Daily skin care routine
Your skin type matters
You may suspect that your skin is dry, oily, or sensitive, but do you really know your skin type? Using the wrong products for your skin type may worsen acne, dryness, or other skin problems. You can know your skin type as follows: Dry skin is rough and scaly, oily skin is shiny and greasy and may contain large pores, mixed skin is dry in one area such as the cheeks and dry in another area such as the forehead, nose and chin.
Daily skin care routine
A daily skincare routine can help you maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns such as acne, scars, and dark spots. Your daily skincare routine contains four basic steps that you can take once in the morning and once before bed.
Cleanser
Choose a lotion that does not leave your skin feeling tight after washing. Clean your face no more than twice a day, or only once, if your skin is dry. Avoid washing several times a day as this means that your skin's natural oils will disappear. There are lotions that work well for all skin types.
Serum
A serum containing vitamin C, growth factors or peptides would be best in the morning, under sunscreen. At night, a prescription retinol or retinoid works best.
Moisturizer
Even oily skin needs a moisturizer, but use a lightweight, gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Most brands label their packaging as a gel or cream.
Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 15 minutes before heading outdoors, as it takes a while for the sunscreen to activate. Dark skin needs more sun protection because hyperpigmentation is difficult to correct. Try a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Choose products that suit your skin type and sensitivity, and remember to read labels. Some products, such as a prescription retinol or retinoid, should only be used at night.
Start with a basic and simple routine to see how your skin reacts. Once you feel comfortable, you can add additional products like scrubs, masks, and spot treatments to boost the health of your skin. And don't forget to test out new products, especially if you suspect that you have sensitive skin. This can help you identify possible allergic reactions.
To test a new product :
Apply a small amount of the product to your skin on an indoor area, such as the inside of your wrist or arm. Wait 48 hours to see if there is a reaction. Check the area 96 hours after application to see if you have a delayed reaction. An allergic reaction may include irritation, redness, small bumps, or itching. If you notice these symptoms, wash the area you tested with water and a gentle cleanser. Then return the product and try another that suits your skin type better.
Some of these natural ingredients are cost-effective like baking soda, garlic, and sugar, but they aren't suitable for your skin. Even if you don't feel immediate side effects, these ingredients can cause delayed or long-term damage. It is best to use products designed for your face. Talk to your doctor before trying natural products on your skin.
