Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a luxury, there are many affordable and natural alternatives. Some of you may not know where to begin or want to add more to your daily routine. Everybody is different, so not all skincare routines are going to work for each person. Let’s discuss how to develop a basic skincare routine that can work for almost anyone and some that require more work.

The Ultimate 3 Step Skincare System

Think of this as a simple but effective routine for beginners or those that don’t feel the need to do much.

Cleanser – Cleanses your skin

Toner – Balances your skin

Moisturizer – Hydrates your skin

Any skincare routine requires these three essential steps to meet the desired results of clear skin. But you have to keep in mind that skin imperfections aren’t going to be fixed instantly, they take time. You need consistency and patience to achieve a noticeable difference in your skin texture and the overall health of your skin.

The next two routines don’t need to be followed in the exact order. Some of you may not need to do a few of these steps at all or may only need to do it a couple of days out of the week. Just know these routines are suggestions, not regulations. Feel free to leave a comment about your skincare routine or skincare in general!

Daytime Skincare Routine

The morning routine is all about protection from the sun, dirt, and environmental pollutants. When using products, it’s best to apply them from thinnest to thickest consistency to notice a visible difference.

Step 1 – Cleanser

This is the most important step to start your day. Wash your face with lukewarm water and your hydrating cleanser of choice to remove any residue left in the skin overnight.

Step 2 – Toner

Toners are designed to remove excess dirt left behind after cleansing and to shrink your pores. These thin liquids give an extra dose of nutrients to penetrate deep into the skin cells helping other products absorb deeper while maintaining your complexion.

Step 3 –Serum

Serums contain active ingredients higher in concentration compared to moisturizers. There are various types, but they can help with or prevent specific problems such as wrinkles.

Step 4 – Eye Cream

The area around your eye gets saggy and loses its elasticity over time so it’s important to apply eye cream daily. It also helps to reduce fine lines around the eye area.

Step 5 – Moisturizer

Moisturizing is an essential step that needs to be applied daily. A good moisturizer provides extra hydration that soothes and softens the skin. Day creams are usually lightweight and help protect against environmental pollutants and UV rays if it contains SPF.

Step 6 – Sunscreen

This is another vital step in your skincare routine that needs to be applied every day and every season. Using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays, discoloration, prevents premature aging, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

The nighttime skincare routine is slightly different from the daytime as it requires some additional steps. Some of the following steps don’t need to be done every night, only when needed or a few times a week.

Step 1 – Oil-based Makeup Remover

An oil-based cleanser breaks down the oily ingredients found in makeup. Always remember to use a makeup remover not just water to wash your face as the remnants from makeup don’t leave your face instantly.

Step 2 – Cleanser

After removing the makeup, apply a generous amount of your cleanser of choice. The active ingredients in the cleanser will remove the excess dirt and makeup.

Step 3 – Exfoliator

Exfoliation is a critical step but doesn’t need to be done every day, only about 2-3 times a week. Exfoliating regularly will cause irritation and inflammation on your skin. Exfoliators are best for getting deep into your pores and removing anything that has built up over time.

Step 4 – Toner

As we already have discussed the importance of toner, use a hydrating mist or toner that best suits your needs.

Step 5 –Sheet/Face Masks

There are many types of masks out there that serve different purposes. Some will unclog pores, provide extra hydration, calm irritated skin and the list goes on. To give your skin an extra dose of hydration and moisture, apply a face or sheet mask to smooth the appearance of your skin.

Depending on which one you choose will determine when you apply the mask during your nighttime routine. Choose a mask based on your skin’s needs for that day or don’t apply any at all if you don’t feel the need to.

Step 6 – Serum

Apply your favorite serum to combat any potential discoloration, hyperpigmentation, or other skin-related concerns. Retinols are a powerful anti-aging liquid and it works best at night so try to incorporate retinol into your nighttime routine.

Step 7 – Spot Treatment

Spot treatments are perfect if you have blemishes on your face. Apply a small amount of treatment on the spot and leave it to dry. An alternative is pimple patches, they work similarly to spot creams but are patches instead.  Remember that acne spot treatments can dry your face so only apply on that area and as needed.

Step 8 – Eye Cream

You just can’t miss providing hydration to your under-eye area as well as the eyelid area. Applying a good eye cream prevents the eye area from premature aging.

Step 9 – Moisturizer

Let’s mark the end of your nighttime routine by applying a thick moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.

Takeaway

Remember that these steps are not meant for every skin type so don’t feel pressured to incorporate all of them into your skincare routine. Determine what your skin type is first and then move forward with the more comprehensive skincare routine. Whether you apply 3 products or 10 products, make sure their order is appropriate so that you can witness the desirable results. Comment some of your favorite products below and how your skin has improved since improving your skincare routine!