The recent years saw the boom of 10-step skincare routines. Apart from your trusty cleanser, you need a mask, serum, another mask and another serum to keep your face happy and healthy. While some people can afford the 10-step skincare routine, others don’t have the time or money.
Fortunately, you don’t really need 10 products to achieve a healthy glow. All you need are five products: cleanser, face toner, moisturizer, sunscreen and repair products.
Cleanser
No matter what the changes to your skincare routine are, ditching the cleanser is never an option. Cleansers wash off the dirt, excess oil, makeup, environmental impurities, and dead skin cells that end on your face throughout the day.
If you have normal or combination skin, choose a cleanser that doesn’t dry out or strip the oil off your skin. Liquid cleansers are ideal for this. On the other hand, if you have very oily skin, your best bet is a cleanser that is specifically formulated for oily skin types. These cleansers tend to be drying, which is good for people with oily skin.
Consult with your dermatologist before you settle on a cleansing product.
Toner
Most people prefer to skip using their toners due to the assumption that toners irritate the skin. Thanks to newer and better toner formulas today, that’s no longer the case. While toners don’t shrink pores, the new breed of toners is versatile. They can act as vitamin B derivatives, a delivery system for antioxidants, and toning acids. Also, special toners are made to address different skin issues, so consult with your dermatologist on the right product for your skin concerns.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers are worth the investment, particularly if you have dry skin. Using moisturizing products improves the appearance of your skin over time by preventing the development of fine lines. Moisturizers also keep your skin’s protective barrier in good condition, as well as leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
To get out the most of your moisturizer, consider the following:
- If your skin type is normal, use a light cream or lotion.
- If you have oily skin, use a gel-like moisturizer that hydrates the skin but won’t add more oil.
- If your skin type is dry, use a heavy cream moisturizer that takes a minute or two before your skin absorbs it.
- If the only oily area on your skin is the t-zone, just use the moisturizer on your cheeks, neck, and eye area.
- Everyone, however, should apply moisturizer on their necks and around their eye area since everyone has fewer oil glands in those areas.
Sunscreen
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again: sunscreen IS the most important product of your skincare routine. In fact, it should take the top spot of your skincare essentials.
The earlier you prevent sunlight from damaging your skin cells, the better your skin will be for years to come. If you live in an area that gets plenty of sunshine, use sunscreen every day. Sunscreen and other sun protection products prevent age spots, prematurely aged skin, leathery-looking skin, brown spots and harmful skin cancers.
Similar to the other products mentioned, there are different sunscreens made for different skin types. Choose a product according to your skin type, climate and the intensity of your exposure to the sun.
- For drier and mature skin, choose a product that repairs it.
- For normal skin, use a light cream or a lotion.
- For oily skin, go for a very light lotion or powder for your sunscreen.
Repair Products
Wrap up your skincare routine by pampering your skin with repair products, aka products that reduce the damage from environmental factors.
Vitamin A creams are the go-to products for repairing aging and/or sun-damaged skin. Vitamin A creams also help prevent skin cancer.
Some people experience skin concerns when using these special creams. Incorporate the product by washing your face with a cleanser first. Next, apply a light moisturizer then let your skin dry up to fifteen minutes before you use a pea-sized amount of the cream again for your entire face.
How to Choose the Right Products for Your Skin
Before you settle on a product or a particular set of skincare products, know your skin type. There are no bad products, but sometimes people with different skin types use the wrong product for their skin. You may already have an idea what it is but if you’re not sure, confirm it with your dermatologist.
Also, refrain from buying into the hype. Popularity and packaging are traps that hold no value or weight in terms of your skin’s health. If you’re going to buy a product because of an influencer’s recommendation, consider the type of skin they were dealing with in the first place. This will give you a more reliable indicator of the effectiveness of the product.
In summary: you don’t need 10 products to enjoy healthier, young-looking skin. All you need are five products that work well with your skin type. This won’t just make your skin happy; your wallet will thank you, too.
