Taking care of your skin can seem like a complex endeavour that takes a zillion pricey products that have to be applied in a particular way for maximum effectiveness.
There are night and day creams, masks, eye creams, serums, exfoliants, essential oils, AHAs, BHAs…so many products. Honestly, even skincare gurus can be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products promoted as must-haves.
If you are looking for a simple and smart skincare guide, this one is for you. We have broken down skincare so that you do not have to focus on maintaining a 10-step daily beauty routine. Instead, you can focus on what to do daily, weekly, and monthly.
What to do on a daily basis
Daily skincare habits are the most essential for having healthy, glowing skin. Even if you lose focus on the weekly habits, it is important to have a basic daily routine. The most essential daily routines include;
Moisturise every day
Regardless of your skin type, moisturisation is an important daily step. After cleansing, always apply a moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type.
Applying a moisturiser daily goes a long way in keeping your skin hydrated – which helps you avoid issues commonly associated with dryness such as dullness, irritation, acne, and premature ageing.
Moisturisers also come with extra benefits for your skin. Many of them contain vitamins for skin care such as vitamin C, which brightens and evens out your skin tone.
Some also contain SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. If you have oily skin, go for water-based oil-free moisturisers. For dry skin, creamy moisturisers are best while those with normal/combination skin should go for any moisturiser type.
For sensitive skin, opt for moisturisers that are fragrance-free and do not contain parabens and irritants.
Cleanse every night
Cleansing your skin in the morning can take up precious time, especially if you are rushing to go to work. Cut down your morning prep by cleansing your skin at night.
If you do so, you won’t even have to wash your face in the AM. All you need is to splash some water on it and pat it dry with a towel before applying your products. Cleansing your skin in the PM also means that your skin will be squeaky clean when you are sleeping.
You will get rid of all the makeup residue, dirt, and germs that have built up on your skin over the day. This will give your skin an easier time to rest, heal, and regenerate.
Micellar water is a great cleanser that works well for almost everyone. It is a gentle cleanser free from drying alcohols. As an added benefit, it also helps in hydrating your skin.
If you would like to do a double-cleanse, start with an oil-based cleanser and follow up with a water-based one such as Micellar water.
Wear sunscreen in the morning
After applying your moisturiser in the morning, make sure to slather on some sun protection. Sun damage is responsible for most signs of premature ageing.
According to scientific studies, damage from UV rays is responsible for up to 80 per cent of skin ageing. To keep your skin healthy and young, invest in a sunscreen lotion with at least SPF 30 UVA and UVB protection.
What to do every week
Some skin care practices are not recommended for your daily routine. The most important beauty practice that should be done weekly is exfoliation. Let us take a look at how and why you need to exfoliate every week.
Exfoliate your skin
Even with daily cleansing, some makeup residue and dead skin cells can build up on your pores. This can lead to a dull complexion, irritation, and acne breakouts.
That is why you need to exfoliate your skin at least once a week. Exfoliation sloughs off grime and dead skin cells from your pores. It helps your skin look and feel smoother and brighter.
It also reduces the likelihood of experiencing acne breakouts. Consider going for a chemical exfoliant such as an AHA or BHA. They gently penetrate your pores to remove excess dead skin cells and dirt, which you can then wipe off with a face cloth.
What to do every month
To keep your skin healthy, there are some things you should do every month. The most important things to do every month are checking your product’s expiry dates, and analysing your overall skin wellbeing.
Ditch products that are past their expiry dates as well as those that have gone bad. Using a makeup mirror, examine your skin carefully for any issues that may need special attention.
For instance, suspicious spots and growths may require you to consult a dermatologist.