Your goal to get clear, healthy, glowing complexion begins by putting together a solid skincare routine. Skincare can be a bit daunting, and while you want to try the 10-step Korean skincare routine, the truth is nobody begins with 10 steps!
Begin with several products, master the basics, then work your way up as you continue to figure out your skin type and individual skincare needs.
Only then, can you experiment, and load up of varieties of serums, ampoules, exfoliating peels and acids, and even try that other product whose name you can’t pronounce!
Here’s a simplified and easy to follow guide showing you what the basics are, what works, and what you really need in your attempt to enhance the quality of your skin.
Begin today with these 4-5 steps that will make it easy to take care of your skin without worrying about the gazillion product varieties and implicit rules out there…
1. Cleanse
Bacteria can block pores making oil to accumulate and clog skin. This suffocates your skin leading to blackheads and blemishes, and your complexion generally appears dull and worn out. Cleanse your skin daily, and do not sleep in makeup.
Tip: Do not rub your skin excessively and avoid being too harsh. Wash your skin with lukewarm water – not too hot and not cold. Choose a gentle hydrating cleanser, a skin wash, or a soap that is not too harsh on skin.
2. Exfoliate
The outermost layer of your skin has dead skin cells which shed naturally. Exfoliating at least once weekly accelerates the shedding process, stimulates cell renewal, and helps reveal a more youthful, radiant skin. Exfoliation also improves skin texture.
Exfoliation can be physical (using a face scrub, loofah sponge or an exfoliating glove) or chemical (using products with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid.
Tip: Do not over-exfoliate – too much exfoliation makes skin more sensitive to sunburn and may appear red and irritated.
3. Nourish
Your skin needs vital nutrients to stay rejuvenated, renewed and protected. Feeding skin with healthy products both inside and outside enhances skin’s natural health, healing functions, and helps it perform at optimum level. Using the right products ensures skin remains at the right pH level for its best look.
Address individual skin concerns when creating a skincare regimen. Not everything will work for you, and what suits one person may not suit another.
Tip: Remember, what you eat shows on your skin – for instance, some foods like dairy may be a no go zone if you struggle with hormonal acne.
4. Hydrate
We cannot stress enough the importance of hydration and how it directly correlates to beautiful skin. Hydrated skin is beautiful skin. Hydrate both internally and externally – drink lots of water and use a moisturizer on your skin both day and night.
Get an ideal moisturizing cream, lotion or facial oil that suits your skin type and targets your concerns. Oily skin types need a moisturizer too – just pick the right one. Apply products when skin is slightly damp to lock in the moisture – do not wait until it’s completely dry and flaky.
Tip: Get thicker moisturizing creams if you have dry skin, and consider layering several moisture-rich products to ensure optimum hydration.
5. Protect
The number 1 cause of aging, wrinkles and pigmentation is the sun. Commit to smart skincare and shield your skin from sunburn, sun spots, and premature aging by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF.
Cover up when possible – wear sunglasses, a wide brim hat, long sleeve tops, high necks or throw a light scarf around your neck. A sunscreen is one of the best investments you can make for your skin. Your skin will thank you.
Tip: Wear sunscreen daily even when it seems cloudy. Any broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF15 or so will do. Apply your sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure
The absolute simplest skincare routine is to wash skin and then moisturize. However, if you want to go a step further and incorporate targeted treatments and regimens for specific benefits to your skin, then you’ll have to fine tune your routine over time to adapt to your skin type and personal preferences.
Remember that you have to stick to this routine both day and night for best results. Consistency is key.
