We have discussed in our previous blogs how to build a skincare routine and why it is important. Our skincare routine must provide our skin health, protection and hydration. In this article we will specifically identify the 5 basic steps of skin care. These steps are directly related and need to be integrated into your skincare routine. A good skincare routine not only provides health and protection to your skin but also to your overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, we also need to highlight and remind you of why skincare is important & how these steps fit into making your skin healthier. Being our biggest organ and much of it being continuously exposed our skin takes a beating and therefor clearly needs taking care of. Harmful factors such as pollution, sun damage, stress and chemicals effect our skin. These factors can cause our skin to be damaged.
Skin damage can appear in forms of wrinkles, sagging skin and skin that has lost its elasticity & flexibility. Therefor our skin needs taking care of by a solid skincare routine that integrates the correct 5 basic steps in it. By following the steps, we have outlined you will have a skin that is healthy and radiant. Now let’s go ahead and look closer at these steps.
Step 1: Cleansing the skin
Cleansing the skin in the initial step. It is a fundamental step in order to have a healthy skin. By properly cleansing the skin not only do we remove dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria from the skin but also enable the skin to properly absorb other skincare products we use in our skincare routine. Based on your skin type you must choose the proper cleansing routine and products.
For example, for those with an acne prone skin a gel or sebo-balance cleanser is best since they can cleanse the pores and control excessive sebum. Others who have a dry or sensitive skin should use a cream or a milk cleanser that provides hydration to the skin. Those who have a normal or combination skin type should use a mild or balanced cleanser. So, as you can see knowing your skin type is essential for properly cleansing it.
Step 2: Exfoliation
Impurities that clog our pores are removed by exfoliating. In addition, exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells that also may clog our pores. Exfoliation helps in many aspects such as improving the skin’s texture, appearance, and tone. It also provides a better and smoother skin texture so our skin can absorb better other skincare products. But you must be careful and not exfoliate too much. Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin and cause inflammation to the skin.
Again, as with cleansing how you exfoliate also depends on your skin type. Those with oily and skin prone to acne should use a physical or chemical exfoliant. This will help to unclog pores and stop breakouts. Others with a dry or sensitive skin should use an exfoliant that is gentle or hydrating. This will not only remove dead skin cells but also help to moisturize the skin. And those with a normal or combination skin need to use an exfoliant that is mild and balanced. This will help to remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin.
Step 3: Use a Lotion
The pH levels of our skin can be affected and lose its normal balance by cleansing and exfoliating. Toning lotion will help the pH levels to be restored. Some traces of dirt and oil may still be left on the skin even after cleansing and exfoliating. Toning lotion will help to remove these last traces of dirt and makeup from our skin and prepare it for the next steps of our skincare routine. Let’s now look closer at the types of lotions you should use based on your skin type.
Those with acne-prone and oily skin need to use an astringent or a sebo-balance lotion. This will help to strengthen your pores. In addition, it will help to deal with and control the excessive sebum. Those with a dry or sensitive skin should use a lotion that is hydrating and soothing which helps to provide the skin with replenishment. And those with a normal or combination skin types should use a lotion that helps to maintain the pH levels and is at the same time refreshing. The best type of lotion to provide these requirements are those lotions that are balancing and refreshing.
Step 4: Moisturizing the skin
By applying moisturizer on a regular basis, we help to provide nourishment to the skin. Moisturizing also helps to prevent dryness, cracks, and flakes on the skin. In addition, moisturizing will also help with skin that is itching. Our skin’s barrier is greatly enhanced by regular moisturizing that provide it the nutrients that it requires. Let’s now have a closer look at the type of moisturizer your skin needs based on your skin type.
For those with an oily and acne prone skin an impure skin moisturizer works best. This will help to provide the skin with hydration without clogging the pores. A rich and creamy moisturizer is best for those with dry and sensitive skin. These types of moisturizers will deeply hydrate the skin and repair the skin that is damaged. And those with normal or combination skin should use a moisturiser that is balanced and hydrating. This will provide their skin with the right moisture and nourishment.
Step 5: Applying Sunscreen
We have discussed the importance of applying sunscreen in a skincare routine in numerus previous blogs. This is because UV rays from the sun are one of the leading causes of skin damage! Damage from the sun can cause wrinkles and even cancer. Therefor it is essential that you apply sunscreen on a regular basis with a proper SPF level to provide the skin with the protection that it requires.
