Skin Care: Knowing the Basics for a Radiant Glow

Cleansing is the first part of every basic skincare routine. The goal is to wash the face to remove dirt, excess oil, dead skin cells, and environmental impurities from the skin. This makes it a key step for reducing clogged pores, breakouts, and dullness of the skin.

A good cleanser should be able to wash off the impurities from the face without stripping it of its natural oils. The cleanser should also be non-comedogenic, meaning it should not clog the skin’s pores and cause acne or irritation. There are a variety of cleansers in the market, making it important to choose one suited for a person’s skin type.

Cleansing should be done twice a day to avoid clogged pores and dirt buildup. This step can be done at the start and end of the day, ideally while taking a shower.

When washing off makeup or sunscreen, it is advisable to double cleanse. This starts with an oil-based cleanser to remove the makeup or sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser or facial wash to wash away the remaining residue.

Moisture is vital for retaining the skin’s natural ability to heal, provide protection, and keep its elasticity. The skin naturally produces oils, but exposure to the elements can reduce its overall moisture. Using a moisturizer gives the skin a hydration boost to ensure it remains in good condition.

For those with dry skin, heavier moisturizers like lotions and creams can be more effective. Meanwhile, those with oily skin should use lighter moisturizers that are water or gel-based. Moisturizers designed for daytime use typically provide some SPF protection, while nighttime moisturizers tend to be thicker to increase moisture absorption.

The best times to use a moisturizer are after cleansing, bathing, shaving, or exfoliating. It is during these times that the skin is still damp, and the moisturizer is able to seal in the existing hydration. When applying moisturizer, spread the product evenly across the face in gentle motions.

UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin, speed up the signs of aging, and contribute to the development of skin cancers and other conditions. Daily and consistent use of sunscreen can prevent the onset of these adverse effects.

Sunscreen falls into two (2) categories, depending on the active ingredients used to make them. Physical sunscreen ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide create a physical barrier that blocks and scatters the UV rays. While these are less likely to cause irritation, they can often leave a grayish or white tint on the skin.

Meanwhile, chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone and octisalate absorb the UV rays before they damage the skin. Formulations with chemical ingredients tend to be more lightweight, easier to apply, and are transparent on the skin.

Sunscreen should be applied after moisturizer during the day, 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. SPF 15 is advisable for everyday, minimal exposure, while SPF 30 or higher is better for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Specific treatments can be added to enhance a skincare routine. These treatments can address other skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles and fine lines, and so on. They tend to be more complicated, so they may require a consultation with a dermatologist before use.

Anti-acne treatments are meant to treat and prevent the onset of acne, pimples, and other blemishes. This can include toners used on the entire face or spot treatment solutions on large blemishes. Both toners and spot treatments should be applied before moisturizer so the skin can absorb it better.

Serums are thin, highly-concentrated solutions packed with active ingredients. These are used to provide a variety of treatments: sealing in hydration, brightening dull skin, stimulating collagen production, calming redness and irritation, and more. They must be applied after toners and before spot treatments or moisturizers to get the full effect.

Exfoliants take the form of physical scrubs and masks, as well as chemical solutions like water-soluble AHA and oil-soluble BHA. They work to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, making it look smoother and brighter. Physical exfoliants work on the top layers of the skin while chemical exfoliants penetrate into the deeper layers.

Exfoliants should only be used sparingly—around two (2) to three (3) times a week—in the morning. They should not be used with other treatments and products that can dry out or irritate the skin.