Basic skincare routine is a necessary practise to be made for a healthy and radiant skin. It's a self care regime to achieve flawless skin (not the complexion). In this day & age of "instant and fast outcomes mindset" you have to keep your skin care routine basic and flexible so that you can follow that consistently to experience “feel good vibes”.
Our skin reflects a visual appearance that can be taken as first impression, often influencing initial judgments and perception of an individual. That’s where basic skin care routine comes into play, which can contribute to a more attractive and youthful appearance.
Let us now explore how skin care routine has a significant impact on your overall personal grooming and appearance. Let’s begin the transformative routine together step wise.
Myths Busting Skin care Routine:
Before diving into skin care routine you should know some common skin care myths and the facts to bust them:
Myth1: Basic Skincare Routine is only for women, not for men.
Fact: The idea of skincare is only for women is a very common misconception. A simple skincare routine with the right products for your skin type and concerns can make a significant difference regardless your gender. Taking care of your skin is all about promoting overall wellbeing for both men and women.
Myth2: The more Expensive the product, the better it works for you.
Fact: Actually, the Product price does not impact much. There are several affordable products available in market that works well as per your skin type and concern. Choose a product with its ingredients rather than its price tag.
Myth 3: You Should Feel a Tingling Sensation for Products to Work.
Fact: Not all skincare products need to tingle or burn to be effective. In fact, a tingling sensation can sometimes indicate irritation on the skin. Mild products can be just as effective without causing any discomfort for your skin.
Myth 4: Pores Can be Open and Close.
Fact: This is a very hyped myth in the skincare routine. Pores don't open and close, they only differ in the size. Using hot water to "open" pores or cold water to "close" them is a misconception.
Hot water can melts down and clear all the oils, dirts and all the craps which deeply accumulated in the pores and similarly cold water shrinks the sizes but cann't close the pores. Gentle cleansing and exfoliation can help keep the pores clear.
Myth 5: A Tan Provides Protection Against Sunburn.
Fact: Tanning is the skin's response to UV damage and it does not provide protection against sunburn. It's always recommended to use a good SPF based sunscreen to prevent sunburn and sun damage to the skin.
Myth 6: You Should Use Multiple Skincare Products All at Once.
Fact: Layering of too many products can lead to skin irritation instead of effectiveness. It's better to have a basic skincare routine with products that address your skin concerns. Keep some minutes gap between the products layering to observe in to the skin properly.
Identify Your SKIN TYPE :
Before starting any skincare routine you must have to Identify your skin type first & foremost to make it more effective. One can have different skin type at the same time depending on several factors like age, environment, hormones and so on . In general we have 5 Skin Types. I can guide you to identify your skin type. In order to determine your skin type, you can perform some simple steps at home.
Wash Your Face: Start with a clean face. Use a very gentle cleanser to remove any makeup & impurities on face.
Leave Your Skin Bare: Don't apply any skincare products for 4-5 hours, to allow your skin to return to its natural state. Now dab a tissue paper or a bloating paper on the face.
Skin Type | Observation | Prone To |
Normal Skin |
Face becomes not too oily or too dry, and there are no significant issues | Occasional acne breakouts |
Dry Skin |
Face will feel dry or tight . It may also look dull, rough and ashy. It feels flaky in cheek areas and around mouth area. | Aging, fine lines, wrinkles |
Oily Skin |
Face becomes visibly shiny, especially in the T-zone areas(forehead, nose, and chin), and feels greasy while touching and also have visible enlarged pores | Frequently Acne breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, |
Combination Skin |
some areas of your face are oily (usually the T-zone), while cheek and mouth areas feel dry or normal | Fine lines, Acne breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads |
Sensitive Skin |
Face becomes red, irritated, or itchy due to external environment. | Skin allergies, acne breakouts, redness |
Basic Skincare Routine For Beginners to be followed Step-wise:
No matter what skin type you have, these steps lay the foundation for a good skincare practices and contribute to overall skin health. You can divide the skincare routine into 2 parts i.e. Morning Skincare routine and Night Time Skincare routine.
Morning Skincare routine for Beginners: A step by Step Layering Order
Step-1: Cleansing
Start your day by washing your face with a mild cleanser. Pat your face dry with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Step-2: Toner:
While some people skips toning their face but it’s not recommended. Toner can help balance the skin's pH and prepare it for subsequent products. You can introduce some active ingredients through toner as per your skin type like Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin for dry and normal skin type, Witch Hetzel, Aloe vera and Chamomile for Oily and Combination Skin for soothing purpose.
Step-3 :Moisturizing:
Moisturizer is very important step for every skin type. Apply a suitable moisturizer for your skin type, like a thick and creamy moisturizer for normal to dry skin type, Gel based moisturizer for Oily Skin type, Lotion based skin type for Combination and sensitive skin type. Moisturizer helps to keep your skin hydrated and repair the skin barrier.
Step-4: Sunscreen:
Finish your morning routine by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV A & UV B rays and helps prevent premature aging and skin damage. Creamy and Lotion based Sunscreens are good for Dry to Normal Skin and Oil-free and mattifying texture sunscreen are good for Oily , combination and sensitive skin type.
Tip: Sunscreen is not only applied on face, rather it should be applied on all exposed body parts like neck, hands, feet etc. and also reapply in every 2-3 hours interval for a good skin care habit.
Tip: Never forget your lips , you should wear lip balm or lipstick with SPF protection during day time.
Night Skincare routine: A step by Step Layering Order
Night time is the time when your skin is in repair mode, so it’s the best time to treat and provide the essentials, what skin needs.
Step-1: Double Cleansing:
If you wear makeup during day time its important to double cleansing your face. It also ensures removing dirt, oil, pollutants, and makeup, preventing pore congestion and the build-up of impurities before starting skincare routine. You can use Cleansing balms/oils, Micellar water to remove the makeups, excess pollutants then go for a mild cleanser. Then pat dry your face or let it air dry.
Step-2:Toning:
As in the morning, you can use a toner as per your skincare needs.
Step-3: Serums/ Treatments:
If you have specific skincare concerns like acne, fine lines, or pigmentation, uneven skin tone, apply a treatment product like a anti oxidant serum or lotion right after cleansing and toning. Give some minutes to absorb the product into the skin.
Step-4: Moisturizing:
Go for your night time moisturizer to seal all the serums or products onto the skin. Its preferred to choose a separate night time moisturizer than day time, as Night creams are often richer and more hydrating than daytime moisturizers in order to help your skin recover and rejuvenate while you sleep.
Tip: Apply a good hydrating and nourishing lip balm during night time.
Take Aways:
- This is all about Basic Skincare Routine step by step for beginner to start with for a healthy and glowing skin and remember Consistency is the KEY.
- By investing time and effort in your Skin Care routine, you're sending a powerful message to yourself: "I am worth it."
FAQs:-
1. What Products should everyone have in their skin care routine?
For a basic skin care routine the products should be chosen and applied as per the time i.e. Morning and Night time.
Morning Time skin care routine is all about protection from sun, pollution(if you are in out doors), so one should have a Gentle cleanser, a good hydrating Moisturizer and a broad spectrum Sunscreen and then if you want to put on your make, you can.
Night Time skin care is all about healing and repairing of skin. so one need a Micellar water or cleansing balm to remove makeup followed by a good Face Wash to clean all dirts, oils, a good Toner, an antioxidant serum as per skin concern , and good moisturizer or Night cream.
2. How do I know my exact Skin Type?
Frankly speaking, it's quite difficult to know the exact Skin Type as a person can have different skin types depending on factors like his/her age, environment, hormonal issues, if any other medical conditions and so on.
So its better to go for the biggest skin concerns of your at first, then slowly try to figure out other concerns and treat it. Following a basic skin care. i.e. Cleansing, Toning, Moisturizing, Sunscreen always helps irrespective of skin type.
3. Do you need different products for morning and evening skin care routine?
Yes , You should have different products. For example, in morning you can use a gentle cleanser, but in night you should use face wash which should include makeup removal properties in it.
In morning time you can use a light weight moisturizer, at night time you should go for a thicker and more hydrating moisturizer.
But in general, if you have Normal skin type, You can use same moisturizer, serum both in day and night time. So it completely depends on your skin type and your preferences.
4. Should I use a specific Cleanser?
Look, there is no specific cleanser that fits for you all time. In morning time you can use a gentle cleanser as you already cleared your face thoroughly at night before going to bed . Similarly after a full day with makeup on your face out door traveling and work you need a double cleansing process to clear your face thoroughly. You can use oil based cleansing balm or Micellar water to dissolve all the makeups, dirts, oils and then followed by a face wash for a deep clean.
5. If you are on a Budget, then what are the minimum products that you should spend your money on?
If you are on a strict Budget, then the minimum products that you should have are , A good Cleanser, A Hydrating Moisturizer and A broad Spectrum Sunscreen. These 3 are the minimum products that you must have for a basic and effective skin care routine.
6. Do I need multiple products for a better result?
Always Remember, LESS is MORE concept. For a basic skin care routine please go with a minimum products, let the skin respond to the products well and then as per your skin concern you can add products. If you applied too many products, it can leads to inflation and skin irritation.
7. A good skin care routine costs more?
Nope, this not true. Cost doesn't matter much, what matters is CONSISTENCY. If you follow the basic skin care routine with minimum products consistently, you will see visible results very soon.