Seeing numerous influencers and skincare gurus with long multistep routines can be really stressful and off-putting for those who are just starting out taking better care of their skin or those who are trying to find the right routine. However, not everyone needs to have such complicated routines! If you are someone who does not have the time to use numerous products day and night or just enjoy simplicity, then keep reading. :)
For those who do not have a lot of time in the morning:
Your first step should be cleansing your skin. Bacteria, sweat, and oils can accumulate overnight which should be washed off along with products used the night before. From my research, many dermatologists recommend using a very gentle cleanser as your skin is not truly that dirty. Some even recommended rinsing your face with just water. But, how you should wash depends on your skin type: oily, dry, sensitive, etc.
Your second step should be toning. Toning can be super beneficial to your skin as it helps (depending on the toner) add nutrients to the skin and prep the skin to absorb other products deep into the skin. Try to find toners that are non-alcoholic as they tend to be drying and with some skin types can make acne worse. Make sure to really pat the toner into your skin!
Your third step should be to moisturize. When you keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, you can help fight wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and acne. On top of that, moisturizing helps the skin be soft and has numerous anti-aging benefits. Do not forget about your eye area as well!
Your fourth and final step; sunscreen! Sunscreen is a crucial step in anyone's morning routine. Even if you are in a rush, always at least put on some form of SPF! Sunscreen is SUPER important as it protects your delicate skin from harsh and damaging UV rays. UV rays can cause skin discoloration, wrinkles, and even skin cancer over time. No matter if it is cloudy or sunny, those harsh rays will get you! Most dermatologists recommend using SPF of at least 30 and reapplying as your selected sunscreens direct you to. Also, do not worry as there are a plethora of sunscreens that do not smell like sunscreen or leave a cast on the skin.
For those with little time at night:
Of course, your first step should be cleansing. Your skin can get super dirty and polluted throughout the day so washing off those impurities really helps your skin heal and repair while you sleep. If you are a makeup wearer, dry double cleansing with an oil cleanser and a gentle cleanser to really clean the skin.
Again, your second step should be toning. Toning at night can really help your next products work better while you sleep.
(Optional) Third step, retinol/serums. On nights where you have maybe a minute more to spare, it is recommended to use a retinol cream or serums. Using a retinol cream can help reduce signs of aging and sun damage as well as combat acne and pigmentation. If using retinol, it is recommended to use a small amount a couple of times a week. Then as your skin gets used to it after a few weeks, you can start to use it daily. Serums, on the other hand, have many benefits depending on the serum. Some help fight acne, some brighten the skin, and some can reduce wrinkles; it all depends on the product. Always research and/or talk to a dermatologist before using retinols and serums as well as researching what products do before using.
Third/fourth step, moisturize. The skin repairs and heals the most at night and skin permeability is at its highest so it is important to moisturize as it helps protect and heal your skin's moisture barrier as well as prevent water loss.
So, to make it simple
Morning
Rinse/wash face
Tone
Moisturize (face and eyes)
SPF
Night
Wash face
Tone
Moisturize (face and eyes)
or
Wash face
Tone
Retinol/serums
Moisturize (face and eyes)
Taking care of your skin is one of the most important things you should do. As mentioned, this is a simple and minimal routine. There are many more steps you can do to take better care of your skin. The goal is to, of course, keep it healthy in the present; but more importantly, keep it healthy for the future. You can always email me or look at my product reviews for any questions you may have on routines, products, or just general questions.
Also, as mentioned, I am not a dermatologist or certified. Everything said is based on my research and experience with skincare.
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