All You Need to Know: The Skin Care Basics
Skin care has been an interest of many enthusiasts. There are also more people learning how to take care of their skin properly not just for aesthetics but also for health concerns. Regardless, it’s never too late to know the inner workings of skin care and build a kit that suits you. (Remember, not every product suits everyone.)
Beware Your Skin Types
Before we hop on to the tiny details, it’s best to know what your skin type is. Not only this will prevent unwanted allergic reactions but this will also save you money by no longer buying products that won’t work well for you.
It’s easy to know what skin type you have. First, you can have a feel of your skin after washing it. If it feels tight, you most likely have dry skin. On the other hand, those with oily skin will feel a bit greasy and shiny all over. Normal skin, as the name implies, won’t be too dry nor too oily. Second, you can also identify whether you have a combination type of skin when your T-zone (the area around your forehead, nose, and chin) produces more oil compared to the rest of your face.
The Basics
Now, let’s get down to the basics. Remember that for every skin type, the basic skin care process is the same. Read on for the four basic steps:
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate
- Moisturize
- Protect
Cleanse
The pillar step of skin care is to always remove dirt and excess oil on the face through cleansing. This can range from simply washing your face to the most expensive treatments out there. But on a daily basis, washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day would suffice (one in the morning and one in the evening). Simply apply a cleanser over the skin in circular motion, with your hands, a brush, or any preferred method. Ensure that all areas are covered, then rinse thoroughly.
Depending on your preference (and type), you can use cleansers that come in gels, lotions, foams, or creams. Some may work better than others. For those with oily skin, you may want to avoid foam cleansers because they have the tendency of drying your skin more than usual. On the other hand, avoid milk cleansers if you have oily skin. Don’t worry. There’s always a cleanser for every skin type.
Exfoliate
It can be an extra step to others, but exfoliation is a critical step to remove dead skin cells. This process removes dead skin cells that block pores and cause breakouts. It also encourages skin cell regeneration that can improve overall skin health and appearance. Some experts say that it’s a good practice to exfoliate once to thrice a week depending on your skin type. Those on the dry end of the skin type spectrum may want to exfoliate less often.
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. The former often comes as a face scrub with tiny particles made from natural ingredients. Nuts, stones, plants, or plant extracts can become great sources for scrubs. Meanwhile, chemical exfoliants include acids such as AHAs and BHAs (aka hydroxl acids) to gently dissolve and flush out dead skin cells.
Moisturize
Never skip the moisturizer! More than keeping your skin healthy looking from the outside, it provides and brings back the moisture to your skin after all the previous steps. Moisturizers are designed to keep the skin from flaking which may expose the skin to further damage. Some tools like facial massagers help the skin absorb moisturizers and other serums faster.
One tip when applying moisturizer: apply the product with the thinner consistency first. For example, you may want to apply a serum first prior to layering it with moisturizer and then a sunscreen. Also, adjust to the seasons accordingly. Cream moisturizers with thicker consistencies are much better during the winter days when the skin is the driest. If you want, you can also cap it off with an eye cream specially made for the eyes.
Protect
To seal everything and to take your skincare to its full purpose, always apply SPF. Did you know that sunscreens rated SPF 30 or higher play a big role in keeping your skin looking younger and less prone to damage? Apply sunscreen even when you’re not going out as UV rays are still present indoors.
The Magic of the Basics
It sounds simple and it sure is when you make it a habit to follow these steps. Don’t worry, there will always be products that fit you, along with expert advice that will guide you to the right way of keeping your skin at its top shape.