You have just bought your first moisturizer and now you are in the rabbit hole of skincare routine tips and tricks on the web.
You want to start taking care of your skin but are confused as there is a lot of advice on the skincare routine, and to add to the woes, these routines are for different types of skin and seasons! Phew!
If you are here to know how you can start with your skincare routine or to refine your existing one, let me assure you that you are at the right place! Let’s have a look at this beginner-friendly guide that covers everything you need in a routine from cleansing to sunscreen to get glowing skin.
Why Skincare is Important?
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It acts as the first line of defense against environmental aggressors like pollution, UV radiation, and bacteria. A well-maintained skincare routine keeps your skin looking its best and is important for your overall health.
Daily skincare can prevent common issues like acne, dryness, and premature aging. It also enhances your skin's natural glow. If you are a beginner then understand that skincare is not about chasing perfection but maintaining skin health.
Regular use of quality products can protect your skin from damage, keep it hydrated, and reduce the risk of conditions like skin cancer. But where do you start?
For beginners, it’s essential to understand that skincare is not about chasing perfection but about maintaining skin health. Many skin types need a routine, let’s start with a little bifurcation.
What are the Different Types of Skin?
It’s important to identify your skin type before you start a routine. Your skincare routine will be decided based on the fact that you have oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or a combination skin. Have a look and decide which one is yours.
- Oily Skin: Characterized by an overproduction of sebum, leading to shiny skin and enlarged pores. Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts.
- Dry Skin: Often feels tight, flaky, or rough. It lacks sufficient moisture and can be prone to irritation.
- Combination Skin: Features both oily and dry areas, usually with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks.
- Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated by products, weather, or certain ingredients. It may appear red, itchy, or feel uncomfortable.
A Step-by-Step Skincare Routine
After you’ve identified your skin type, let's get into the steps of a beginner-friendly skincare routine. Each step is designed to address different aspects of skincare, ensuring that your skin is clean, hydrated, and protected.
Step 1: Cleansing
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts. For beginners, it’s important to choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type.
- For Oily Skin: Look for a foaming or gel cleanser that can remove excess oil without stripping the skin.
- For Dry Skin: Opt for a hydrating cream cleanser that nourishes while it cleanses.
- For Sensitive Skin: Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser to avoid irritation.
Cleansing should be done twice a day, morning and night, to keep your skin fresh and clean.
Step 2: Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which can accumulate and lead to dull skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. However, over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, so it’s important to be gentle and mindful.
- How often should you do it: For beginners, start with exfoliating 1-2 times a week. Adjust based on how your skin responds.
- Types of Exfoliants: Physical exfoliants contain small particles that manually scrub the skin, while chemical exfoliants use acids like AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta-hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells. Beginners might prefer starting with a mild chemical exfoliant, as it’s generally less abrasive.
Step 3: Toning
Toners are designed to restore the skin's pH balance after cleansing and to prepare your skin for the next steps in your routine. They can also address specific concerns like oiliness or dryness.
- For Oily Skin: Use a toner with salicylic acid to help control oil and reduce acne.
- For Dry Skin: Opt for a hydrating toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- For Sensitive Skin: Choose a soothing toner with calming ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera.
Apply toner with a cotton pad or your hands, gently patting it into the skin.
Step 4: Serum Application
Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or dullness. They contain active ingredients in a more potent form than other products in your routine.
- For Brightening: A Vitamin C serum is excellent for brightening the skin and providing antioxidant protection against environmental damage.
- For Oil Control: Niacinamide is a great choice for reducing oil production and minimizing the appearance of pores.
- For Hydration: A hyaluronic acid serum can help keep your skin plump and moisturized.
Apply a few drops of serum to your face and neck, gently patting it in. Mayskin’s Bounce Back Serum has niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K along with 16 berries to give you glowing skin.
Step 5: Moisturizing
Moisturizers are essential for maintaining your skin's hydration and protecting your skin barrier. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is crucial to prevent your skin from producing even more oil to compensate for dryness.
- For Oily Skin: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
- For Dry Skin: Choose a rich, creamy moisturizer that provides deep hydration.
- For Sensitive Skin: Look for a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid irritation.
Apply moisturizer morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Mayskin’s Daily Dew Moisturizer is a lightweight gel moisturizer with ingredients like Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Chlorophyll, and 14 power ingredients to give you hydrated skin.
Step 6: Sun Protection
Sunscreen is the most critical step in any skincare routine. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer.
- SPF Level: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily protection.
- Application: Apply a generous amount to your face and neck as the last step in your morning routine. Reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the skin, so make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine. Use Sunny Drip Sunscreen which has broad spectrum protection along with a PA++++ rating. It is lightweight and leaves no white cast.
Skincare Tips for Beginners
Starting a skincare routine doesn’t mean you need a cabinet full of products. Begin with the basics, and once you’re comfortable, you can introduce more advanced products like eye creams or masks.
- Keep it Simple: Focus on consistency rather than using a lot of products. It’s better to stick to a simple routine that you can maintain daily.
- Consistency is Key: Skincare is about long-term results, not overnight miracles. Stick to your routine for at least a few weeks before expecting visible changes.
- Patch Test New Products: Before introducing a new product to your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test to avoid potential reactions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you start your skincare journey, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls that could hinder your progress.
- Over-exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can damage your skin’s barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity. Stick to the recommended 1-2 times per week.
- Skipping Sunscreen: Skipping sunscreen is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Even if you don’t spend much time outdoors, UV rays can still affect your skin.
- Using Too Many Products: Introducing too many products at once can overwhelm your skin and make it difficult to identify what’s working and what’s not. Start slow and build your routine gradually.
Which is the Best Skincare Routine For Beginners?
Starting a skincare journey can be both exciting and daunting, but with the right approach, it can lead to healthier and radiant skin.
It’s very simple. Start with understanding your skin type. Then build a simple routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning, applying serum, moisturizing, and protecting your skin with sunscreen.
Never forget, consistency is the key. With these steps, you're well on your way to mastering the ultimate skincare routine for beginners.
