Creating a skincare routine can be an exciting venture or a scientific experiment gone wrong (scary!). However, the aim of this article is to make it the former. Our skin is unique, no two skin are alike, no matter how identical you might think yours is to someone else (beautiful isn’t it?). As such, a product or routine that may work for one person may have an adverse effect on another. Therefore, it is important for us to try to understand our skin as well as to ascertain our skin type so that we can purchase targeted products to meet our skincare needs.  You can read more on the skin here as well as learn what is our skin type here. Let’s discuss!

• Love the Skin you’re in!
• What’s my skin type!

The Discussion

A skincare routine is a series of steps and products that one uses in the maintenance of the skin.  However, most times, when one says ‘skin care’ we automatically attribute this to the face of the skin and this is one of those occasions. Why not? It is the first thing we see in the mirror and one of the first parts of the people sees when they meet you. So don’t mind those pimples on your back or those crepes on the legs, for now! We will get there, shortly. 

Here is a simple routine that can get you started on your skincare journey or simply help you revamp the one you have in order to reap optimal results. However, keep it simple, even though we are most times led to believe that more is best, but with skincare, that is necessarily not the case.  Simplicity can be bliss both in life and in how we take care of our skin. So a mild cleanser, something to help exfoliate the skin, a toner, which can be optional, you have to decide based on your skin type and a good old moisturizer.  All these can create an environment where your skin can thrive.  Plus, a mineral sunscreen can make a wonderful addition, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

A Simplified Skincare Routine:

• Cleansing.
• Exfoliating.
• Toning.
• Moisturizing.

Cleansing the Skin

Cleansing the skin is the process of removing dirt, sweat, bacteria and environmental pollutants from the skin.  Proper cleansing of the skin helps to control the production of sebum, which is the natural lubricant of the skin.  The production of too much sebum can cause the pores to clog which can then lead to the development of pimples and other abnormalities of the skin. 

The cleansing of the skin can be easily achieved with just the fingers. However, an exfoliating sponge or a mechanical brush can make a world of a difference.  Be mindful though, that a gentle cleanser is the key as products with harsh ingredients such as lauryl sulfate, ammonium, parabens, alcohols and synthetic colours and fragrances can cause the skin to become dry which can also lead to the over-production of sebum and of course, the dreaded acne.  So, look for products with plant-based ingredients that will not dry out the skin but are effective at cleansing the skin and keeping it balanced.

Exfoliating the Skin

While simple cleansing of the skin normally involves the surface layer of the skin, exfoliating goes a little deeper by removing dead skin cells, helping to smooth the skin which prevents the skin from looking dull and lifeless. Exfoliating also helps to prevent the formation of acne as well as minimise pores. It also preps the skin to effectively absorb your other products including your moisturizers or anti-aging treatments. 

Exfoliation also increases blood circulation which gives the skin a healthy glow and thus can be a game-changer in any routine, I know, it was for me.  However, keep it minimal at least 2 to 3 times per week as over-exfoliation as with anything, can affect the skin negatively which includes breakout, dry and patchy skin, some of the very things you were trying to avoid in the first place.  So, monitor your skin and see what works best for you, 2, 3 or 4 times per week and then work it into your routine accordingly.

Toning of the skin

To use or not to use, has been the day-old debate about adding a toner to one’s skincare routine.  However, as with all other things, you will have to make that decision based on your skin needs.  A toner is simple a solution developed to further cleanse the skin, help with shrinking the pores as well as restore the PH balance of the skin.  Further, toners can be helpful for persons with oily or acne-prone skin. While most toners are alcohol-based there are others that use more natural ingredients to treat the skin.  

Therefore, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then it would be best to stay away from alcohol-based products as those can aggravate the skin and cause breakouts.  As such, try to stick with those solutions with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, cucumber, aloe vera and even essential oils and herbs.  In addition, a toner should never be used as your skin’s main cleanser.  Therefore, if upon toning the skin the cotton pad is dirty, well dear, your face is not clean so head back to the bathroom and wash again. 

 I know sometimes some of us are led to believe that a toner is a product which helps to clean the skin (completing the process of cleansing), however, if you continue to apply your products on skin that is not properly clean that will ultimately lead to breakout as well as rough, patchy skin.  So, ensure that you are applying a toner to a clean face.

Moisturizing the Skin

Moisturizers are products or ingredients that help to keep the skin hydrated and thus healthy.  Due to environmental conditions, the skin is prone to becoming dry and brittle. As such, moisturizing helps to protect it while also helping it to remain supple.  However, it is important that you look for products with natural humectants such as honey, aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.  

These ingredients will help the skin become hydrated as well as retain moisture which in turn keeps it looking young and vibrant. Consequently, avoid products which contain heavy oils such as mineral oil or petrolatum as those will not only block the pores but also cause dryness and irritation.  Also, look for products which clearly state that the ingredients are non-comedogenic, as this implies that they will not clog pores which will cause breakouts and other skin issues.

Illustrative Summary

Here is an illustrative summary of a simple skincare routine.

Let’s Sum Up!

Taking care of the skin doesn’t have to be rocket science or an activity that lasts for hours. Just ensure that the fundamental steps of cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing are part of your routine.  Also, consistency is the key in order to gain the best results.  Further, selecting products with natural and effective ingredients is a critical part of this effort. Products with harsh ingredients such as surfactants and alcohol can lead to dull and acne-prone skin, especially those loaded with synthetic ingredients we find most difficult to pronounce and sometimes even spell.  

Remember, even products with some of the best-touted ingredients may cause issues for your skin. As such, an effective routine will come down to trial and error on your part. Reviews can be great and help to steer you on a particular course, but your skin will decide what it likes and what it really does not care for. Additionally, as the years go by, it will become necessary for you to re-assess your routine and products so as to truly attend to the needs of the skin.  So, with all that was said….Are you skintimate yet!

You can print the Skincare routine guide here as well as read about an ingredient that can help to truly moisturize the skin as well as help with signs of aging here.

• Handy Dandy – Skincare Routine Guide.
• Squalene and the Skin – What it is and Three (3) reasons why it should be a part of your moisturizing and anti-aging routine!

 

 

Reference

• Mohd Noor, Noorhuzaimi & Jannah Muhamad, Nur & Sahabudin, Noor & Mustafa, Zuriani. (2018). Development of skincare routine support system. Advanced Science Letters. 24. 7830-7833. 10.1166/asl.2018.13026.