Skincare: Everything you need to know before getting started

Skincare is a concept that has become very relevant for some time now. Every time we see more and more accounts promoting products or skincare routines.

 

When entering a pharmacy or supermarket, we see many things within our reach. To start this almost sacred ritual that is given so much importance today.

 

But… What is skincare, what is it all about, and what is all this for?

 

Let’s find out

 

What is skincare, and what is it for?

 

Skincare is nothing more than all that cleaning and care routine that we give to the skin of our face. To keep it healthy and with the best possible appearance.

 

But before delving into the subject, it´s essential to remember that if your skin has any lesions, is highly sensitive, suffers from acute acne (more than just an occasional outbreak), or presents any singularity, it is recommended that you go to a dermatologist, before starting with any routine where you´re going to use unknown products.

 

Another point to note is that there´s no perfect skin. So, don’t get carried away by what you see in magazines and less so in Instagram filters. Because we all have marks, blemishes, expression lines, acne, freckles, and open pores.

 

And you should also know that skincare products (even the most expensive ones) are not miraculous.

 

Certainly, consistency makes a big difference, and the appearance of your skin will improve visibly. But it may not 100% eliminate that blemish or close those pores forever.

 

So, as long as we practice a consistent routine and are aware that we are giving our skin a dose of care to improve and look healthy, and we do not seek a 360-degree change of skin, we will have half the success guaranteed.

 

Skin types. What’s yours?

 

Skin types are classified into 3: Dry, oily, and combination.

 

Dry skin is characterized by its constant dryness and a feeling of tightness.

 

Oily skin tends to have an oily and shiny presence for much of the day.

 

While combination skin is a mix of the above. Finding dry skin in the cheek area and oily skin in the T zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

 

Now, how do we identify our skin type?

 

There´s a way to know which of the three options is ours when in doubt. It´s not a foolproof method, but it will get you close enough to know what type of skin you have.

 

Wash your face, pat dry as usual, don’t apply any products, and wait for a little over an hour and look at your skin.

 

If you notice drier areas than others, your skin is dry.

 

If, on the contrary, you observe the presence of oiliness, and when you touch your face, you feel how your fingers slide as if you had applied cream or oil, your skin is oily.

 

And if only your T-zone feels oily, and the rest of your face feels dry, you have combination skin.

 

It would help if you considered the importance of knowing your skin type before starting a skincare routine. Because the products can both help you and accentuate a condition such as more dryness or more oil.

 

In addition, it will be more effective if you apply a treatment-oriented to your needs and specific skin type. So, knowing this is essential.

 

Steps in a skincare routine

 

There are many steps in this skincare routine.

 

From peelings, chemical exfoliations, application of serums, etc. There are three basic and essential steps in the routine: cleaning, hydration, and sunscreen.

 

Cleaning

 

It can be simple or double.

 

Simple cleaning consists of using only a unique cleanser or soap according to your skin type. To remove all impurities, makeup, polluting residues of the day, and oiliness.

 

Double cleansing mainly involves biphasic micellar water, a combination of cleansing water with oil, responsible for removing makeup and impurities.

 

It´s essential to know that you must wash your face with cleansing soap after applying the micellar water. So you remove the oil remains that may still be in your face from the first phase of cleansing.

 

Hydration

 

The step followed by cleaning is the application of the moisturizer.

 

Whatever your skin type, even oily ones, hydration must be inevitable. You have to find which one is the most suitable for your skin.

 

Sunscreen

 

Little did you know that sunscreen prevents:

 

Premature aging.

 

The appearance of expression lines.

 

Stains.

 

Acne marks.

 

The appearance of skin cancer.

 

That´s why it´s so important, and we insist on daily application of sunscreen, even in closed places with artificial light. Since UV rays can penetrate the most sensitive layers, damaging our skin and our health in the long term.

 

The success is in choosing a light protector that is for daily use. And after this last step, you can put on makeup and be ready to give your best face to the world.

 

Skincare for beginners according to your skin type

 

Each body and skin are different from another and, therefore, have specific needs.

 

As we have already seen, someone with oily skin will not use the same products as a dry skin person.

 

Given that, let’s talk about specific routines according to each type of skin. If you´re starting in the world of skincare, you should know that less is more.

 

You don’t need to invest in many products or expensive brands. Start with the basic routine to see how your skin reacts and how consistent you are.

 

So, if you have dry skin:

 

Step 1.

 

Clean your skin 1-2 times a day with an aloe vera-based cleanser to hydrate and activate charcoal to improve cleansing.

 

Avoid bar soaps whose pH dries your skin more.

 

Step 2.

 

Use a moisturizer, preferably several times a day, based on peptides and coenzyme Q10 that stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid.

 

Avoid alcohol-based products, fragrances, and essential oils.

 

Step 3.

 

Apply sunscreen.

 

In case your skin is oily:

 

Step 1.

 

Cleanse your face 2-3 times a day to remove excess oil, using an aloe vera or activated charcoal-based cleanser.

 

Avoid bar soaps, scented soaps, sodium lauryl sulfate, and alcohol.

 

Step 2.

 

Use a gel or water-based moisturizer with base ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, zinc, vitamin B5, niacinamide.

 

Step 3.

 

Apply sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 40.

 

Avoid touching your face, using much makeup or make-up that is very dense, exfoliating your face excessively.

 

And for combination skin:

 

Step 1.

 

Cleanse your skin with aloe vera or activated charcoal-based cleansers to cleanse and maintain hydration and control oil production deeply.

 

Avoid bar soaps, alcohol-based products, peels.

 

Step 2.

 

Hydrate with gel-based products or serums that contain hyaluronic acid, zinc, and vitamin B5.

 

Avoid moisturizers based on essential oils and fragrances.

 

Step 3.

 

Apply sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 40.

 

Avoid excess makeup, consumption of processed foods, and stress.

 

Well, with this little guide, you´re ready. You have all the information you need to start your path to a healthy face.

 

And whatever option you choose to start with, the important thing is that it makes you feel comfortable, is to your liking, and doesn’t affect your pocket either.