In this highly visual and modern society, timeless skincare has become as important as self-care. Skincare is aimed at maintaining healthy skin and foiling the skin problems that make you uncomfortable with yourself.
The famous saying, “beauty is only skin deep” defines beauty as what we see on the outside. And yes, beauty has a deeper quality than what we see on the surface but we are too focused on the frivolous and superficial definition of beauty.
Applying makeup is one way to enhance your beauty. You should note that make up does not create a new you, it enhances what you already have. And makeup artists suggest that while creating your skin care routine, choose cosmetics and makeup products that will not counteract it.
Cosmetology and skin care routines have become the norm as people find new ways to make themselves more beautiful. More than just for appearance, taking care of your skin is important for your wellbeing as well.
There has been an increased demand for professional beauty practitioners including estheticians who deal with everything related to skincare. So, if you are looking for a change of career and want to explore the world of an esthetician, click here to find out what that would entail. And who knows? You may find out that you love it and become one of the best.
What Is a Skincare Routine?
People generally feel better when they like how they look which makes a good skincare routine part of a healthy lifestyle. Having great skin comes down to your routine. There are so many different procedures that make up a skincare routine from your occasional acne-mask treatment to the anti-aging treatments to the full-on spa day treatment
When you start a skincare routine, your purpose is to tune up your complexion so that it is functioning optimally. Therefore, no one particular routine applies to everyone. Your routine is unique to you depending on your skin type, problem areas, and what you want to enhance.
Skincare routines have become trendier in the last decade and its definition is even broader. So a beginner may find the concept a bit confusing and intimidating and may be wondering where to start.
If you find yourself stuck, you may find help from an esthetician, who works as a skincare therapist and offers skincare services. An esthetician will help you with all your skincare worries and will even help you develop a routine that is suitable for your skin.
What Constitutes a Skincare Routine?
Every skincare routine consists of three basic steps. When these three steps form part of your routine, you are sure to fortify your skin and you will notice changes within yourself that you will love. They are:
Cleansing
This means washing your face. It is the first step of any skincare routine and a vital one as it works on removing dirt and other pollutants that our skin comes into contact with during the day.
You are advised to wash twice per day, morning and night, to prevent acne, dull skin, and clogging of your pores. Use a facial cleanser. A good facial cleanser, with natural products such as shea butter and argan oil, gently cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural and healthy oils.
Your facial cleanser should be based on your skin type. But if you are confused about your skin type, you can always use micellar water which is compatible with almost all skin types. This soap-free option is very popular in french skincare routines as it attracts oils and dirt from your skin like a magnet and you do not have to rinse it out. Just swipe it and you are ready for your next step.
Toning
Toning entails balancing your skin complexion. Toning is a great way to add a layer of skin replenishment or add specific ingredients that may be lacking in your other skincare products.
A toner works to help your other products in your beauty regimen absorb faster and better.
Expert estheticians consider toners optional though as most skins can absorb just fine without a toner’s help. Toners with natural products such as green tea and rosewater have anti-inflammatory effects which help calm irritation and clear redness on your face.
Toning should always be done after cleansing and before applying everything else i.e. moisturizers, serums, and SPF, etc.
Moisturizing
A moisturizer is applied to soften and hydrate the skin by preventing water loss through the outer layers of the skin. As skin gradually loses the ability to maintain moisture as we age, a moisturizer is one product that skincare experts advise people to use year-round, regardless of skin type.
Moisturizers complement ceramides, which are the building blocks found on the skin, and other natural protective oils that give your skin a supple and glowing look and feel.
Just like with toners and cleansers, picking a moisturizer will depend on your skin type. There are different textured moisturizers for different skin types. People with oily skin should use a gel moisturizer that is water-based, light-weight, and absorbs quickly.
Other moisturizer types include creams, balms, and lotions which are suitable for dry, inflamed, and sensitive skin, and normal and combination skin types respectively.
The Natural Products to Look out for in your Skincare Products
If you see the words phthalates, SLS, parabens, or formaldehyde on a skincare product, do not pick up the product as those are not natural ingredients. Although natural products are not better or even different from synthetic ones, substances such as parabens and SLS are harmful to your skin.
So the next time you’re shopping for your skincare products, here are some of the ingredients you should watch out for:
Retinol
Most skincare products will have this vitamin A derivative as an ingredient. Retinol does so many cool things for your skin. It reduces acne and boosts the production of collagen by your skin to promote skin renewal.
Retinol also reverses the effects of sun damage to your skin and acts as an antioxidant to address the damage caused by free radicals. If you notice wrinkles and fine lines on your face, retinol will help diminish them too.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
The Alpha-Hydroxy Acids found in beauty products are lactic acid and glycolic acid which are derived from milk and sugar respectively. These acids work together to moisturize your skin by drawing water into your skin from the environment i.e. they act as humectants.
They also boost collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even treat mild level acne.
Argan oil
It doesn’t get any more natural than argan oil. Argan oil is a plant oil that works for all skin types. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which moisturizes the skin, promotes healing, and reverses the effects of sun damage. It has a myriad of ingredients within itself including vitamin E, carotenoids, oleic and linoleic acids, as well as ferulic acid. This makes it lighter than other natural oils such as coconut and shea butter.
Conclusion
Natural does not necessarily mean that the product occurs naturally in nature. Many of the natural products found in skincare products can also be synthetically produced. Naturally occurring products are not superior to synthetic ones. The synthetically produced products may be tweaked to make them more stable and absorb better. To be safer, just stay away from harmful substances such as formaldehyde and parabens.
