Feeling overwhelmed by the endless skincare products and routines? You're not alone!

When we begin our skincare journey, we search for various routines to follow. Sometimes, it's confusing to know what routine will benefit you. Do you really need 10 steps in your morning routine? Is that expensive serum actually worth the hype? Hold on what is retinol, anyway?

The purpose of this article is to simplify your skincare routine and provide a personalized plan that suits you perfectly.

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The Basic Steps

Let us first know the basic steps for establishing your base for your skincare routine.

Cleansing

The most important part, it doesn't matter how old you are but cleansing is a must! There is so much pollution and dust outside that our skin will be filled with layers of sweat, oil, dust and bacteria which is absolutely not good for your skin. So cleansing is a must! It removes all the impurities, oils and gunk trapped in your pores and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed so you can continue with the rest of your routine.

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When you pick your cleanser it should be gentle for your skin type. The brands I would recommend are Neutrogena, Cereve and Cetaphil. I have used cleansers from all these 3 brands and all of them have worked wonders for me!

These brands have cleansers according to your skin type. For example, I have a combination skin type and during the winter my skin gets dry, so I am currently using Cereve's hydrating cleanser. It is perfect as it has Non-Comedogenic and Non-irritating ingredients. If you have oily skin, I would recommend Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash or any cleansers which contain Salicylic acid and don't have an overwhelming scent or fragrance.

Generally, we should wash our skin 2 times a day, once in the morning and once at night But again, it varies for different skin types. If you have dry skin, just wash your face with plain water in the morning and with a cleanser at night. When outside the whole day, you do not want to climb into your bed with all that gunk.

Washing your face 2 times a day with a cleanser may be harsh for your dry and sensitive skin as it may strip away the necessary oil. If you have normal or oily skin, wash your face with a cleanser 2 times a day.

When you are washing your face, make sure to use warm water NOT hot or cold water. Warm water allows the pores of your skin to open and then when you use your cleanser it removes all the impurities from your face. Hot or cold water can be harsh for your skin and strip away necessary oils.

Moisturizing

Our skin needs moisture to function optimally. Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. Many assume that moisturizer is only meant for dry skin types but they are wrong: moisturizer is required for all skin types as it hydrates your skin just like water hydrates your body.

The key role of a moisturizer is of course hydrating your skin and it also acts as a protective barrier to ensure water from the inside our epidermis does not escape. Moisturizing is very necessary. If you have dry or sensitive skin, ensuring not all oils get stripped from your face and making sure your skin is hydrated is a crucial component for your skincare.

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Brands I will recommend for moisturizers again are Cetaphil, Neutrogena and Cereve. I will recommend the Moisturizing cream for dry to very dry skin from Cereve; it contains Hyaluronic acid which helps retain the skin's natural moisture. Cetaphil's moisturizing Lotion is perfect for sensitive or normal skin and Neutrogena's Oil-free Moisturizer is for oily skin it is lightweight and non-greasy which is perfect for oily skin types.

When it comes to moisturizing, make sure to moisturize day and night as your skin needs to always feel hydrated so make sure to use moisturizer! Don't run under the assumption that your skin already is producing oils so you don't need moisturizer.

Sun Protection (SPF)

I cannot emphasize how crucial it is to apply sunscreen. The majority of us think that oh! It's not that important but let me tell you something: sunscreen is so important that I do not go a single day without wearing sunscreen, especially during the daytime or when it's cloudy. Just make sure not to put sunscreen in your nighttime routine as it is not necessary.

It doesn't matter if you have a dark skin tone cause sunscreen is for every skin tone and type, it does wonders! The sun can increase the ageing process so better to start applying sunscreen from early on. A variety of skin conditions, including wrinkles, and skin cancer including melanoma-the deadliest form of skin cancer-can be brought on by the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunscreen also helps prevent your acne spots from aggregating.

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When it comes to sunscreen, make sure it offers UVA and UVB protection and has an SPF of 30 or higher. There are 2 brands I would highly recommend and give Broad-Spectrum Protection are Neutrogena and Beauty of Joseon. I have been using Neutrogena's Ultra sheer sunscreen consistently for 4 years and it has done wonders.

It has helped me reduce my acne spots by protecting my skin from the sun; It also doesn't leave any white cast which is a major issue in most sunscreens. It is Non-Comedogenic, making sure it doesn't clog your pores. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. Beauty of Joseon is also a fantastic brand to get your sunscreen from. Their sunscreen contains rice water which hydrates, removes dark spots and gives you a dewy finish. It is lightweight, non-greasy and leaves no white cast. This sunscreen is also best for all skin types.

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Why Excessive Skincare is Bad

Excessive skincare can cause more harm than good. Using too many harsh cosmetics might deplete the skin's natural oils and damage the skin barrier. This layer protects against irritants while also retaining moisture.

A damaged barrier can cause dryness, sensitivity, and an increased susceptibility to infection. Using too many products, particularly those containing active ingredients such as retinoids or acids, can irritate the skin, resulting in redness, stinging, burning, and even outbreaks. Using too many goods at once can potentially cause "product overload," in which the components in various products interact unfavourably, resulting in unanticipated results. This can cause clogged pores, discomfort, and allergic responses. Plus, it's a waste of time and money.

Nourishing Your Skin from Within

While your skincare routine is necessary, it's crucial to remember that healthy skin starts from within. What you eat, drink and your overall lifestyle significantly impacts the appearance and overall health of your skin.

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Diet

There is a saying “You are what you eat”. Prioritize eating a well-balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Your skin cells and body are nourished by the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants included in these meals.

Incorporating healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) in your diet which contain Omega-3 fatty acids helps keep the skin hydrated and less irritated. Excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, processed foods, and sugary beverages can aggravate skin conditions like breakouts and cause inflammation.

I will also recommend drinking detox water which helps remove all the toxins from your body and also helps in clearing your skin.

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It is really easy to make as well. Slice up a carrot and cucumber into five or six pieces and add one slice of lemon (not needed if you dislike sour stuff but recommended as it contains Vitamin C) and 6 mint leaves. Then fill up your water bottle or jug with water and add all the above-mentioned ingredients to create your Detox water!

Apart from these make sure to drink water it is very necessary as water is essential for all bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin. Dehydration can lead to dryness, dullness, and even premature ageing.

Sleep

Beauty rest is real, your body regenerates and repairs cells, including skin cells, while you are asleep. You will need max 8 hours of sleep it not only improves your skin condition but also energizes you for your long day ahead.

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Anna Chacon, MD, a Miami-based dermatologist, shared her tips on improving your skin while sleeping. According to Chacon, what you rest your head on is more important than when and how long you lay it down. She suggests using silk pillowcases and sheets, particularly for those who sleep on their stomachs or sides or have sensitive skin or acne.

According to Chacon, these sheets and pillowcases are softer than cotton ones. She explains that cotton's friction on delicate skin can exacerbate eczema, acne, and other skin disorders by increasing inflammation.

Stress Management

Stress management is very important as our mind and body are connected so when we are stressed we usually break out and have dull or inflamed skin.

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“The hypothalamus is a little area at the base of the brain where stress causes neurons to release hormones that are then sent to the pituitary gland. These signals are used by the pituitary gland to create hormones that influence a variety of body processes, including encouraging the production of hormones by all other hormone-producing glands.

The adrenal gland is stimulated in response to this intricate mechanism, enabling the synthesis of cortisol, also referred to as the principal stress hormone. Inflammation is another side effect of cortisol that isn't healthy or homeostatic for the body. If this cortisol cycle continues to be active over time, it may trigger pro-inflammatory skin cells or guide immune cells from the bloodstream into the skin.” - (Source: 8 Effects Of Stress On The Skin)

That's why we must manage stress. The following choices can help you in controlling your stress levels:

Meditation: focuses on clearing your mind of the constant barrage of confused ideas that can be stressing you out. Frequent practice can improve mental health, reduce stress, and minimize cortisol production.

Deep Breathing: Deep breathing techniques can aid in triggering your body's relaxation response, which may lower blood pressure, lessen stress, and calm your heart rate. Deep breathing helps alleviate stress-related skin diseases like stress rash by lowering stress levels.

Exercise: Getting regular exercise helps keep cortisol levels in a healthy range. Additionally, it encourages improved circulation, which supplies the skin with oxygen and nutrients from the blood.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of skincare can be stressful in the beginning, but creating a simple and effective routine does not have to be difficult. By focusing on the key procedures of washing, moisturizing, and sun protection, you can lay a solid foundation for healthy skin. Remember that consistency is essential; incorporate these procedures into your daily routine and be patient until you notice results.

However, there should be leisure days as well. You might set aside one day per week to not go out as much. Also, you may not apply anything to your skin and only wash it with simple water on one of those days. Don't forget to nourish your body with a healthy diet, stay hydrated, prioritize quality sleep, and manage stress will significantly contribute to radiant skin.

Hope this article helps you in achieving that radiant healthy skin we all dream of!