Caring for your skin is essential if you want to enjoy good health and good looks in the years to come. But what this actually means might depend on a range of factors, including your personal physiology, and the climate you live in.
It might be that you feel that an entirely new skincare routine is justified. Let’s look at how you might make that happen.
Assess Your Skin Type and Needs
Different people have different types of skin. In some cases, sebum production (that’s the oil that helps your skin to stay pliant and smooth) is high, which can cause greasiness and blocked pores. In others, it might be too low, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and flaking. In some cases, you might find that some parts of your skin are oily, while others are dry. This is known as ‘combination’ skin.
Whatever kind of skin you have, it’s worth knowing about it. This will allow you to make more informed decisions when you come to invest in products, and shape your routine.
Start with the Basics: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect
All effective skincare routines are built around three essential steps. You’ll want to cleanse, moisturize, and then protect. That often means buying three products – though you might find that there are some which serve multiple functions. When you have these things in place, you can think about adding additional steps.
Introduce Targeted Treatments Gradually
If you have specific skin-related problems that you want to address, then you may want to add special products like exfoliants and serums. Make sure that you patch-test these, especially if you have sensitive skin. This involves testing them on a small, non-visible area, before gradually incorporating them into your routine. By taking a cautious approach, you’ll minimize the likelihood of them backfiring.
If you’re considering more advanced options, consulting with a dermatologist about professional skincare treatments can provide personalized solutions.
Maintain Consistency and Patience
Skincare is something that requires consistency. You can’t expect any given product to produce tangible results after a single day – or even several weeks. In most cases, noticeable changes are only evident after months of consistent application.
This has a few implications. First, it’s important to stick to your routine, and to make it habitual. Second, you’ll want to wait before making changes, and to avoid constantly moving from one routine to the next. If you are unsure that your routine is effective, you might maintain a diary, along with photographic evidence that you can look back on later.