How to Create a Good Skincare Routine

Skin is the largest and most visible organ in your body, which is probably why skincare aisles seem to go on forever. With seemingly endless product offerings, creating a skincare routine can be overwhelming and lead many people to grab the first product they see or what influencers recommend and hope for the best. The good news is the basics of creating a beneficial routine are quite simple.

To begin, let’s talk about why a skincare routine is important. Skincare, in many ways, is self-care. Those who put effort into caring for their skin are likely putting effort into caring for the rest of their body as well. With skin in particular, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is far easier to prevent sunspots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer than it is to deal with them after they’ve already appeared.

Your skin, particularly your face, is subject to many harsh conditions each day. Your body naturally produces oils that can clog pores, especially when mixed with the dirt, grime, and makeup that we encounter or use daily. Removing these elements and keeping the skin balanced will help your skin glow with health.

Good skincare starts with four basic steps. Begin by choosing a product to cover each category; then, complete the routine twice a day, before bed and when you wake up.

Wash

Washing is perhaps the most basic part of the skin care routine. Removing built-up dirt and makeup each evening is key to keeping your skin healthy and clear. In the morning, you need to remove the sweat and oil that have built up during the night. Choose a product that is intended for the face so it’s both gentle and effective at cleansing your skin.

Tone

Toner replenishes the skin after cleansing. It soothes irritation and protects skin by sealing the pores. It also enhances the effectiveness of products you use in the rest of your routine.

Moisturize

Here is where we talk about preventing wrinkles and creating healthy glow. Using the right moisturizer can protect against dryness but also against oiliness. Balancing and hydrating your skin sends the signal that less oil production is needed. Lastly, moisturizing fights wrinkles and keeps you looking young.

Protect

This step is only needed during the day, but everyone should protect their skin with an SPF moisturizer year-round. Sun does more damage to the skin than perhaps anything else, and the damage doesn’t stop during the winter months.

How to choose skincare products

Since there are so many products to choose from in each category, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that quality products matter. The lowest quality products offer limited benefits for your skin. There are plenty of quality products at a range of price points, so try some different products until you find one that suits your skin and needs.

A licensed esthetician can consult on products that will best suit your skin. Consider scheduling an appointment with Sara Taylor, owner of Sweet Escape Skin Care, who sees clients at Resonance. Sara can evaluate your skin and provide specific recommendations on products to use.

As you think about taking care of your skin, remember it’s okay to keep it simple. Cleanse your skin twice a day. Use a toner and then moisturizer after you cleanse. Lastly, protect your skin from sun damage whenever you head out the door.