How to Start a New Skincare Routine

How to Start a Skincare Routine

My skincare routine has changed many times over the years since I started out when I was a teenager. Our skin ages and changes, so we adapt our routines as we grow older. Depending on a couple of factors our regimens can be very different from those of others.
I know that it can be overwhelming considering the huge variety of skincare products on the market from cleansers, serums, masks, moisturizers, facial oils etc.

Taking the proper steps to ensure good skin health is essential. So, what are the things to consider if you're trying to start a new skincare regimen?

1. Identify Your Skin Type

Before starting a new routine the first step is identifying your skin type. It's crucial to choose the right product that would be the most suitable for your skin. This will also narrow down your choices and ensure you're addressing your skin concerns properly. You don't want to be using a moisturizer targeted for dry skin if your skin is oily.

Normal - It's a well balanced skin regarding oil and water content.
Oily - Producess excess sebum, and usually this skin type has large pores.
Dry - Doesn't produce enough sebum and lacks lipids that makeup our skin barrier.
Combination - T-zone usually is oily while the rest of the face feels dry.
Dehydrated - This skin type can be either dry or oily as well, but lacking moisture instead of lacking oil or having an excess of it.

2. Choose your steps

The steps you'll take for your skincare routine also depend on what your skin needs are, but the basic steps for a simple yet effective routine are as follows:

Step 1: Cleanser

You'll need to cleanse your skin at least once a day. Going cleanser free in the morning would be ideal but there are some skin types that cannot skip it. So the best thing to do is to choose a gentle cleanser that will not strip your skin of its natural oils and hydration.

Step 2: Toner/Essence/Serum

I'm not talking about the old alcohol toners that would dry out your skin even further. Using a good toner or essence as your second step will provide the much needed hydration and other properties to address your skin concerns depending on the toner or essence you choose. These are so great for oily skin types that often can't tolerate heavy oclussive creams.

Step 3: Moisturizer

Why follow up with a moisturizer if you've already used a toner, essence or serum? Moisturizers provide extra hydration and make sure there is no further moisture loss. If you have oily skin and are worried about using a moisturizer, there are a lot out there which are light in consistency and would not congest your skin.

Step 4: Sun Protection

I cannot stress enough how important is suncreen for our skin. And it's not meant to be used only in the summer, but all year round.

3. Stick to Your Routine and be Patient

Well, now that you have all the steps down, you'll need to give your skincare routine some time to work. I know that we get impatient and want instant results from our skincare products but that's not how it works. There is no overnight cure to good healthy skin.
Being consistent for a couple of weeks will make the results become more visible. And during this time you need to listen to what your skin is telling you and how it's reacting to your new regimen.

How many steps does your skincare routine have? Do you have any product that you cannot do without? Please share in the comments, would love to hear it <3