Creating a good skincare routine is essential to maintaining healthy, youthful skin—but that doesn’t mean it has to be a struggle. Sometimes the most straightforward changes can make the most significant difference. Here are some easy ways to upgrade your facial care routine and get better results.
1. Start with a clean slate
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing and for a good reason. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and pollution from the skin’s surface, leaving it free to absorb the products that will help it look its best. But not all cleansers are created equal. Look for a product that’s gentle but effective, like one that uses natural ingredients.
There are also various kinds of facial cleansers for different purposes. For example, micellar water is a great way to simultaneously remove makeup and clean skin. Another example would be exfoliating cleansers. These remove dirt and oil from your skin, while also getting rid of dead cells, as well. Exfoliation helps reveal newer, healthier layers of skin by sloughing off the dull, damaged surface that is often caused by poor lifestyle habits such as smoking and sun exposure.
2. Don’t forget about your eyes
The skin around your eyes is delicate, so it needs special attention. Gently patting on an eye cream morning and night will help keep fine lines and dark circles at bay. To choose a good eye cream, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide complex, and vitamin E. These will help keep the skin under your eyes looking fresh and bright.
3. Treat yourself to a mask once a week
A good face mask can work wonders for your skin, but choosing the right one can be tricky. If your skin looks or feels dull, look for a hydrating mask that helps restore moisture levels. If your skin is breaking out or oily, try a clay mask that can absorb excess oil and detoxify pores. Whichever type of mask you choose, aim to use it once a week for the best results.
Some examples of facial masks include the popular sheet masks, which are easy to apply and great for deep hydration; mud masks, which help draw out impurities from pores; and collagen face masks.
4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Don’t forget to moisturize! A healthy skincare routine isn’t complete without a moisturizing face lotion or cream—preferably with SPF protection for daytime use. Apply moisturizer liberally every morning after cleansing for the best results.
When shopping for a good moisturizer, keep in mind the form it comes in. While lotions and creams will offer more intensive hydration, serums and gels may be a better choice for those with oily skin.
5. Learn about different skin types
A critical step to getting the perfect facial care routine is understanding your skin type. Just as there are different types of hair – straight, wavy, curly – there are also different skin types.
The three main types of skin are oily, dry, and combination. Oily skin is characterized by large pores and a shine, while dry skin is often flaky or scaly. Combination skin usually has both oily and dry areas.
6. Look for specialized products online
Once you know your skin type, you can buy products tailored to your needs. For example, people with dry skin should look for skincare products that are hydrating and nourishing, while those with oily skin may need products that help to control oil production. By taking the time to learn about your skin type, you can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your facial care routine.
Buying specialized products is easier than ever online. If you have skin that is both dry and scaly, don’t worry, you won’t have to spend hours looking. There are many ways you can purchase skincare for dry, scaly skin online— e-commerce sites, social media shops, or even mobile apps. Because these usually have wide selections, they can be a great resource for finding products that work well for even the most specific needs.
Another benefit of shopping online is that you can often find discounts or coupons to save money on your purchase. In addition, many online retailers offer free shipping or returns, which can be a great way to save time and money.
Building a good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By cleansing thoroughly, using an eye cream morning and night, setting aside time once a week for a face mask, being consistent with your moisturizer (daytime versions should always contain SPF!), learning about different skin types, and looking for specialized products online, you can upgrade your facial care routine. Your best skin ever awaits!
