Skin Care 101: Proper Skin Care Routine/Methods

There is no right or wrong way of the steps to your skincare routine whether that be at night or in the morning.

Components of a Skincare Routine

• Cleanser: You should cleanse your face daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. Cleansing properly would allow you to remove the dirt, dead skin, pollutants, oil, and bacteria that build up during the daytime. If you have dry skin, choose a fragrance-free cleanser that is alcohol and sulfate-free. If you have oily skin, choose a cleanser that has salicylic acid or a low gentle pH cleanser. Wash after with lukewarm water.
• Exfoliator: Exfoliators are optional for dry skins but are something to look at if you have oily skin. Exfoliators should be used once to only twice a week. Exfoliating helps to improve skin texture and appearance by removing dead skin cells so that your skin has a fresh start.
• Toner: Toner helps to restore nutrients back to your skin after cleansing and to soak up the rest of your skincare routine (serums and moisturizer).
• Serum: A serum can help address specific issues, this range from preventing fine wrinkles, redness, textured skin, etc.
• Moisturizer: Moisturizers should be used every time (morning and night) no matter what your skin type is. This prevents your skin from being dry from spot treatment and overall gives you a boost of hydration that your skin needs to be elastic and soft.
• Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must in your morning skincare routine. Helps to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer that the sun's harmful UV rays. This can also help with slowing your skin aging process.

Additional Skincare Components

• Essence: Not important but it helps to absorb additional products in your skincare routine.
• Eye cream: Helps protect your eye area and prevent wrinkles around the eye and make you look awake by lessening the appearance of your dark circles.  
• Sheet Masks: Sheet masks are fun. They act as a barrier so that skin can absorb the nutrients from your skincare routine and not let them escape.

You do not have to follow a cliché skincare routine or what others are going through as each and every one of us has unique skin concerns from the other. You don't have to follow a 5, 7, or 10-step routine if your skin doesn't need it. You can maintain good condition with your skin just by cleaning your face and using moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning. Build your skincare routine by what your skin concerns and needs.