Wanna know something? You’re closer to having perfect skin than you realize. As we all know, achieving soft skin with a glowing complexion all boils down to the efforts of skincare routine.
There may be hundreds of skincare products out there let alone the countless tips and tricks from social media influencers, but there’s no need to fret over finding the best routine for you.
Here, we will provide expert given advice on creating and maintaining the simplest and best skincare routine.
Where Do I Even Start?
Dermatologist Ashley Magovern, M.D. says that three simple steps for better skin, no matter what your skin type may be are “cleanse, treat, moisturize.”
Most people have washing and moisturizing down pact, but the treat skin might be a confusing concept to most. Imagine you have a hole in your tire, but instead of buying a replacement, you just keep pumping air into the tire only for it to eventually run flat again.
Washing and hydrating our skin may gradually improve problem areas, but if you suffer from blemishes, acne, and other skin imperfections, your skincare routine should have a game plan to correct them. Treating your skin involves using serums and ointments containing beneficial ingredients to nurture your skin and achieve the desired outcomes.
Vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and hyaluronic acid are all ingredients that are typically used in products that promise to improve your skin.
“Adding a middle step in between the cleansing and moisturizing components is really important, Dr. Magovern adds. “It can make a huge difference over time in the health, appearance and aging of your skin.”
The important thing is to remain consistent with your skincare routine. Better skin doesn’t happen overnight, so take pride in taking the steps to achieve healthier skin and be patient.
Here’s A Skincare Routine For The Morning
Step One: Cleanser
This is the first step for every skincare routine. Doing this washes away impurities that may be clogging your pores and causing breakouts. However, a common mistake is washing the skin too aggressively.
“Many people cleanse too often or use a cleanser that’s overly harsh, which will actually break down your skin’s protective barrier,” says Dr. Magovern.
The best formulas will gently remove the excess oil and other culprits clogging your pores and making your skin look dull.
Step Two: Toner
Toners are usually applied to dry skin after cleansing but before using leave-on skincare treatments like serums and moisturizers. A good toner ensures your skin is free of grime while also providing an extra dose of active ingredients meant to make your skin feel and look amazing.
You don’t need a toner per se, but adding one to your skincare routine “can be a great way to refresh skin, remove any residual debris and balance PH,” Dr. Magovern says.
Toners are packed with skin-boosting benefits that can give you a glowing complexion.
Step Three: Serum
A serum treats and protects your skin while delivering concentrated amounts of ingredients that can combat your complexion issues, dark spots, wrinkles, and other imperfections. If you have multiple concerns, there’s no harm in using several different serum formulas as long as you pay attention to the labels carefully.
It’s recommended to use an antioxidant serum in the morning to prevent the developing of free radicals and lessen signs of aging over time. Vitamin C is hands down considered the best antioxidant. Even Dr. Magovern says, “Everyone should use vitamin C, no matter what age [because] it helps reverse a lot of the skin damage we get from the sun and pollution.”
For darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation is a common issue. Using a vitamin C serum in the morning can help mitigate dark sports claims Jennifer David, D.O. a dermatologist in Philadelphia and founder of Skin &Scripts Virtual Dermatology.
Step Four: Eye Cream
Eye creams and face creams are different from each other because they are made specifically for the delicate eye area. This area is not only sensitive but ages much faster than the rest of your face.
If fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, bags, or a lack of firmness bother you, an eye treatment product will serve as a good combat.
To target dark circles, seek out niacinamide or vitamin C. For puffiness, Marnie Nussbaum, M.D. advises the use of a formula with caffeine. For wrinkles and sagging, use formulas with peptides and retinol. “Vitamin K can help brighten dark circles under the eye and hyaluronic acid hydrates dry skin,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D.
For multiple eye issues, dermatologists also recommend shopping around for products with combo of the following ingredients to best meet your needs.
When applying eye cream, lightly apply the formula to your eye-area using your ring finger to avoid overstimulation to the delicate area.
Step Five: Moisturizer
Moisturizers leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated while also straightening its barrier. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should opt for a lighter moisturizer like a lotion or gel product. This will absorb quickly into the skin and won’t cause any flare ups. If your skin is drier than normal, heavier formulas, like creams will work better. Moisturizers are good to use all year round because hydrating is critical for promoting youthful and smooth skin. “Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, since these ingredients are the building blocks of moisture retention in skin,” Dr. David advises.
Step Six: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is going to be the most important step in any skincare routine. No matter the skin type or age, “If you don’t wear sunscreen, you might as well not do any of the other steps,” says Dr. Magovern. “Then sun is the number one reason skin ages prematurely.”
“People of color can and do get skin cancer,” adds Dr. David. “Plus, if you’re treating hyperpigmentation without daily SPF use, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step backward.”
A dollop of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher face sunscreen added to your skincare routine can make a huge difference. Include your neck and backs of your hands and wait a total of 30 minutes before stepping outside for the best results over time.
Takeaway
The more time you invest in taking care of your skin, the better the results will be with time. If what you are doing isn’t working, it can’t hurt to have a professional dermatologist step in to offer advise for further treatment and remedies.