A flawless skin is earned. No matter how much you spend on the best skin care products, without a good skin care routine, you will not achieve a healthy flawless skin. Although our ideal or perfect skin might vary from one person to another, a glowing and healthy skin is achieved through a consistent routine recommended by dermatologist.
Although we have different skin types with different skin problems, this routine has been proven to work for everyone. According to the expert dermatologist Dr. Neda Mehr, our daily lifestyle highly affects the health of our skins. This lifestyle includes our diet, skin care routine and the kind of skincare products we use. She recommends the following steps that will help in tuning your skin complexion to its best while addressing skin issues:
Step 1: Cleansing
Dermatologists recommends cleansing twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. No matter how well you washed your face in the morning, evening cleaning should not be skipped at all cases. After a long day, your skin will require good cleansing to get rid of make-up, your skin care products, oils, pollutants and among others.
This calls for investing in a very good cleaner. “The best cleanser should clean your skin gently so that it does not strip essential oils leaving your face dry and irritated,” Dr. Neda Mehr explains. Additionally, she notes that we should not cleanse our skins too much with harsh cleanses since they can break down the skin.
Understanding your skin type comes in handy when choosing your cleanser. It will ensure you get the right cleaner that will work well for your skin. Dr. Neda, expert dermatologist recommends the following for each type of skin:
Highly sensitive skin: Gentle, well-tolerated and oily cleanser with as little ingredients as possible.
Dry skin: Hydrating cleanser that gently and optimally cleans the skin.
Oily skin: Gentle cleanser that wipes off excess oil from pores. It should not contain alcohol so that you are your skin remains hydrated.
Normal skin: A soothing cleanser that is specifically made for normal skin. It should be able to moisturize your skin as well as cleaning it well.
Step 2: Toning
Toning balances your skin’s pH level. This helps your skin to be less oily and protect it against infection. It also very effecting at shrinking pores, preventing ingrown hair, moisturizing, and refreshing your skin. While this step is optional, it prepares your skin adequately for the next step which is treating your skin. It is recommended that you choose a toner depending on your skin type. For instance, if you have a dry skin that is sensitive, you should go for a hydrating one.
Step 3: Treatment
Depending on your skin issues, choose a treatment that will address the needs of your skin. Treating your face with boosts your skin care and eliminates acne and pimples as well as brightening your skin. If you have a number of issues on your skin, you can use multiple serum formulas. However, you have to consult your dermatologist eliminate the chances of the reaction. Additionally, you should not mix your serum with your moisturizer or toner.
Step 4. Eye Cream
Just like toning, applying eye cream is optional. However, if you have dryness, puffiness, or pigmentation concerns around your eyes, you should apply a cream. Considering the skin around your eyes is highly delicate, dermatologists recommend choosing an eye cream with gentle ingredients that will not react with your skin. You should also avoid creams with fragrance to avoid eye irritation or inflammation.
Why are morning and evening creams different? A lot of people think a cream is a cream however, they have different functions. Morning creams are designed to protect your skin while you step out to the sun and other environmental factors. On the other hand, your night cream is made to repair, refreshen and replenish your skin. It is important that you apply eye creams in the morning and evening for optimal results.
Step 5. Moisturizing
There are a lot of factors that can strip moisture from the skin. As such, moisturizing is essential to keep your skin soothed, soft, and hydrated. It also maintains your skin barrier, enables skin care products to function effectively and generally keeps your skin healthy.
Whether you have a very oily or dry skin, you need a moisturizer. However, in as much a moisturizer is a key ingredient for everyone to glow, you have to choose a moisturizer according to your skin type. If you have:
- Oily face – get a moisturizer that is lightweight or water-based such as silicone so that it is absorbed quickly.
- Sensitive skin – get a product without alcohol, retinal and fragrance. The moisturizer should be natural to avoid irritating your sensitive skin
- Dry skin – choose a heavy or oil-based moisturizer
Step 6. Protection
Protecting your skin is the most important step of all. However, much you follow the above steps, it will be a waste of your time if you do not protect your skin with sunscreen. It protects your skin against wrinkling, certain cancers, pigmentation, and textural changes. While choosing a sunscreen, expert dermatologists recommend getting with a combination of chemical and physical ingredients for ultimate protection.
This skin care routine will undoubtably accord you a healthy, glowing, and smooth skin if followed consistently. While it is not an instant fix, it has been proven to work well for everyone regardless of the skin type. Remember consistently following this routine while using the right skin care products for your skin is the key.
