Cleansers, toners, and serums, oh my! Unlike lions, tigers, and bears, these essential components of a skincare routine are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, they’re necessities and something that you should educate yourself on thoroughly.
When it comes to skincare routines, there is often more than meets the eye. There are many products involved and each play an important role in helping you achieve glowing, beautiful skin. Here are five skincare essentials that need to be a part of your skincare routine.
1. Cleanser
Every great skincare routine starts with a cleanser. The first step in your routine should be washing your face. This helps to wipe away makeup, dirt, and other impurities, which your face collects throughout the day. It prepares your face for the remaining steps in your routine too, ensuring you get maximum benefits from every product.
There are so many cleansers to choose from, each with their own unique set of benefits. The one you choose will depend on your skin concerns. All cleansers provide the benefit of removing impurities and keeping skin glowing and healthy. However, some provide additional hydration. Other cleansers are designed to treat acne-prone skin.
If you have acne or another serious skin concern, a cleanser alone may not suffice. You may require a prescription. Unlike many skincare products that are universal in almost every routine, acne treatments are different. They’re used by individuals who have a serious skin condition to treat.
2. Toner
The next essential product in every skincare routine is toner. Toner can remove excess impurities that were left behind after cleanser, but it also provides additional benefits. It temporarily tightens the skin and reduces the size of pores. But most importantly, toner balances the pH level in skin. This allows for other products, like moisturizers and serums, to work better. In the long run, the use of a toner consistently will improve the appearance of your skin and help prevent signs of aging.
Knowing your skin type is extremely important when choosing the right toner. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid any products with alcohol or fragrances. This can cause skin irritation. For dry skin types, look for a hydrating toner with peptides or rosehip seed oil. Oily skin types usually do best with toners that exfoliate, which help absorb oil while also removing dead skin cells.
3. Moisturizer
After toner in a skincare routine, the next essential step is a moisturizer. It’s a step you absolutely cannot afford to skip for a variety of reasons. Not only does a moisturizer hydrate and replenish the skin, but it also keeps your skin’s protective barrier thriving. Dry skin can lead to breakouts and other skin issues. This is why moisturizer is so important — hydration is key to helping your skin regulate itself.
When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, you have many factors to consider. You should look for ingredients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acids while avoiding fragrances and added coloring. It’s also important to remember that moisturizer works best on damp skin. After using a cleanser, lightly towel pat your face dry, so you can make your moisturizer work for you.
4. SPF
Far too many people only think of SPF when they’re breaking it out for a beach day. The truth is, SPF should be a part of your everyday skincare routine. You should incorporate SPF into your morning skincare routine so you’re protected throughout the day. Rain or shine, hot or cold — it doesn’t matter. Skin damage from UV rays should be a year-round concern.
Damage from the sun can cause premature signs of aging, and it can even lead to skin cancer. In terms of facial sunscreen, there are so many options available that it makes the decision tougher. Not only do you want to choose a high-quality product, but you also want something that is going to work well with your skin type. To find the best SPF for your complexion, don’t be afraid to research and ask friends for recommendations.
Pro tip: When choosing a daily SPF, make sure it’s at least SPF 30.
5. Serums
Serums are growing in popularity in recent years and for good reason. Although serums have been around for a while, they weren’t always seen as an essential product. Now that people are more educated on all the great benefits of serums, they’re becoming a skincare staple. Serums are light oils that easily absorb into the skin and provide a highly concentrated dose of a particular active ingredient.
All serums are different, and they all provide varying benefits. Hydrating serums typically work by providing a dose of hyaluronic acid, helping the skin to retain moisture and stay hydrated. Moisturizers are still essential, but they can’t always provide this type of deep nourishment. Other serums brighten the skin, work to fight against breakouts, or reduce signs of aging.
Pro tip: If you’re new to serums, start by adding a vitamin C serum. Dermatologists highly recommend vitamin C for any skincare routine as it slows aging, improves the skin’s elasticity, and treats dark spots.
With so many skincare products on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused when making purchases. But the first step is having knowledge on the types of products that are available. After that, you can make the most educated decision on which ones are right for your skincare routine. And once you have great products, your skin will look great!
