7 Steps To Building Your Best Skin Care Routine

Taking care of your skin is not an obligation and should not feel like one.

Since your skin is the largest organ in your body, it makes sense to protect it as well as yourself.

In general, healthy skin means clear skin without acne blemishes or dark spots. But you may have your own definition of what that means to you.

What is a skincare routine?

Anyone over the age of 18 should implement a skincare routine morning and night. It’s even better to start earlier. This simply means that you take the time to cleanse and treat your skin, whether it’s for 5 or 20 minutes.

Your nightly routine will probably be a little more complex if you wear makeup, but a good skincare routine is an easy one. A good skincare routine is easy to implement and continues regularly.
Products should be applied in order of consistency. Thus, thin serums will be applied first, while thicker creams and masks will be applied last.

The pillars of each regimen don’t change much: cleansing, exfoliation, toning, serums, and hydration. Added to this are ointments or medicated treatments, as well as sun protection.

Step 1: Cleanser

You need that blank canvas before you can put anything on it. But you don’t want to strip your skin. Biochemist Andrea Suarez, known as Dr. Dray on YouTube, explains in her video that she cleanses twice.

She starts her skincare routine with a double cleanse, which begins with an oil cleanser, followed by a gentle water cleanser.
She explains that this two-step process dislodges and removes the film built up by cosmetics, natural oils, and sebum. It also removes water-resistant sunscreens.

According to Dr. Dray, even if you don’t wear makeup, it’s helpful to do an oil cleanse first, as it not only removes oil-based products but also mitigates the disruption of the natural skin barrier.

Dr. Suarez’s double cleanse is backed by science. A medical paper published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019 shows a strong correlation with users’ skin being less dehydrated after removing water-resistant sunscreen, especially with an oil-based cleanser.

It doesn’t matter what specific oil you use, as it will be removed during the second cleansing. Be sure to emulsify the oil in circular motions on the face, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Most dermatologists today will advise you to use fragrance-free cleansers. Many scented products can irritate the skin.

Dr. Suarez also says that the dual cleansing process acts as a gentle exfoliant as it removes dead skin cells.

When it comes to the body, there’s no need to use fancy cleansers and soaps. Focus on areas where the skin is wrinkled, such as the underarms and buttocks.

Also focus on areas that are prone to breakouts, such as the upper back. On the other hand, most other parts of the body do not need to be soaped and lathered. This can lead to excessively dry and even itchy skin.

In the morning, there is no need to wash your face or body with soap. A simple splash of water can revitalize the skin for hydration.

Step 2: Exfoliator

You should use an exfoliator at least twice a week, but it depends on what your skin says. It removes dead skin that can clog pores and make skin look dull.

Clogged pores can also lead to acne breakouts, dark spots, and brittle skin. An exfoliator addresses all of these while brightening the skin.
There are two types of scrubs: physical scrubs and chemical scrubs. Physical scrubs use abrasive ingredients, like sand, to remove dead skin.

Simply apply the product and rub it into the face (avoiding under the eyes). Rinse well with water.

Chemical scrubs use chemicals such as alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, or lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cells as the product penetrates the pores.

A common way to apply these products is to pour them onto a cotton ball and wipe them over the skin. Let it dry and move on to the next phase of your skin care routine.

It is important not to over-exfoliate. Too much physical exfoliation, in particular, can lead to small tears in the skin or red, irritated spots.

It may be best to stick to nightly exfoliation, as it sets the stage for other skin care products to be absorbed and be most effective.

Step 3: Toning

Next comes the toner, which refreshes the top layer of skin and restores a healthy pH. Skin is normally between 4.7 and 5.8 on the pH scale.

Water increases the acidity level when it touches the skin, so a toner can restore balance and give the impression of healthier skin.

Simply spray a toner on your face or pour a small amount on a cotton ball and gently wipe it off. A toner can be used morning and night.

Step 4: Serum or Anti-aging Product

It’s time to get your serum. If you don’t have one, it’s worth including it in your skincare routine, as it can be considered a pre-moisturizer.

Serums are lightweight and filled with nutrients that can be easily absorbed by the skin. Depending on your current skin needs and skin type, you should apply one daily.

If it’s a serum like hyaluronic acid, which helps retain water on the skin, apply it before your moisturizer.

It will give the skin a plump, firm look. Put a drop or two in your palm and gently apply it to all areas of the face.

On the other hand, a treatment such as tretinoin, a prescription retinoid, can be applied after a moisturizer because of its irritating qualities.

Retinoic acid, found in vitamin A, has been studied and found to be very effective in treating acne but has more recently been noted for its effect on photoaging.

It has been shown to work even when applied over a facial cream or lotion. Just be sure to wait a few minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed and the skin no longer feels smooth.

Step 5: Moisturize

This is an essential step in your skin care regimen. It keeps your skin hydrated and balanced and can even correct any problems you may have. Your skin will determine the type of moisturizer to use.

If you just got out of the shower, try to quickly apply a moisturizer for the body and face. The steam allows your skin’s pores to open up and be ready to accept the oils and beneficial compounds in the cream or lotion you will be using.

It will also prevent your skin from losing more water. According to Dr. Suarez, soaps and body washes can disrupt the “lipid barrier” and dry out the skin.

The type and thickness of moisturizer depending on your skin type: oily skin can handle more liquid lotions and gels, while drier skin needs a thick moisturizer.

Look for body creams and lotions that contain petrolatum, which retains water in the skin. Ceramides are also helpful because they help keep the skin soft and supple.

Panthenol can reduce inflammation and smooth out wrinkles. It is also very hydrating and emollient, according to Dr. Suarez.

Applying oil after the moisturizer is an additional step that some find effective. It can help seal in the moisturizer, allowing all of its emollients to better seep into the skin.

Tip: If you have oily skin, you may be tempted to skip the moisturizer. Do not

Step 6: Topical Ointment or Medicated Treatments

If you’re managing acne breakouts or blemishes, this is the next step. This is also the time to focus on issues such as rosacea or eczema.

Make sure your skin is dry to the touch at this point. Most topical acne treatments, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid, should be applied sparingly, dabbing on.

Layering the treatment with a moisturizer can be a good way to avoid irritation, especially if the treatment is new to your routine. However, if you prefer to apply them before moisturizing, you can do that too.

Step 7: Sunscreen

This is probably the most important product you will apply to your face. Even on cloudy days, your skin is exposed to UV rays, which are very harmful. They can cause dark spots, dryness, and even skin cancer.

You can choose to use either mineral or chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that deposit on the skin.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are absorbed into the skin due to their chemical makeup, including oxybenzone and avobenzone.

Be sure to apply the product to all parts of the face, including the overlooked areas around the ears and under the eyes. The neck is another area that is often overlooked. Sun damage can make the neck look discolored and wrinkled.

Finally

Developing an effective skin care routine will keep your skin happy and healthy. But there’s another essential step to include in any skin care program: sleep. It’s underrated, but oh-so beneficial.

According to Dr. Suarez, your skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside your body, so it will look better when you’ve slept well.

Most people need at least eight hours of sleep to be considered well-rested, so take a break from social media and work tasks and your skin will thank you.