What Makes For a Good Skin Care Routine?

Itching to take that perfect selfie but afraid your camera is going to make all your skin flaws glaringly obvious? Fear not, it’s nothing a consistent and daily skin routine can’t fix. You may think having a skin care routine is overrated but what you don’t know is that for those of us who aren’t blessed with good genes, having clear skin requires work. The skin is the largest organ in our body and even after we’ve gone to bed, the skin is doing its job, nourishing your blood cells, and absorbing and releasing moisture. Taking care of your skin means you are preventing possible problem areas – acne, sun burn and the appearance of those fine lines that can lead to premature skin ageing. Think of having a skin care routine as a way to nourish and reward your skin for all the hard work it is doing.

In fact, the earlier you start developing and maintaining a skin care routine, the better. Experts say starting early can minimize the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. If you don’t have a skin care routine in place, you can still start one. Don’t be ambitious and go overboard with complicated steps and excessive products. Start by establishing a basic routine that you can sustain and then work towards making it more elaborate (if you want to, of course).

If you haven’t started already, begin with the two-step cleansing and moisturizing process. Choose a good skin cleanser that works well for your skin type and doesn’t contain too many harsh chemicals followed by a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Remember that day and night moisturizers are different since the skin requires different levels of hydration during different times of the day.

While it’s tempting to continue following the two-step routine, it’s always good to remember that every individual’s skin is unique so customizing your routine can really make a big difference. Pay attention to the nuances of your skin – does exfoliating cause your skin to get irritated? Does a face wash over dry your face? Do you suffer from dark circles or pigmentation? Are you bothered by the whiteheads that keep appearing on your face every now and then? If the answer was yes to anyone of those questions, then the two-step routine just isn’t going to cut it. You need to customize your routine by using concentrated serums and creams that work specifically for your skin issues.

Of course, it’s best to get expert advice on the matter. It’s easy to get carried away when you see all those inviting products promising you radiant skin in the super market but resist the urge. Speak to a dermatologist first about what you should use on your skin and then go on that shopping spree. Your dermatologist can not just tell you what to use but how to use it as well and help you devise a skin routine that works best for you.

Once you have a routine that is working, it is bound to do wonders for your skin. The results won’t come overnight so it pays to be consistent and once you have clear skin, you’ll be amazed at what it can do for your confidence and self-esteem. After all, first impressions are the last impressions and when people see you, the first thing they notice about you is your face and if your skin is radiant, it’s sure to leave its mark on people.

Make your routine a part of your life and you’ll find that it leads to other healthy habits as well. For instance, one of the main things that gives you healthy, glowing skin (besides a routine), is drinking lots of water. That in itself is a healthy habit because a hydrated body is better equipped to fight disease. Similarly, eating fruits and vegetables can also give you great skin plus it can help you shed those inches off your waist as well. A good night’s sleep can work wonders for your skin – sleeping early is beneficial because it leads to increased productivity among other things.

Are you convinced now to give your skin care routine a second look? There is no time like the present to develop a skin care routine that works for you and can keep your skin looking and feeling amazing for years to come!