Sometimes it can feel like there are more skincare products available for women than there are foods in a supermarket. Intense, multi-step routines have grown in popularity over the years. There’s no need to invest in a 12-step, 15-step or 20-step skincare regimen to have beautiful, healthy skin. How can you tell which steps are really needed and which are optional? Follow this easy guide to find your foundation skincare.
The Importance of Facial Cleansing
A cleanser is the first must-have in any skincare routine. Facial cleansers wash the day’s impurities and sweat from the skin. They do this without stripping the skin of its natural protective layers, the way harsher hand soap or body wash might.
If your skin is on the oily side, you will require a stronger cleanser than someone with naturally dry skin. Shop around until you find an option that makes your skin feel clean, but not tight and stripped bare. Those with dry skin or using retinoids should opt for the most gentle cleanser they can find. Stripping skin can cause irritation and acne.
The Combination of Azelaic Acid & Niacinamide Lotion
Now that you have a clean canvas, there are two essential advanced ingredients that should have a permanent place in your bathroom cabinet. Azelaic acid and niacinamide work together to tackle a wide variety of common beauty concerns. These two ingredients can:
- Fade dark spots and acne hyperpigmentation
- Reduce inflammation and redness
- Fight acne-causing bacteria on the skin
- Unclog and reduce the appearance of large pores
Niacinamide is a vitamin that helps your skin repair itself, while azelaic acid is a natural part of your skin’s immune system defenses. Use both in your routine to reap the maximum benefits.
The Proper Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
After you use beneficial ingredients, moisturizer provides a crucial barrier for your skin. Similar to facial cleansers, the right facial moisturizer for you depends on your skin’s natural tendencies. Those with oily skin will likely prefer the feel of a light moisturizer, while those with dry skin may require a thicker formula.
Be sure to choose a moisturizer formulated for the face, rather than substituting body lotion. Facial moisturizers are free from substances that might irritate the delicate skin of the face. Skin elsewhere on your body is more robust and less reactive. Many facial moisturizers also have skin-friendly bonus ingredients, such as Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
The Importance of Sunscreen
The last essential element of a basic skincare routine is sunscreen. Many skincare powerhouses, such as azelaic acid products and retinol, can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should aim to complete every step of a basic skincare routine twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed. End the morning routine with a generous amount of 30 SPF sunscreen to avoid irreversible long-term skin damage.
Some people enjoy long skincare routines, but others prefer a quicker and cheaper solution. If you’d rather stick to the basics, pare down to a cleanser, azelaic acid, niacinamide cream, moisturizer and sunscreen.