Skincare Essentials for a Healthy Complexion

Looking after your skin is incredibly important, but it's only in recent years that the significance of skincare has really come to the fore. Establishing a balanced regimen helps protect your skin from damage, keep your complexion healthy and glowy, and combat signs of aging. All that said, you wouldn't be alone in feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products on the market and figuring out the purpose of each one. If you're at a loss as to where to begin with putting a skincare routine in place, we've detailed all the basics you need and how they work below!

Morning

Your skincare routine will typically be shorter in the morning than in the evening. Nonetheless, in time, you might find you want to add some extra steps as you familiarize yourself with each product and how they affect your skin.

Vitamin C Serum

After you've washed your face in the morning, the first product you might want to apply is a vitamin C serum. You might prefer to wash your face using just water, but if you feel you need a deep clean, you can use a cleanser before this step. Vitamin C works to even your skin tone, brighten your complexion, and prevent sun damage, meaning it's most effective when used in the morning.

Sun Protection

Perhaps one of the most vital steps in any skincare regimen is using sun protection. If you reach for only one product in the morning, let it be a reliable SPF. You might think sunscreen is only necessary for those spending time in the sun, but harmful ultraviolet rays can reach your skin even when the skies are full of clouds! Some sunscreens are too thick or heavy for your face and may not offer a protection level that is high enough for your skin. As such, stick to lightweight formulas with an SPF of at least 30, though it's worth considering SPF 50, particularly if you're fair-skinned.

Moisturizer

Those with oily skin may want to skip this step, especially after using a moisturizing sunscreen. Yet, for most people, your skin will thank you for using a quality moisturizer. There are a ton of benefits to adding moisturizer to your morning routine, though its primary purpose is to keep your skin hydrated and soothed. In addition, it acts as a barrier to minimize damage, lessen the appearance of fine lines, and keep your skin looking soft and supple.

Evening

There are generally more steps involved in an evening skincare plan. At night, you'll likely be removing makeup or applying products that will be active overnight, so it might be a little more time-consuming.

Oil-Based Cleanser

After a busy day, there's nothing like an oil cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based build-up from your face. Even if you haven't been wearing makeup or have barely been outside all day, cleaning your skin thoroughly is just as crucial. Best of all, oil-based cleansers are usually super gentle, preserving your skin's natural oils while clearing out built-up products and clogged pores. They'll leave your face feeling refreshed and restored.

Water-Based Cleanser

Double cleansing is the most effective way to ensure your skin is completely cleaned, so following up your oil-based cleanser with a water-based alternative is recommended. This allows you to remove anything that dissolves in water rather than oil, like dirt or sweat. It works to clean on a deeper level, and in turn, it helps the products that follow it to be more impactful. Though both types of cleansers work best together, using just a water-based version might be a better option for anyone with oily skin.

Toner

Toners are the perfect follow-up to your cleansers, and they have a myriad of uses that make them a worthwhile addition to any skincare routine. In many cases, they also act as a final step in the cleaning process before moving on to other products. Some of the many ways in which toners work are by hydrating your skin, balancing your pH levels, and reducing the size of pores.

Exfoliator

Exfoliating refers to the removal of dead skin cells. Because this can be slightly harsh on your skin, this step should only be completed around two or three times a week. You'll find both physical and chemical exfoliants on the shelves, but the chemical is often the gentler of the two. When you eliminate the dead skin on your face, you may notice your skin's texture becomes smoother, your pores are less clogged, and you have more of a natural glow.

Spot Treatment

Most of us suffer from breakouts every now and again, and when you're going through a flare-up, this is the time to use a spot treatment of your choice. It's essential to be mindful of how you use spot treatments, as these topical ointments should only be applied to the affected areas. If you're dealing with persistent acne, it's best to consult a dermatologist before introducing a new product like this to your routine.

Eye Cream

The primary role of eye cream is to serve as an anti-aging tool. It acts to slow the development of wrinkles around the eye area by keeping the skin hydrated and free of puffiness. Not so long ago, eye cream was considered something only those above a certain age should use. These days, it's believed to serve as a preventative measure you should start implementing from your 20s.

Moisturizer

The final step in your skincare regimen each evening should be a moisturizer. You won't need a specific product for moisturizing at night unless that's something you'd prefer, as your morning cream will work just fine.

All the Must-Have Items for Your Skincare Routine

Depending on your skin type, there might be some specific products that will be of more use to you than others. However, the items mentioned above come together to create a great foundational skincare routine that you can build on as you need.