Achieving great skin goes beyond genetics and involves adopting daily habits that impact how you look and feel. Amidst the overwhelming skin care advice and endless product reviews, building a personalized skin care routine remains essential. Experts in the field, like doctors specializing in dermatology or facial plastic surgery, offer valuable guidance on this journey. Some trial and error are expected before finding a skin care regimen that gives you the inner glow you are searching for. It can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks of daily use to notice an appreciable change in your skin quality and texture so consistency is key.
A personalized daily skin care regimen, utilizing the right skin care products, holds the key to a luminous and nourished complexion that caters to your individual skin needs. Discovering your skin type and implementing a tailor-made skincare routine effectively tackles dryness while maintaining optimal hydration. Trusting in the expertise of skin care professionals empowers you to embark upon the journey toward your ultimate skin goals.
Here we share everything about the origins of skin care, what constitutes a good skin care routine, what the best products for your skin are on the market, and natural skin care brands to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Origins of Skin Care
Dating back to 3000 BCE, the origins of skincare can be traced back to ancient Egypt. They crafted a skincare routine using natural resources like ostrich eggs, essential oils from herbs and plants, and sour milk with lactic acid. Cleopatra, an iconic beauty, was known for her use of sour milk baths to improve skin texture and tone. Additionally, they used semi-precious stones and ground-up metals as eyeshadows, while a mix of lead, almonds, soot, animal fat, and copper served as eyeliner.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving youth, they utilized oils like castor, sesame, and moringa, along with clay mixtures for cleansing, milk masks for moisturization, and dead sea salts for exfoliation. They not only used these techniques for beauty but also to protect their skin from the sun. These skincare traditions have stood the test of time and continue to influence modern beauty practices today.
Skin Care Routine
You may have seen influencer videos showing 20-step skin care routines, but the truth is that when it comes to caring for your skin, less is more. The best skin care routines are made up of five basic skin care routine steps:
Cleansing
To prevent clogged pores and acne, wash your face twice a day – once in the morning and again at night. Face cleansing holds the utmost importance as it effectively removes impurities and excess oil, helping to restore a radiant complexion.
Start by removing your makeup with cleansing oil or micellar water. Leave eye-makeup removers on for a short while to make makeup removal easier and avoid rubbing your eyes. Then, do a gentle full-face cleanse. Be kind to your skin during the process. Rinse your hands, massage your face with water until the cleanser and grime are gone, and gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Toning
Toning is crucial in your skincare routine as it enhances your skin’s health and appearance. Serums and toners provide essential nutrients and restore the skin’s balance. Apply them with clean hands for optimal results. Some products can be used in the morning and at night, while others are best for nighttime use. Follow product instructions diligently for radiant and nourished skin.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is a vital step in your skincare routine, as it plays a key role in strengthening your skin’s protective barrier. By moisturizing regularly, you prevent water loss, maintain protective oils, and keep your skin soft and supple. It is essential to moisturize your skin every day, regardless of the climate or your skin type. Whether you are in a humid environment or have oily skin, consistent moisturization is essential for maintaining healthy and nourished skin.
Apply Sunscreen
Obviously, we can’t forget about sunscreen. All experts agree that it is the most important step in your skin care routine. No moisturizer or serum is effective if you don’t protect yourself from the sun’s rays. In addition to preventing premature wrinkles, blemishes, and uneven texture, it also protects you from skin cancer.
Remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving your home, opting for a product with at least SPF 30+. When it comes to active ingredients, look for products that contain zinc oxide over titanium dioxide as the former protects against both UVA and UVB rays and as such, has the broadest coverage. Ensure to cover your neck, chest, and any exposed areas to effectively shield your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Also, keep in mind that sunscreen is not just part of your morning skin care routine; you must reapply throughout the day.
Retinol
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is used in topical form to address aging-related skin changes. It is available over the counter and stronger concentrations are available by prescription. Retinol increases skin cell production, unclogs pores, and increases collagen production in order to revitalize skin and minimize wrinkles long term. A little goes a long way. Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face with special focus on the T zone. Start by using 2-3 times per week and increase to nightly once your skin is more tolerant of the exfoliant effects.
Best Skin Care Products for Your Routine
Cleansers:
Garnier Micellar Hyaluronic Aloe Water
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Serums:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Serum Ceramide Capsules
Moisturizers:
Tatcha The Water Cream
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Sunscreen:
Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Elta MD UV Daily Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
A good skincare routine can work wonders for your skin. Adopting a personalized approach is key to achieving a radiant complexion. If you’re eager to explore surgical or non-surgical options to further enhance your skin’s health and appearance, schedule your appointment. Let’s work together to discover the best solutions for your skin and lifestyle.
