Taking care of your skin is a topic many people struggle with. You can’t just slather on any old cream or lotion you have lying around, but understanding the basics are essential for having healthy, beautiful skin. In this article we have laid out the foundational tips for ensuring your skin is well taken care of.
Step 1: Determine Your Skin Type and Skin Issues
The first thing to do when determining how to take care of your skin is to determine your skin type and what issues you are trying to fix. Is your skin dry? Oily? Are there one or more specific problems that you need to address, like acne or wrinkles? Make sure to also consider the skin on your body. You might have blackheads on your nose, but you also might have blackheads on inner thighs to take care of. Knowing these things will help you choose a regimen that is tailored to your specific needs, for both face and body care.
Step 2: Cleanse
The first step to having healthy skin is by removing any impurities that build up on your skin throughout the day. Even if you cleanse your face before bed, it’s important to also cleanse in the morning so there are no physical or chemical remnants left from overnight. Be sure to use gentle cleansing products and wash your face twice a day.
Step 3: Tone and Moisturize
After cleansing, it’s important to use toner and moisturizer. Toners remove any remaining cleanser and tighten the pores while adding extra hydration to the skin. Moisturizers seal in that hydration to keep your face feeling soft all day long! You should choose one for morning and evening routines. Some people like to use an essence (essentially a lightweight serum) in place of a toner. These can also be used both in the morning and at night before you moisturize, but do not replace regular cleaning or toning steps.
Step 4: Exfoliate
The exterior of our skin is protected by dead skin cells, but sometimes this barrier needs to be removed. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which allows products to better penetrate the deeper layers of your face and provide more benefits. You should exfoliate in either a chemical or physical manner once per day and no more than twice per day!
As for your body, exfoliate with loofahs, exfoliating gloves, or even salt scrubs. “But wait!” you’re probably saying. “Doesn’t that mean I have to buy more skin products if they’re just going to be washed off?” Great question!
The answer is no! You can still get the benefits of using skin products without having them stay on your face and body all day long. This means less product buildup and more money saved for things like lip balm.
Step 5: Eye Creams and Serums
Eye creams and serums are specially formulated for the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes, so use them sparingly around this area. Using too much can cause puffy eyes or product build-up that will leave you with dark circles under your eyes. Avoid putting the product on the inside corner of your eye as it is especially sensitive. Instead, gently apply the product with your ring finger, dabbing around this delicate area.
Step 6: Sunscreen and Tanning Products
One of the best ways to protect your skin from damage and discoloration is by using sunscreen every single day! Even if it’s cloudy or you’re not outside for long, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine as sun exposure can cause wrinkles even in indoor lighting. And don’t forget about those who live in colder climates where they still might be experiencing sunny days here and there! The other important product to use is any tanning product (this includes self-tanners as well as bronzers). These keep your skin looking fresh and will help prevent squinty wrinkly skin that we all don’t want.
Step 7: Lip Balms and Hand Creams
The last step in a daily skin regimen is to use lip balm and hand cream. By using these products often, you will not only keep your lips and hands moisturized but also prevent fine lines on these areas of your body. Using sunscreen regularly will also help ensure smoother hands and younger-looking lips so don’t forget about them! And that’s it! If you follow all of these steps I guarantee you’ll have glowing, hydrated skin by the end of summertime.
Remember, your skin is your biggest organ and protects your entire body. There are many different ways to take care of your skin, but following these basic steps will ensure that you’re moisturized, exfoliated, toned, and protected.
