The skin is the body’s first defender against the environment’s elements and pathogens. As the body’s largest organ, it goes through much wear and tear over the years. Since the skin plays a huge role in one’s overall well-being, it needs the best care and nourishment possible.
The skin can heal, restore, and protect itself. However, these “powers” wane as people age, so the skin needs more support to keep it healthy. The products and routines to nurture the skin can adapt to the changes brought by accumulated damage and reduced functions.
It’s always best advice to start taking care of the skin while you’re young, but it is never too late to start at any age. The following benefits highlight how crucial it is to give attention to your body’s protective layer:
- It slows down the signs of aging.
- It promotes overall health.
- It gives a boost of confidence.
- It motivates you to follow a healthier lifestyle.
These reasons are pretty encouraging enough to start practicing an effective skincare regimen in your self-care routine. To jumpstart a healthier habit, here are some steps you can follow:
5 Steps to a Healthier Skin
Dermatologists recommend having two sets of skincare routines—one for daytime and one for nighttime. They may seem a handful, but a skincare routine should be easy to maintain once you get the hang of them.
Here’s a simple routine for starters:
- Cleanser
The first step to your skincare regimen is cleansing. This process removes excess oil and impurities that dull skin and clog pores. The key to a good cleansing routine is to handle your skin gently and use only mild cleansers. Facial washes and cleansers that are too harsh can strip down your skin’s protective layers.
You can skip washing your face in the morning if you have sensitive or dry skin—rinsing with water will do. But don’t forget to cleanse your face at night.
Use a separate cleanser, such as a cleansing balm or micellar water, if you use makeup brushes since cleansers alone could not do the job. Then, work the cleanser on your face using gentle strokes, making sure you cover all areas from your hairline to under your chin.
- Toner
Applying toner can remove any dirt, excess oil, or product residue sitting on the surface of the skin. It also balances skin pH and refreshes the skin. If you have an acne-prone skin type, consider using a toner that contains salicylic acid to fight breakouts.
On the other hand, if you have sensitive or dry skin, using a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid and glycerin will be your best bet. Avoid toners that have alcohol since they could dry your skin and can cause more harm than good.
- Serums
A beauty serum can give you multiple benefits at once. Most serums can be used for both your morning and nighttime beauty routines.
Serums containing hydroquinone and retinoid can treat skin concerns such as dark spots or hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, serums with hyaluronic acid can give you an extra boost of hydration. Determine your skin concerns to help you find the right serum to use.
- Moisturizer
Cleansing removes some of the skin’s natural oils, and moisturizing can replenish it. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to infection and inflammation due to its optimal barrier function.
Moisturizing consistently leads to more plump and rosy skin and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. You can choose moisturizers for your skin type. Those with oily skin can reap the benefits from lightweight options, while people with dry skin could find more help with a heavy moisturizer.
- Sunscreen
Even if you’re in a mad rush during the mornings, make sunscreen a habit and never skip it in your morning routine—rain or shine. Sun protection is a crucial aspect of keeping your skin healthy. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. It would also be best to use chemical-free, mineral sunscreens and apply them before putting on makeup.
What You Need to Know About Hyaluronic Serum
There are many skincare terms that can overwhelm new skincare enthusiasts, one of those is the popular ingredient hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid or HA is an active ingredient in most cleansers, serums, and moisturizers due to its exceptional hydrating quality. The application of hyaluronic acid serum is a vital step in any effective beauty routine.
Hyaluronic acid is a group of polysaccharides or sugar molecules naturally occurring in the body’s connective tissues. It increases the skin’s water content by attracting and binding water molecules.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Skin Serums
Serums with hyaluronic acid can do wonders for the skin. Below are the promising benefits of hyaluronic acid:
- It acts as an exceptional moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid works as a fantastic humectant since it binds up to a thousand times its weight in water. It then holds the water molecules on the skin’s surface to keep it moist and healthy.
- It prevents signs of aging
By regularly applying hyaluronic serums, you can prevent fine lines and wrinkles, which are all signs of aging. When your skin is hydrated, its elasticity increases, making it less prone to the creases that we all dread so much.
- It helps avoid skin problems
Ensuring that your skin stays moisturized also prevents skin issues such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. Dehydrated skin results in weakened protective barriers, so it’s more vulnerable to damage from environmental sources.
It’s Never Too Late to Take Care of Your Skin
There are several outstanding products in the market to help you get started with your skincare journey. Understanding which skin care ingredients are best for your skin type is a good place to start to ensure your regimen is effective.
If you haven’t started with your beauty regimen yet, now is the time to begin taking care of your skin. It would be great to start young to create a lifelong habit. However, it’s never too late to give your skin the much-needed TLC it deserves.
Author’s Bio:
Lisa is a content marketing specialist for L’Oreal Paris – an everyday, luxury beauty brand that empowers women to effortlessly be their most beautiful and confident selves through its hair, skin, and makeup and skin care products. As an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, she is passionate about beauty and fashion as a form of art and self-expression.
