What does it take to build
your own routine?
People have different
opinions on this but I would say the most fundamental basics you need in a
routine are: cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Other products such as toners
and serums can be seen as an additional step and I’ll discuss this later. However,
even without these products, our skin is working 24/7 – the sebaceous glands in
our pores regularly produce oil (sebum) to keep it moisturised and it naturally
exfoliates to remove dead skin cells. Skincare is basically a prompt to make
this process quicker and keep it in its best condition.
There are so many products on
the market, how do I choose?
One of the main factors when
choosing is based on your skin type. This could be normal, dry, oily, combination, and
sensitive. Even with these sub-categories, it is tough because ultimately two
people with the same skin type (e.g. oily) still have different skin so a
product may work for one but not the other. Additionally, there are sub-sub-categories
like dehydrated, acne-prone, or even combination dry/oily skin, and skin
changes due to differing environments (e.g. humidity). Yes, it’s confusing but
we can’t be certain that our skin will stay under one category throughout our
life!
Skincare is all about
trial and error. If it doesn’t work for you, give it to someone else, it might
work for them.
Cleanser
As the same suggests, this
product removes the bacteria, dirt, excess oil, etc from your face.
Typically, cleansing twice a day (AM and PM) is the maximum unless you feel
that you really need a mid-day cleanse and that your skin has no problems with
it. Over-cleansing can be stripping for some.
AM: Opt for a gentle daily cleanser with a pH range of
4.5-6. This is because our skin’s natural pH is 5.5, so it’s best to stick to
products with a similar one. If it’s outwith this range, it may cause dryness,
acne, and other symptoms. You could even rinse with only water if you think you
don’t need it.
PM: It is best to double cleanse here especially if you
wear makeup and/or sunscreen. This means using (preferably) an oil-based
cleanser e.g. cleansing balm/oil, followed by a water-based cleanser e.g. gel,
milk, cream, foam cleansers. You may prefer a deeper cleansing product for the night because your skin will have been through a lot during the day.
Tip: foam up your cleanser,
if applicable, on your hands before cleansing your face for 30-60 seconds to
ensure it has enough time to effectively clean.
Moisturiser
This product prevents your skin
from drying out and gives you hydration and moisture. It also locks everything
else in prior to applying so it is important to apply to prevent the products
from evaporation. You may prefer a lighter and heavier moisturiser for AM and PM respectively, or if you have oilier or drier skin.
Tip: make sure your moisture levels are BALANCED - don't apply too much or too little. Over moisturising can cause breakouts and make you shiny, and too little may make you dry and dehydrated.
Sunscreen
The most underrated product
in a routine!! I will keep it brief and save the rant for another day. This product
protects the skin from UVA AND UVB i.e. the sun, which can cause premature
aging, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and more. In most circumstances, a minimum of
SPF 30 to an ideal SPF 50 is best. To sum it up, there’s not much point in having
a skincare routine if you do not apply sunscreen at the end (of an AM routine).
As a rule of thumb, 2-3 fingers of sunscreen will be sufficient protection
depending on the size of your face.
Note: wait 20-30 minutes
after applying before going out as it needs time to start working. Apply every
2-3 hours!
Routine Tip: ALWAYS be gentle
with your skin, do not rub. Use your fingertips to lightly spread the product and
tap into your skin to absorb. Refrain from using your whole hand – unless you’re
applying a viscous product like toner or serum, then gently press/pat it in.
Now that you know the basics,
you can start building your own routine. Let me know if you have any questions
and I’ll do my best to help! See you in the next blog 😊
What skincare brands/products do you recommend for skincare beginners? Love how informative your blog posts are !
ReplyDeleteFor beginners, I would stick to simple yet effective products/ingredients.
DeleteSome affordable brand recommendations: COSRX, Purito, CeraVe, iUNIK, Beauty of Joseon
Cleanser suggestions: COSRX low pH morning cleanser and Purito's Defence Barrier pH cleanser
Moisturiser: CeraVe's moisturising lotion or cream
Sunscreen: this depends on what texture and finish you like! For lightweight and quick absorption - Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. For a more creamier/moisturising sunscreen - MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45 PA+++
Hope this helps! :)
Thank you very much for the suggestions, will look into them ! Anticipating for your next blog post :))
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