Everyone knows that the cornerstone of beautiful skin is healthy skin. The foundation of healthy skin is having a skincare routine that regulates your cellular turnover and oil production. However, building your skin regimen can be intimidating, which is why you may want to talk to the skin experts at
Beauty Co. in Raleigh, NC about the products that are best for your skin type.
What Are the Basic Steps of Skin Care?
When people begin building a skin regimen, they may run into conflicting advice about the brands and products that should be used. However, everyone has different skin and different skin needs. If you plan to build a regimen, then you will need to start from the basics and customize it from there.
Cleanse
The most basic step of your routine is cleansing your skin. Ideally, you should cleanse your skin twice a day to remove dirt, excess oil, pollutants, and makeup from your skin. The cleansing step is important because it allows your skin to breathe and it prepares your skin for other steps in your routine.
Which Type of Cleanser Is Best?
For cleansing products, you will be able to choose from oil-based cleansers, foaming cleansers, and cream cleansers. Selecting the right type of cleanser will depend on your lifestyle and your skin type. For example, people who have very sensitive skin may get the most benefit from a cream cleanser.
Oil-based cleansers are double-duty products because the oil in the cleanser removes dirt and makeup while also emulsifying excess oil in your pores. Many people view oil-based cleansers as a first-step cleanser, which is then followed by a foaming or cream cleanser. If you frequently wear makeup, then a double cleansing routine at night may be best for your skin.
Moisturize
The next basic step in your routine will be moisturizing your skin. Although your cleanser should be mild enough to not strip your skin of natural oils, you will still need to replace some of your skin hydration with a moisturizer. Moisturizers can be heavy for nighttime to help your skin soak in humectants, or they can be lightweight for daytime to keep your skin supple under the sun.
Should You Use Oils or Creams for Moisturizing?
There is some debate on the best type of moisturizer for the skin. Right now, serums and oil-based moisturizers are favorites among beauty bloggers because this type of moisturizer rebalances the oil production in the skin. However, cream moisturizers are intensely hydrating and may be more appropriate for those who have very dry skin.
Protect
The final basic step of your routine is protecting your skin from sunlight. Unprotected exposure to the sun can cause dark spots, early fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, and uneven pigment. You should always wear SPF 30 or higher during the day. People who have very fair skin may benefit from using SPF 50, particularly during the summer.
Which Type of Sunscreen Is Best?
The two main types of sunscreen are chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen. The benefits of either type will depend on your skin type and your skin goals. For example, while mineral sunscreens generally give the best broad spectrum protection, they can also create a white cast on the skin that may not be favorable for those who have medium to dark skin tones.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, sink into the upper dermal layers to protect the skin without causing a white cast. However, people with sensitive skin may have difficulty using chemical-based sunscreens.
What About Other Steps?
Of course, while cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin are all basic steps in your skin routine, there may be additional steps you will want to add. Customizing your routine with additional steps can tailor your regimen to meet all of your unique skin needs, whether you are trying to control acne or reduce visible signs of aging.
Exfoliators
Regular exfoliation is an essential step for most people. At home, you can use chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or retinoids to gently exfoliate your skin. However, for many people, professional exfoliation treatments such as a derma peel may be more effective, particularly if you have moderate to severe skin concerns.
Toners
Toners are a step many people like to use between cleansing and moisturizing. The role of a toner is to essentially neutralize the pH of your skin, which can help your active skin products and moisturizers work more effectively. A toner can also remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that your cleanser left behind.
Actives
Active ingredients are the most important section of your routine to tailor to your skin type and skin needs. Active ingredients can include everything from niacinamide to hyaluronic acid to vitamin C. The active ingredients that are most appropriate for your skin will need to be selected based on your skin concerns. Actives are usually applied before moisturizers.
Get Advice on the Best Products for Your Skin Today
If you aren’t sure where to start when you are building your skin routine, you can always speak with a dermatologist or aesthetic expert. For example, these skin experts can help you identify the best products that prioritize your skin health, such as ZO Skin Health products. Contact Beauty Co. in Raleigh, NC to schedule a skincare consultation today.
