In this new age of chaos and jam-packed schedules, it has become a luxury to take some time out for yourself. But we need to pause and think about all the damage we are causing daily to our biggest defense against the outside world; our skin. Does it really deserve to be neglected like this? Simply incorporating a few basic steps for our skin into our daily routines can help keep it healthy and fight against the daily wear and tear we put it through. Here’s how:

Cleansing

The first step to taking care of your skin is to keep it clean. Throughout the day, our skin on our face comes into contact with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells. On top of that, due to the regular use of makeup and heavy-duty skincare products, like sunscreen, our skin does not really get a chance to breathe. This is why cleansing your face twice daily is an integral part of any skincare routine. By removing all this gunk, a good cleanser prevents clogged pores and breakouts. Experts recommend using cleansers that are mild and easy on the skin, twice daily, as cleansing also prepares the skin for moisturizing. As a tip, avoid using products that contain sulfates and leave your skin feeling squeaky clean (never a good thing!)

Toning

The next step in a daily skincare routine is toning. It helps with extra cleansing and refreshes the skin. The main purpose of a toner is to restore the skin’s natural pH balance. Our skin is naturally acidic with a pH of between five and six. This balance can get disturbed due to the alkaline nature of cleansers. When this happens, the skin works overtime to return to its normal levels (which can make it oily) but using a toner can restore this balance quickly. As an added benefit, wiping your face with a toner removes excess oil and makes your pores look smaller.

Applying a Serum

Face serums are lightweight moisturizers that are often used to manage specific concerns, like wrinkles or blemishes. It is best to use them in conjunction with heavier moisturizers to better moisturize the skin.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is the key to having radiant and healthy skin. It reduces the chances of getting skin problems like acne and the appearance of other blemishes, and it fights wrinkles. To get the best results, pick a moisturizer that works for your skin type. Dermatologists recommend using lotions instead of creams for oily skin type because they have a lower oil content. If you have dry skin, then it is better to use a cream instead of a lotion. Regular moisturizing gives your skin the boost it needs to repair itself and keeps it looking young.

Using an Eye Cream

An eye cream minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes by restoring the elasticity to the skin around the eyes.

It is essential to use products that work for you and your skin type. You can always add more products to your skincare routine that are tailored to fit your specific skin issues. Our relationship with our skin is perhaps one of the most intimate relationships we have. Skincare is an investment into our own wellbeing and health and at the end of the day, we deserve nothing but the best.