Taking good care of your skin isn’t complicated, but it does require a little bit of discipline and consistency. One of the most effective ways to ward off damage and keep your skin looking and feeling its absolute best is to build a proper skincare routine. Some practices only need to be done every few days, while others are an everyday essential. These tips can help you build the right routine for your skin.
Skincare Essentials: Once (or Twice) a Week
Some steps should be limited to once every few days. Otherwise, you could throw off your skin’s natural moisture balance, resulting in skin that’s either too oily or too dry. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip these practices; your skin won’t look as fabulous as it could if you incorporate them into your weekly routine.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Using a gentle exfoliating scrub is essential if you want to achieve and maintain a glowing and bright complexion. When you exfoliate your skin, you slough away all of the buildup that leads to a host of unwanted issues, from clogged pores to dull, patchy skin. Dead skin cells, along with dirt, bacteria, and other particles accumulate on the surface of your skin; cleansing alone isn’t enough to eliminate them. Exfoliate at least once a week (but preferably twice) to keep your skin vibrant and dewy.
Use a Hydrating Mask
Most skin types can benefit from an extra dose of hydration on a weekly basis. A luxurious moisturizing mask is a great option. Not only can it give your complexion an extra hydrating boost, but it’s also a great way to relax and practice some positive self-care.
Skincare Essentials: Every Day
These skincare practices are non-negotiable if you want to maintain healthy-looking and beautiful skin. Skipping just one day can lead to damage and put you more at risk for breakouts, not to mention dryness and irritation.
Wash Your Face
While it may seem like a simple step, cleansing your skin is one of the most important things you can do to protect and enhance it. Most importantly, you need to remove makeup, sweat, and bacteria. Once in the morning and once at night is recommended, so use a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation.
Apply Sunscreen
Sun damage is a serious concern when it comes to skin appearance. Overexposure to those harmful UVA and UVB rays can seriously harm and age your skin. More importantly, it can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 on a daily basis can help protect your skin from these unwanted side effects. Even if you don’t spend most of your day outdoors, daily sunscreen application is still recommended.
Moisturize Thoroughly
While people with dry skin are more likely to moisturize often, even those with normal or oily skin should apply hydrating products on a daily basis. In fact, moisturizers should be used every time you cleanse your face, which means twice a day. While your skin type and the time of day may determine which type of product you use to get the job done, moisturizing is an essential step that should never be skipped.
Use Topical Treatments
Whether you’re trying to beautify your skin’s appearance or protecting it from the appearance of damage, serums and spot treatments work best when you use them consistently. Most are applied before using a moisturizer or sunscreen, but check the product instructions to be sure. When using ingredients that can cause sensitivity issues, such as vitamin C or retinoids, start with smaller doses and work your way up to the recommended amount.
No matter what type of skincare ritual you create, remember to pay close attention to your skin, especially when trying a new product. Some types require more or less than the average amount or frequency when it comes to certain ingredients and practices. By establishing a healthy routine that caters to your individual skin, you can enjoy gorgeous results.