Image: Shutterstock
A daily skin care regimen is essential for preserving overall skin health and addressing specific concerns such as acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation, regardless of your skin type. To determine your true skin type, it's crucial to understand the unique characteristics of your skin. Using the wrong products can exacerbate acne, dryness, or other skin issues.
A daily skin care routine consists of the following four basic steps, which should be performed once in the morning and once before going to bed:
1. Cleansing - Select a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling soft, not tight after washing. Wash your face no more than twice daily, or just once if you have dry skin and don't wear makeup. Avoid washing excessively to remove all natural oils, as this can disrupt your skin’s barrier.
2. Serums - Vitamin C serums or growth factor/peptide serums are ideal for morning use, whereas retinol or prescription retinoids perform best at night. See our articles on suitable serums for each skin type.
3. Moisturizer - Even oily skin benefits from a moisturizer; opt for a lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic formula. Dry skin may require more hydrating cream-based moisturizers. Be sure to look for the gel or cream labeling on the product packaging.
For further information, refer to our articles on the best moisturizers for dry, oily, and sensitive skin, as well as moisturizers with sunscreen.
4. Sunscreen - Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 15 minutes before going outside, as it takes some time to be fully effective. Darker skin tones require extra sun protection, as hyperpigmentation may be harder to correct.
Choose products appropriate for your skin type and sensitivities, and be sure to read the labels. Some products, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, should only be used at night. See our articles on mineral-based sunscreens or sunscreens for darker skin.
Begin with a fundamental and basic skin care routine, and gradually incorporate additional products such as exfoliants, masks, and spot treatments to enhance your skin's overall health. Don't forget to patch test new products, especially if you suspect you have sensitive skin, to ensureidentify potential allergic reactions.
To patch test a new product:
An allergic reaction may manifest as irritation, redness, small bumps, or itchiness. If you experience these symptoms, wash the test area with water and a gentle cleanser, then return the product and try another that better suits your skin type.
People often turn to homemade hacks like lemon juice, toothpaste, garlic, baking soda, or sugar for common skin concerns like acne bumps and dark spots. However, these shortcuts can cause long-term damage to your skin by damaging the skin barrier.
Avoid These DIY Hacks:
Lemon juice - Its acidity can lead to dark spots following sun exposure and can dry and irritate your skin.
Baking soda - With a pH level of 8 to 9, baking soda can stress your skin, decrease its water content, and cause dryness.
Garlic - Its raw form can trigger skin allergies, eczema, skin inflammation, and water blisters.
Toothpaste - The ingredients in toothpaste may kill germs and absorb oil, but they can also dry or irritate your skin.
Sugar - As a facial exfoliant, sugar is harsh for delicate facial skin.
Vitamin E - Topical application of vitamin E may irritate your skin and is not proven to improve scar appearance.
Instead of damaging your skin to solve common issues, use scientifically proven methods to tackle problem areas.
Acne - Acne treatment varies based on its depth and severity. Preventative measures and drugstore products like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur can help alleviate mild acne. For immediate, inflamed pimples, acne patches and spot treatments can help hasten healing and prevent infection.
Scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation - Healing from scars, blemishes, and dark spots can take several weeks to months, or sometimes over a year. Immediate treatments include using makeup and sunscreen to avoid further sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Other ingredients known to aid in fading scars include silicone, honey, vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinoic acid. Apply these ingredients in your routine after cleansing, always followed by sunscreen to prevent additional sun exposure.
Determine your skin type through a physical test or consult with a dermatologist if your skin issues persist despite over-the-counter treatments. More severe acne, scarring, or other concerns may require prescription treatments such as oral antibiotics, birth control, or topical prescription retinoids.
Remember that your skin type plays a role in how products behave. Using the wrong product, even if natural, can lead to breakouts, aggravated blemishes, or redness. Choose products that cater to your specific skin type for optimal results.
Tags
Skin Care