Following a daily skin care routine is something we should all practice. By properly caring for your skin, you can help reduce harmful effects from environmental elements, which will in turn help your skin age gracefully.
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to a skin care routine is that you need the most expensive cleansers, moisturizers, and latest tools in order to properly achieve healthy skin. Well, that’s actually not true.
Properly caring for your skin does not have to include a ten or twelve-step process. A good skin care routine requires proper cleansing, exfoliation, toning, and moisturizing. And if you’re on a budget, all of the items you need can be purchased at your local discount store.
Here are the basic steps you should follow in order to achieve healthy skin and maintain a “youthful” glow.
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A Healthy Skincare Routine
Cleanse
Any good skin care routine starts with proper cleansing. Cleansing is essential to remove oil, dirt and dead skin cells. Cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil.
When cleansing, be very gentle with your skin. Also, pat your face when drying, as opposed to rubbing.
There are many different types of cleansers on the market. Here’s a simple breakdown of a few of the different types of cleansers that are available:
Bar soaps can be a bit more drying than other facial cleansers. They can strip your skin of natural oils, therefore they tend to be more suitable for those with oily skin.
Lotion/Gel cleansers are mild cleansers that are best suited for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Foaming cleansers can also be a bit drying. Therefore, those with oily skin tend to do better with a foaming cleanser.
Medicated cleansers contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid helps to clear blocked pores while reducing swelling and redness. Benzoyl peroxide exfoliates the skin and kills bacteria.
Take extra care to choose a cleanser that is best suited for your particular skin type. You may have to experiment to see which one is best suited for you. And you always want to choose the cleanser that is most gentle on your skin.
NanoSteamer Large 3-in-1 Nano Ionic Facial Steamer
Exfoliate
No matter your skin type, you can benefit from exfoliating. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from your pores while revealing new skin cells.
Choose a gentle exfoliant or facial scrub. Pay attention to your skin as well. Some people can get away with exfoliating on a daily basis, while others may only be able to do it once a week.
I typically exfoliate twice a week, but you should follow a schedule that is best for you and your skin type.
Tone
A toner can help to remove any leftover traces of dirt and makeup. People with oily skin or those prone to acne can especially benefit from using a toner.
Our skin is naturally acidic, and during the cleansing process that balance is thrown off. Applying a toner after cleansing helps to restore the pH balance of your skin.
Moisturize
After cleansing and toning, you want to make sure that your skin is properly moisturized. You should incorporate a moisturizer into your skincare routine as early as your twenties.
Make sure that you use light-handed, upward strokes to apply moisturizer to your neck and face. Be extra careful with the sensitive skin around your eyes. Remember that less is more. If you apply a thick layer of moisturizer, it can lead to breakouts, because your skin cannot absorb it properly.
Aim to moisturize your skin twice a day. Your daytime moisturizer should include an SPF to help protect against the sun’s rays. Most nighttime formulas do not contain an SPF but instead contain anti-aging ingredients.
Be sure to choose a formula that is compatible with your skin type to avoid breakouts.
Serum
There are several benefits to using face serums. They help to brighten the look of dull skin, reduce wrinkles, minimize the appearance of dark spots, and hydrate the skin just to name a few.
If you are not familiar with face serums, they are simply lightweight moisturizers that contain a higher concentration of active ingredients like Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid than most typical facial moisturizers.
Hyaluronic acid gives your skin that glowing, dewy look, while Vitamin C helps to fight early signs of aging.
If you could benefit from a facial serum, you’ll want to apply it before your moisturizer for maximum benefits.
One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of healthy skin is simply H2O. Drink plenty of water on a daily basis. According to the Mayo Clinic, women should drink 2.7 liters per day and men should drink 3.7 liters per day.
By incorporating these best practices into my daily skin care routine, I have been able to achieve, and maintain healthier looking skin.
What are your healthy skin essentials?
Thanks for the tips! I always forget the exfoliating part. In the past, I’ve been a little harsh and my skin has reacted badly. I still need to do it once in a while, though. Thanks for the reminder!
I agree that a healthy skin care regime doesn’t have to be lengthy or expensive, but it does need to be consistent. The simple steps you’ve outlined can help your skin remain healthy and looking younger a you age. And at the age of 64, I know that time is not our friend when it comes to our skin. Great post!
Thank you Candi!
I don’t have a skincare routine, but it’s something I have been considering, so this is really helpful for knowing what to do.
Wow! Very helpful article:-) Good Job!!
Building an excellent skincare routine seems easy but it is not at all it takes perseverance and good advice like yours!
Thank you.
A great read. I tend to use a cleanser but I need to remember to start moisturising as I always forget.
Healthy skin really matters the more you grow older! I think basic cleaning and exfoliating, using the right products for yourself is very important!
I definitely feel you on the multi-step routine, I have so many freckles and they just keep popping up if I don’t take care of my skin daily.
All great tips and definitely helpful for good skin care routines! -Sondra Barker @cuisineandtravel.com
Love this! But I do not really like moisturizing because I live in a very hot climate like it’s always summer all year long and I have oily skin which makes my skin even more sensitive and oily.
Makes a lot of sense. Thanks for reading.
I have just started exfoliating. It’s really refreshing, actually.
Exfoliation is key to a brighter complexion! I find when I exfoliate more my skin is also clearer. Great tips and post!
Yes! Exfoliation makes my skin brighter also.
I def. need to exfoliate more! Its so important for your skin care routine!