Skincare just got easy: three simple steps to beautiful skin
Everyone wants clear, radiant, and fresh skin. If you are interested in the beauty you probably have heard that it all starts with a good base. You may have seen the ten-step regimen that some skincare brands recommend. It is really understandable that to a lot of people this seems a little overwhelming. This post is here to explain why you do not need ten steps to achieve healthy and glowy skin, you can just do it in three!
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step of your skincare routine is cleansing the skin. On a daily basis, our skin comes in contact with external factors such as dirt, excess sebum, and environmental pollutants. In addition to this it is important you wash off your makeup. Cleansing is essential since it helps to avoid clogged pores, acne, and dullness. You should cleanse in the AM and in the PM. Always check how your skin reacts, for some (like people with dry skin) it might be enough to just cleanse in the evening. Get to know your skin! In any case, try to find a cleanser that is not overly stripping, your skin should not feel super tight after washing your face. Lastly, using just makeup wipes does not count as a good cleanse and neither does just using water!
Step 2: Treat
Now the second step is completely dependent on what your skin issues are, so you might have to do a little research. Do not let this put you off, a quick Google will suffice. If you have really dry skin try to find a hydrating serum, for example, one with hyaluronic acid. If your skin is dull and you wish it to be brighter you can use vitamin C. Vitamin C is also beneficial for treating hyperpigmentation, or dark spots. Retinol is a great ingredient for skin aging and for acne (scars). Serums or toners with salicylic acid are a must-have for treating spots and blackheads.
Using an exfoliating agent a couple of times a week is important. Regular exfoliation helps promote clear and brighter skin. Exfoliation achieves this by removing the top layer of dead skin. You can use physical or chemical exfoliators. Examples of chemical exfoliators are glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. You can do this step instead of or in addition to the treatment mentioned above.
These are just some examples of active ingredients. Skincare is most effective if you select by which active ingredient treats your specific issues. As you can see there is a lot to choose from, so when you are looking for some new skincare try searching by your main skin goals. Make sure to read the packaging before incorporating it into your morning routine, some actives such as retinol are best used at night.
Step 3: Moisturize/Protect
The last step is different in the morning and evening. In the morning you should always use an SPF. Yes always. Even in the winter. It is absolutely critical if you want to prevent the aging of the skin. It is also beneficial because the sun can undo any progress you have achieved because of your skincare routine. If your skin needs a little extra moisture you can use a day cream before your SPF. There even are creams with SPF included, just make sure you use enough to ensure enough protection.
In the evening your last step should be a moisturizer. Moisturizers help the skin to retain moisture, they seal in hydration. This becomes even more important as we age, as skin retains less moisture because of aging. In the evening you can choose a moisturizer that is a little heavier than the one you use in the morning since you will not be wearing makeup.
Consistency
A little bonus tip is to not wait to do your skincare routine just before bed. This way a lot of your applied product ends up on your pillow, which is a huge waste. It also prevents you not doing your routine because you are too tired!
After reading this you might ask yourself ‘why would anyone do ten steps when you can take great care of your skin in three’. Well, the answer is: because it can be really nice to have. Skincare is definitely a type of self-care! Some products feel really nice on your skin and can offer a moment of pampering every single day. So if you are into this please enjoy your routine! However, if you are not, these three steps have got you covered. Remember, nobody has ever gotten perfect skin from following a routine for a day, but with patience, you will see progress. Consistency is key!
