Before applying a single coat of mascara or a layer of lipstick, it’s essential to pay attention to the most important step in your appearance, which is your skin. A healthy, smooth and radiant complexion is key to ensuring you look and feel your best and should be the focus of any beauty regimen.
No matter your skin type, there are certain steps every face can benefit from to keep it healthy and nourished no matter the time of year. In this article, we will outline some top tips to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
1. Cleanse
Your skin is constantly coming in contact with environmental pollutants, dust and dirt as well as naturally-secreting oils and dead skin cells. Washing your face daily is necessary to unblock the follicles of the skin and remove impurities to keep it looking clean and fresh. It can be difficult to choose the right product for your skin type, so opt for one that is gentle and will not irritate or dry out your skin after cleansing.
2. Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation is essential for unclogging and reducing the size of your pores, stimulating collagen production, and promoting elasticity keeping your skin looking plump, radiant and youthful. Exfoliation is also important for removing the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, revealing healthy, new skin cells to give your face an instant glow. With old skin cells removed it is also easier for your skin to absorb serums, moisturizers and sunscreen.
While regular exfoliation at home can do wonders for your skin, more intense treatments such as microdermabrasion, offered by dermatologists such as Sanctuary Medical can penetrate more deeply, stimulating the growth of a new layer of skin and smoothing out your overall complexion.
Ellus & Krue also recommends exfoliating twice to thrice a week depending on your skin type.
3. Moisturize
Daily moisturizing is important to keep your skin hydrated and feeling soft, smooth and supple. It also helps protect your skin by creating a barrier and reducing the potential for pollutants to penetrate your skin
When choosing a moisturizer for your face, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerol which will help to keep it hydrated by locking in moisture. Vitamins C and E, and Pro-Vitamin B5, are also great moisturizers for the skin. There might be some trial and error involved in picking out a moisturizer that feels right for your skin but a good tip is to look for ones with highly effective humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients.
4. Use Sunscreen
Both UVA and UVB light can age your skin prematurely, causing age spots, pigmentation and wrinkles, as well as sunburn. Applying sun protection on your skin is essential even on days that are not sunny. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
As it takes a few minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed into the skin it is best to apply it approximately 15 minutes before going outdoors. You can also opt for a moisturizer that contains SPF to keep your skin hydrated as well as protected from the sun.
By incorporating the four skincare tips above into your daily skincare regimen you can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, radiant, and fresh all year round.