The beauty aisles are literally brimming with products that claim to be “must-haves.” Shopping for beauty and skin care products may be a frustrating experience if the shelves are crammed and the promises are too good to be true. I mean, how many must-haves does a single individual actually require?
When it comes to keeping your skin in top shape, we all know it is essential, but there are so many new products and crazy beauty fads out there that finding a basic skincare regimen and adhering to it seems complicated.
Even if you want to make your skincare regimen as basic as possible, you need still to adhere to a few guidelines. When it comes to skincare, we spoke with a few professionals in order to obtain a clear picture of what you need to do—at the absolute least—to look and feel your best.
1. Use a gentle daily cleanser
Every time you get out of bed, your skin is subjected to enormous stress. UV radiation, pollution, and everyday activities all contribute to the ageing of the skin.
“Before you go to sleep, wash your face with a mild soap and warm water. To assist your skin recover itself and preparing for the next day while you sleep, you must remove the day’s dirt and filth from your face. “The creator of Modern Dermatology and Doctor Rogers RESTORE Skin Care, Heather Rogers, MD, states.
2. Moisturize twice a day
During the course of the day, your skin loses moisture that helps maintain it plump and young. Moisturize twice a day, in the morning and at night, to keep your skin soft and supple. In order to keep your skin healthy, Serron recommends doing this practice: “This routine ensures that you are cleansing your skin, assisting in moving along your skin cells’ life cycle for better skin,” she explains.
3. Always wear sunscreen
All year-round, not only in the summer, UV exposure damages the skin. Even if you have heard it a million times, sunscreen is an absolute must for your skincare regimen. You do not need to use a moisturizer with SPF or makeup with SPF—you need a sunscreen product to protect yourself.
Alex Serron, a skin therapist at Heyday, argues that “the sun is responsible for 90 per cent of skin ageing. Hence SPF (between SPF 30 and SPF 50) is the finest anti-ageing product money can buy.” “If you do not wear it, you will not be able to enjoy the benefits. Remember that UVA rays, which accelerate the skin’s ageing process, may pass through windows.”
Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, of Union Square Dermatology, is well-versed in the complexities of the beauty industry. “It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of skincare options available, but it is essential to remember that the essentials, such as a solid sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, are the most important when it comes to maintaining healthy skin. If you believe your foundation’s SPF 15 is sufficient, you are kidding yourself. “This is what Dr Idriss has to say.
4. Exfoliate occasionally, not every day
After a time, your skin might get clogged with dirt and debris. Getting rid of dead skin cells that accumulate on your face may lead to discomfort, dullness, and even acne. You do not need to exfoliate every day, but you should include it into your skincare regimen at least once a week.
Idriss thinks chemical exfoliation is a good idea “after you are comfortable enough with your basic face regimen” since it allows the active compounds in your skin care products to penetrate easier, resulting in “healthier, smoother looking skin.”
5. Add an anti-ageing product
In order to maintain healthy skin, you must follow the first three instructions above. Include an anti-ageing product in your skincare regimen to help prevent damage caused by environmental aggressors, even if your routine is essential.
Because it is one of the few compounds capable of penetrating deep into the dermis and stimulating collagen creation straight at the source, Retinol (a less robust and over-the-counter version of a retinoid) is a star component, Dr Idriss. This product has been clinically proved to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and even pore size over time.”
6. Do not overthink it
Do not allow yourself to be freaked out by all the beauty hoopla since skincare is intended to be pleasurable. Good skin care fundamentals have not changed in a long time. In addition, after you have established a pattern that works for you, you may always experiment with new ideas.
What is a fantastic way to begin? If you cannot find a face cleanser that you enjoy, Dr Rogers suggests that you use it every night. You can do more for your skin when you are ready if you have a nightly habit of self-care in place. This is the most crucial step.”
