A Beginner’s Guide To Skincare: How To Build A Basic Routine

Mainstream media is full of celebrities looking virtually perfect in every way. They might dress and act differently, but almost all have one thing in common—clear skin.

The global skincare market reached 163.5 billion USD this year and is projected to reach 189.3 billion USD by 2025. In Canada, the skincare market is expected to grow by 5.76 percent annually until 2026.

Looking at celebrity skincare habits could often be alienating. Many of them have multiple-step routines using expensive products that few could afford.

We’re here to help you simplify the process and create a routine that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Basic Steps

You might have heard of 7, 10, or even 12-step skincare routines. Not everyone can afford these regimens, which also takes time.

As a skincare beginner, you don’t need to do all that. You can start your routine with only three simple steps.

Cleanse

The first essential step to a skincare routine is cleansing. It’s a hard and fast rule to wash your face with cleanser twice a day—upon waking up and before going to sleep.

If you have dry skin, plain water will do in the morning. You can save the cleanser for your nighttime routine.

Cleansing before bed is essential, especially if you wear makeup or go out in the daytime. Dirt and oil can accumulate on your skin throughout the day. Cleansing helps eliminate these irritants and gives your skin room to breathe.

Moisturize

Next, you must moisturize. Cleansers eliminate oil and dirt, but they could leave your skin dry. Moisturizers provide hydration and softening, helping you to look healthier.

A mild, oil-free, and fragrance-free moisturizer is your best bet when starting. This kind of moisturizer is easy to find and suits most skin types.

Different types of moisturizers are available to suit different skin types. You can consult a dermatologist to figure out which moisturizer works best for you.

Protect

To lock in your daytime skincare routine, use sunscreen. Always wear this every day, even if you stay indoors or the weather is cloudy.

Sunscreen helps block ultraviolet (UV) radiation from penetrating your skin. Too much UV exposure could cause sunburn and skin cancer. UV rays also hasten the development of lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Dermatologists suggest sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 to ensure ultimate skin protection.

Tips To Improve Your Routine

The three steps above are the basic building blocks of your skincare routine. You can add more steps once you feel comfortable and confident in your skincare practice.

• Be consistent. The best way to see your skincare routine’s effects is by practicing consistency. It will soon become second nature to maintain your skin with SkinCeuticals or your other preferred skincare products.

• Use toner. You can use toners after your daily cleansing step. A toner helps your skin absorb other products more effectively.

• Exfoliate. Exfoliation removes dead cells, leaving the skin looking and feeling smoother. It is a bit harsher than regular cleansing, so only do this once or twice a week.

• Incorporate serums. Serums are packed with active skincare ingredients, making them a powerful addition to your routine. Make sure to do your research and use them only as indicated.

Anyone can have a skincare routine. The best regimen is one that you can afford and maintain. Start simple, and consult a dermatologist for proper medical advice when in doubt.