Introduction

Healthy skin is indicative of the quality of diet and lifestyle one follows. The largest organ of the human body and often overlooked, the skin acts as a barrier and prevents the external components from entering the inside of the body. This entails that, at times, it is exposed to critically harsh conditions, and a dedicated skincare regimen is the least one can follow to maintain and strengthen the skin. 

Good skin does not just require dedication and a lot of expensive products. All it needs is a healthy diet and consistent skincare routine, adequate sleep, exercise and use of the right products. 

Read on to find out more about skincare essentials, the ideal yet basic skincare routine and natural products that benefit the skin. 

The Challenges Our Skin Faces on a Daily Basis and With Progressing Age

Our skin stays in constant exposure to pollutants and chemicals, not to forget the harmful UV rays that may cause more damage than one can fathom. In addition to these external factors, the skin also bears the brunt of a variety of internal issues that include stress and anxiety. All these, in effect, tax the skin, leading to its wear and tear. As one progresses in age, too, collagen depletion and a weakened skin barrier result in degraded skin quality. In order to counter all these issues, your skin requires an investment in love, care and patience that only a dedicated skincare routine can ensure. 

Things to Consider When Building a Skincare Routine

A common misconception is that the more complicated your skincare regime is, the more effective it is. A simple skincare routine in fact, is not only effective but is also easy to follow even on days when one is tempted to skip it. Also, with the wide variety of skincare products available, one need not be overwhelmed and experiment with different products all the time. The best advice to find the right products that suit you is to follow the essential steps below. Keep it simple with the universal skincare routine -cleansing, moisturising and applying sunscreen. 

• Cleansing: This step is the most crucial part of the skincare routine as it helps remove the oil, dirt, make-up, dead skin cells and all other pollutants from the surface of the skin. It keeps the pores clear, preventing acne and other bacterial skin conditions. 
• Moisturising: This step supplies the skin with the essential oils and hydration that are required to keep it nourished, fresh and radiant. Moisturisers are also equipped with effective ingredients that help with skin concerns like blemishes, uneven skin tone, open pores, etc. 
• Sunscreen: Seemingly, sunscreen is used to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays; however, it offers multiple underlying benefits. Regular use of sunscreen also helps fight the signs of ageing and tanning and fights sunburn.  

• Identify your skin type before picking on products to use. For example, an oily skin type requires mattifying sebum-controlling ingredients, whereas dry skin would need thick moisturisers rich in hydrating effects. 

What Does a Simple Morning and Night Skincare Routine Look Like?

Your ideal morning skincare routine should comprise the following steps: 

• Start with an oil-based or water-based cleanser, depending on your skin type.
• Use an antioxidant serum to help enhance skin texture and firmness. Some effective ingredients to look out for are – vitamin C, vitamin E, green tree, caffeine, etc. 
• Use spot treatment for acne and blemishes if required.
• Use a face oil or moisturiser depending on your preference and skin type. People with dry skin should opt for moisturisers with thicker consistency and those with oily skin should opt for light yet effective hydrating products.
• Finally, before you proceed to put on your makeup and get going for the day, the last and the most essential step in your morning skincare routine is applying sunscreen. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more for enhanced care.

Depending on your skin type, you may plan your  ideal nighttime skincare routine by picking 2-3  of the following steps: 

• If you have had makeup during the day, then your skincare routine should start with using an oil-based makeup remover. 
• Use a water-based cleanser at night, as you would want to retain some of the natural oils on the skin. 
• Ensure that you include an under-eye cream in your skincare routine at night as well.
• Ending your routine by applying a night cream is never a bad idea, as it moisturises and aids in cell repair.
• Use skincare actives like AHA BHA serums, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, etc., depending on your skin concerns.

Popular Skin Care Actives for Effective Skin Care Routine at Home-

1. Retinol + caffeine serum is known to help tackle signs of ageing. 
2.  Use an ABA BHA-based peeling solution once or twice a week for even skin tone.
3. SPF 30 PA ++++ Sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. 
4. Vitamin C + hyaluronic Serum for bright and healthy glowing skin.
5.  Niacinamide Face Serum for reducing oil & blemishes. 
6. Salicylic Acid Face Serum to manage Blackheads & Whiteheads

Consult a dermatologist and do a patch test before using a new skincare product on your face. Keep your skincare routine simple and consistent. Pick up the products that suit your skin type and aim to solve your specific skin concerns.

Also Read: 8 Beauty Benefits of Using Ice Cubes On The Skin

Natural Products that Benefit Your Skin

There are probably very few skincare products that do not boast of a natural ingredient as part of their list of ingredients. Natural products are not only safe to use without the risk of any harsh side effects but are also more effective and cost-efficient. Some easily available and highly effective natural products that benefit your skin are:

• Honey – rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, tackle the signs of ageing and make the skin appear fresh, youthful and supple. 
• Cucumber – hydration is the key to healthy glowing skin and cucumber, with its high water content, works wonders for the skin. 
• Aloe vera fights skin inflammation, reduces redness, and promotes cell reproduction and healing. 
• Coconut oil – apart from moisturising the skin, it relieves inflammation, promotes wound healing, and renders a youthful glow to the skin.
• Green tea – high in vitamin E, it deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin in addition to repairing, brightening and preventing it from the harmful effects of external environmental aggressors. 

Also Read: Patchouli Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More! 

Essential Anti-Ageing Care for Your Skin

Skin ageing is an inevitable natural phenomenon. With progressing age, the body’s natural ability to produce essential components like collagen and elastin decreases. The absence or inadequacy of these components required for youthful-looking skin makes it look dull and flaccid, riddled with fine lines and wrinkles. However, the signs of skin ageing can be delayed and reduced in intensity with a combination of diet, healthy lifestyle changes and right skincare. This can be avoided by following certain practices as part of your habit to achieve better skin.

• Clocking in adequate sleep every day.
• Consuming adequate amounts of water and nutritious fluids throughout the day.
• Avoiding certain lifestyle factors like excess alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Limiting the consumption of junk, oily, spicy and processed food.
• Indulging in regular exercise and physical activity.
• Managing stress and anxiety with the help of meditation.
• Following a consistent and dedicated skincare routine.

Also Read: Goat Milk Soap Benefits: Exploring Its Skin-Boosting Potentials

Conclusion

In order to achieve healthy skin, one needs to adopt a holistic skincare approach that involves exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep. No amount of products can help tackle the daily and prolonged wear and tear of the skin if you ignore these essential factors. Incorporating food items and products that are rich in Vitamins C and E, antioxidants, water content, and fatty acids is a good idea to ensure healthy, glowing skin. Do not experiment with your skin and consult a dermatologist for the best advice.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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