masks can be a great addition to your skin care routine. Depending on the needs of your skin, you can use facial masks that are designed to:
- Hydrate – Hyaluronic acid and glycerin based masks will help to seal in a lot of hydration to keep your skin looking plump and healthy.
- Soothe – Aloe vera, calamine, and zinc oxide masks are ideal for sensitive skin, as those ingredients will help to reduce redness and irritation.
- Purge – Clay and mud masks are great for more oily skin types, as they will help to draw out impurities from the deepest layers.
6. Try an At-Home Peel
At-home peels have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they can be used to even out skin tone and texture, as well as smooth any fine lines or wrinkles.
7. Take Care of Dark Circles
Dark circles and puffiness can be a result of many things like staying up late or excessive stress. To tackle this problem, try using an eye cream with hyaluronic acid and caffeine, as those ingredients will help to reduce puffiness and hydrate the skin.
8. Don’t Forget Your Neck and Chest
The skin on your neck and chest can often become neglected in your skincare routine. You can help make sure that your skin stays healthy and vibrant by using products with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid specifically designed for your neck and chest.
9. Protect Skin with Sunscreen
It is extremely important to wear sunscreen every day, no matter what type of skin you have. Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and can help to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Make sure to apply a generous amount to all exposed areas of skin.
10. Consult with a Professional
Getting professional advice from a skin expert is key for a successful skin care routine. Estheticians can help you determine what type of skin you have, and recommend products and treatments specifically tailored to your individual needs.
Creating and maintaining an effective at-home skincare routine does not need to be complicated or confusing. With the right steps and products, you can easily achieve glowing, radiant skin that is healthy and nourished.
What skincare products should I use in my at-home routine?
1. Facial cleanser: Choose a cleanser formulated for your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin.
2. Exfoliator: Use a gentle exfoliant, like a scrub or enzymatic exfoliant, to slough away dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
3. Toner: An alcohol-free toner helps to balance out any leftover cleanser residue as well as the pH of your skin.
4. Facial moisturizer: Use a moisturizer that matches your skin type and concerns, whether it’s for hydration, brightening, or to target any other specific skin needs.
5. Sun protection: Always protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
6. Eye cream: Apply an eye cream that addresses your specific concerns, such as dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles.
7. Night cream: Use an overnight cream that helps replenish hydration while you sleep.
What order should I use skincare products in my at-home routine?
1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Serum
4. Exfoliator (1-2 times per week)
5. Face oil or facial moisturizer
6. Eye cream
7. Sunscreen (every day)
Optional:
1. Face mask (1-2 times per week)
2. Spot treatments
3. Makeup remover
4. Facial spray
