Do You Really Need a Skincare Routine? A Simple Guide to Building Good Skincare Habits
Your skin is one of the most important parts of your body. It protects you from the harsh elements, helps you regulate your body temperature, and shows off all of your favorite beauty marks. But if you’re not taking good care of your skin, it can’t do its job properly. So if you want to take better care of your skin, here are a few important steps you need to follow.
Table of Contents
Use Sunscreen Regularly
Sunscreen should be a key part of your skincare routine if you plan on spending any time outside. While almost 86% of people do regularly use sunscreen before going outside, that still means there’s a percentage of people who are putting their health at risk. Excessive sun exposure and sun damage can lead to skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. So if you’re spending time outside — even on a cloudy day — make sure you’re applying sunscreen. But more than that, make sure you’re applying it correctly. Here are a few tips:
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you step outside.
- Apply multiple layers of sunscreen for maximum sun protection.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or so when you’re outside.
- Apply sunscreen on your ears, nose, and the back of your neck.
- Make sure you’re still rubbing spray-on sunscreen into your skin.
The sun can not only burn you, but it can cause signs of premature aging if you’re not careful. Sunscreen is one of the most important tools you have to protect your skin. Use it!
Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
Makeup is a wonderful art form that can help you feel more confident and help you express yourself. But if you leave it on your face overnight, you could be putting your skin at risk. Makeup can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria on your skin if you don’t remove it. And when your skin doesn’t have a chance to breathe, you could find yourself battling acne breakouts, dry skin, and even skin irritation. So if you do wear makeup during the day, make sure you remove it in its entirety before you go to sleep for the night.
Moisturize Daily
Your moisturizer is your best friend. No, really. Using the right moisturizer daily can work wonders for your skin. If you’re not sure what skin type you have, it’s probably a good idea to consult with your dermatologist instead of trying every over-the-counter moisturizer you can get your hands on. And besides, some pharmacy-brand moisturizers lose almost 50% of their antioxidant capabilities within six months. Add that to the fact that you may be using the wrong moisturizer for your skin and you could have some serious skincare problems on your hands. Here’s a general idea of what a few different skin types need out of a moisturizer:
- Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, you probably need a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores and can help mattify your skin.
- Dry Skin: On the opposite end of the spectrum, dry skin typically requires the use of an oil-based moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Acne-Prone Skin: When you’re living with acne, it’s worth considering to use a moisturizer that has an ingredient like salicylic acid in it.
But above all else, once you’ve found the right moisturizer for your skin, it’s important to use it every single day. This will ensure that your skin stays balanced, smooth, and supple. This applies to both your face and your body, too.
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate
Before you moisturize and you cleanse your skin, exfoliation is a key step to take. Exfoliation helps rid your skin of dead cells and another buildup on your face. Of course, you should take caution while you’re exfoliating — doing so too vigorously or too often can damage your skin’s natural barrier. Once or twice a week should be the maximum. And make sure you’re also using a gentle exfoliator. If you have questions about exfoliating best practices, make sure you bring them to your dermatologist, who can help you learn how to exfoliate safely to ensure that your skin stays bright, healthy, and smooth.
Taking care of your skin is a major part of your health. Not only can great skin inspire confidence, but it can also help protect your body. Are you ready to start building your best skincare routine?
