There are very few things that will fill you with more confidence than having fresh, glowing skin. Find out a few tips for creating the best skincare routine, as well as a few extra products that will take your skincare routine to the next level.
Morning Skincare Routine
Your morning skincare routine is arguably the most important, as it will set your skin up for the day. Considering this is when your skin will be exposed to the most dirt, sun, and pollutants, it is important to take the correct steps.
Cleanser
Whether it be from a store, a website, an advent calendar beauty, or something similar, a good cleanser is a must. Simply put, a gentle cleanser will rid your skin of excess oil and any dirt or bacteria you may have been exposed to when sleeping.
You don’t have to do anything extreme, but apply a small amount of cleaner to your face and gently massage it into your skin in circular motions.
Toner
Because some have adverse reactions to toner, this is an optional step. However, if you can use it, toner has many beauty benefits, with the biggest one being how much it smooths and relaxes your skin.
Many are filled with Witch Hazel and Vitamin B5, and considering you can find brands that don’t contain alcohol, perfumes, or something similar, you can get many benefits with little to no negative reactions.
Serum
While many think serums and creams are the same, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The biggest difference is that serums have smaller molecules, meaning they penetrate deeper into the skin and don’t sit close to the surface.
They also have a higher concentration of active ingredients, making them ideal for dealing with dryness, dehydration, problem areas, and more.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer is another crucial step of any skincare routine. Moisture is a key pillar when it comes to building great skin, as it keeps it elastic, fresh-looking, and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Be careful with moisturizers. You shouldn’t use too much, and you should also consult an expert if you have very oily skin, as adding moisturizer can increase breakouts.
Sunscreen
Finally, apply a layer of sunscreen. Sun damage is far too common and can cause wrinkles, lines, dryness, and, in more severe cases, sun spots. Therefore, no day should go by without applying sunscreen if you plan on going outside.
Evening Skincare Routine
For the evening, your routine can be a bit easier and simpler, as the main goal is to cleanse and hydrate. If you aren’t big into skincare, starting with a simple night routine can be a great way to get into the habit.
Cleanser
Once again, you should start with a cleanser. Your skin will be covered in microscopic dirt and bacteria that have gathered throughout the day. Once again, there is no need to be vigorous, but it is important to be thorough, especially if you have been wearing makeup.
Toner
Again, apply some toner to relax and soothe your skin. Makeup can be irritating for your skin, and when combined with dirt, there is a good chance that your skin will be screaming for something to help it relax and calm down.
Moisturizer
Finally, moisturizer should be the last thing you apply before going to bed. Once again, your skin has dried out throughout the day, especially if you have been out in the elements or wearing makeup.
At night, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp, as this will allow it to lock in even more moisture and help your skin while you sleep.
Products You Need
While the above are the basics for a great skincare routine, there are a few extra products you can add, especially if you have problem skin or experience puffiness.
Retinol
Retinol, especially when in products for your skin, is an exceptionally mild chemical that helps to remove old skin, promote collagen production, and bring new layers of skin to the surface.
It is important to be aware that retinol can cause adverse reactions, and therefore, it is best to apply a couple of drops and then give it a few minutes to see how your skin reacts.
Eye Cream
Eye cream can be a useful addition if you have puffy eyes, undereye bags or eye wrinkles. While you may think it is almost identical to a moisturizer, eye creams are designed to be lighter and more effective on thinner eye skin.
Because of this, it is a great addition if the skin around your eyes is a problem area.
Exfoliator
Finally, if you have oily or problem skin, an exfoliator can be exactly what you need. Simply put, exfoliating scrubs away the dead layers of skin and excess oil on your face, and leaves it feeling fresh and smooth.
Be aware, you should only exfoliate two, maybe three times a week. It can cause the opposite problem of drying your skin out if you do it too often.
There is a bit of trial and error involved, as you won’t always be sure how often to do it until you have done it a few times.
