When it comes to skincare products, you can easily end up spending a fortune on “must-haves” recommended by beauty bloggers, influencers, and friends – and then end up using hardly any of them. Develop your skincare routine the simple way, choosing one high-quality product for each basic step. If you then make a conscious choice to add in extras, you’ll know where to fit them in and what you’re hoping they’ll do for you. Now let’s take a look at those basic steps.
Oil Cleanse then Wash
A standard wash just isn’t enough, especially if you wear makeup, so start with a natural oil-based cleanser. Rice cleansing oil is a great choice. When you use it, it penetrates the pores, pulling out all that pore-clogging yuk that would otherwise ruin your skin. Choose a gentle facial wash, and remember not to scrub too hard, especially if you’re using one with exfoliating beads or an exfoliating sponge. Rinse with warm water to open your pores up. With your skin fully cleansed of impurities, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Tone Up
Even tap water can upset your skin’s natural pH balance, so the next step in your routine is to use a refreshing toner to prepare your skin for the final step in your nightly skincare routine. Pat (don’t rub) your skin dry with a soft, clean cloth or towel, and apply your toner. Simply spritz some into your hands and pat it on. If you prefer to use cotton, use a patting action. Remember, your skin is already as clean as it can be.
Moisturise
You’re nearing the end of your routine as you reach for the moisturiser. Night creams are richer than day creams and are designed to feed your skin while you sleep, so getting both a night cream and a day cream is first prize. Dot the cream onto your face before blending it into your skin. Avoid your eye area as regular moisturiser may irritate the eyes. Choose a specially formulated eye-cream for this area, and apply it gently.
Morning Routine
After your beauty sleep, it’s time to pamper your skin again. A regular wash should be enough for the cleansing step. Now it’s time for toner and a lighter, less-oily day cream. If possible give your skin five minutes to half an hour to absorb its moisturiser before you apply makeup. Half an hour is optimum.
Extras
There are literally hundreds of skincare extras out there. Choose yours wisely. I like to use a different moisturizer on my neck and decolletage morning and night, and I do like using a natural mask at intervals. However, these are optional extras. One thing to take seriously is sunblock, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Gardening hobby? Watersports? Sunblock is your friend! For the rest, you may have a few favorites of your own, so feel free to work them into your beauty routine.
How to Choose Skincare Products
It’s worth researching the different ingredients found in skincare products to see what they’re meant to do. Don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it! If you have sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic, perfume-free products that will be gentle on your complexion. You should also be aware that older women have drier skin and different skincare needs than younger women, so choose products that are made to cater to your skin’s age.
Your regular skincare routine will help your skin to stay in better condition, and your cleansing routine will help you to avoid those nasty pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads we all hate. A touch of makeup is strictly optional, your natural skin, glowing with health is your best asset!
