The Essence of a Skincare Routine + A Basic Guide to Starting One

Healthy skin is a result of dedication, not a miracle. Additionally, skincare is a great way to indulge in self-care. Self-care is the ammunition that enables our light to illuminate radiantly and unapologetically. So, what better way to enhance our lives than to prevent skin problems by taking care of our skin!

As a teenager, I faced a lot of challenges with my skin. These challenges were detrimental to my mentality. However, in 2018, I decided to research how to improve my skin. I formed my skincare routine with the help of YouTube videos, articles, and a dermatologist. From there, skin problems varying from blackheads to pimples have never phased me again.

High school is very stressful. That stress can aggravate skin problems, and that is where a skincare routine becomes essential. After two years of following a skincare routine, I have seen a significant difference in my skin and mental health. I learned that doing something nice for myself is very important to maintain my mental health. Whenever I'm applying products on my face in the morning and at night, I feel my anxiety diminishing. Caring for my skin has truly been a beautiful way to improve my life.

Skincare, today, is more popular than ever! Indicated by the NPD group, a market research company, skincare sales leaped to $1.4 billion right in the first quarter of 2019. Additionally, this industry is expected to continue growing. Looking five-years back, the skincare section at stores was practically non-existent. Today, every shelf of the skincare section at stores is filled with rejuvenating face masks to protective moisturizers. In the article, “How to Stay Ahead in the Booming Skincare Market,” Cosmetic Executive Woman states, “Statistica estimates 3.5% annual increases through 2023, with the market reaching a predicted $180 billion in global spend by 2024.” We’re definitely going to see stores add in more skincare sections.

Social media has had a significant impact on the rise of skincare. From Vogue’s Beauty Secret series to Hyram’s skincare guide on TikTok and YouTube, you name it, skincare will continue to rise! According to Well + Good, a lifestyle company, skincare will continue to rule the shelves of many in 2020, either a woman’s

or men’s. Skincare is not dying out anytime soon or at all. After all, taking care of yourself is extremely attractive!

A Basic Guide to Starting a

Skincare Routine

Following a skincare routine is not that hard. It takes some diligence and enthusiasm, but the results are worth it!

First of all, know your skin type! Skin types vary from oily to dry to sensitive skin. It is crucial to know your skin type because it's the foundation for finding your skin-friendly products. As you form your skincare routine, research products before going to the store or online to buy products. In your search for effective products, you should know what ingredients to evade: fragrance, sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde. Alternatively, look for these ingredients: hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and vitamin c. These three ingredients are the top three dermatologist-recommended as claimed by the Siperstein Dermatology Group of Florida. Also, look for cruelty and animal-free products because it’s a mindful beauty practice. Disclaimer: insensitive products may irritate the skin due to the product’s chemicals, so experimenting with different products is advised.

Here are the basics of starting your skincare products in the order

of when you apply them:

1. Cleanser

Regularly washing your face clears oil, dead skin cells, dirt, blocked pores, and skin breakdown contribution. This step is the most basic round of a skincare routine. To give the skin a fresh look, daily facial washing is your best friend!

2. Toner

This skincare product acts like water that water can’t achieve on its own. It prevents skin dehydration and removes dead cells from the skin's surface. Toner also balances the skin's PH level after being exposed to tap water during cleansing. Want brighter, radiant skin? Use a toner.

3. Moisturizer

A moisturizer contains Vitamin E, protecting the skin from damages, restoring skin barrier capacity. Through moisturizing, the appearance of dryness and oiliness reduces. Daily moisturizing is a camouflage for skin's blemishes maintaining the skin's barriers.

4. Sunscreen

Using sunscreen is essential! Daily use of sunscreen, despite the weather, reduces your risk of developing cell carcinoma. The more sunscreen you apply, the less likely you'll get sunburnt. Aside from protecting the skin, sunscreen also helps prevent skin aging caused by the sun.

Caring for the skin is exceptionally crucial. It's vital to keep the skin's outer layer healthy to do its job of protecting the body.

Aside from skincare products, awareness of your lifestyle is also necessary. After exercising or doing activities that make you sweat, wipe off sweat immediately. Also, balanced nutrition will help the epidermis, and most importantly, keep the body and mind strong and healthy.

Splurging on your skincare routine is a long-term investment. It's never too early or too late to start taking care of it! Maintaining healthy skin is a fantastic way to shine brightly and impenitently before and after a long day! Maybe a skincare routine is going to be your next favorite coping mechanism. Following a regimen will positively impact your life! Go on, ignite your lantern and gleam luminously; mentally and physically!