The path to radiant and healthy skin begins with a solid skincare routine. Regardless of whether you are new to skincare or looking to refine your approach, the foundation of a good routine is simplicity. Aside from eating a balanced diet and getting sufficient beauty sleep, a basic three-step regimen — cleanse, moisturise, protect — holds the power to transform the health and appearance of your skin. Let’s explore how to craft your own trusty skincare routine for a healthier, more radiant complexion!
Part 1: Cleanse
Whether you’re a beginner at crafting your skincare routine or no stranger to the multi-step routines famous among Korean celebrities, cleansing is one of the basic steps of any healthy skincare regimen and should be a part of your daily skincare routine at home as it helps eliminate impurities and excess oil. Once your skin is thoroughly cleansed, it’ll be able to breathe and better absorb subsequent products.
When it comes to cleansing, choosing the right cleanser texture is crucial. For oily skin, opt for gel or foaming cleansers that deeply cleanse without overdrying. Dry or sensitive skin benefits from creamy or hydrating cleansers that maintain moisture levels. To prevent skin from drying out, make sure to use lukewarm water and pat dry gently after washing. Avoid aggressive rubbing when it comes to your skin as it may cause tears in the skin which then leads to irritation.
Once you’re done washing your face, the next step is to use a toner to remove any remaining traces of impurities so your skin will be ready to receive the next part of your skincare routine. Aside from cleansers, incorporating toners and exfoliators complements the cleansing process by helping to refine pores and remove dead skin cells. Toners can and should be used at least once daily, but do avoid exfoliating more than twice a week to prevent your skin from drying out or becoming too sensitive.
Part 2: Moisturise
Hydration is the cornerstone of a vibrant complexion. Regardless of whether you have oily, normal or combination skin, a moisturiser is a must-have in your daily skincare routine and should be applied morning and night. A good moisturiser should be one that caters to your skin type — think lightweight lotions for oily skin, rich creams for dry skin and non-comedogenic formulas for acne-prone skin.
If you’re considering enhancing your basic skincare routine with even more skin-nourishing products, consider serums, eye creams and face masks to help pamper and plump up your skin. Seek skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening and peptides for anti-ageing benefits to address specific concerns. If you’re unsure in what order your should be layering or using them, here’s a basic guideline for applying moisturising products post-cleansing:
- Step 1: Masks or spot treatment (if applicable)
- Step 2: Serums
- Step 3: Eye cream
- Step 4: Moisturiser
- Step 5: Face oils
Because only a limited amount of your skincare product is actually absorbed into your skin, layering your skincare products correctly helps your skin absorb more active ingredients. Moreover, layering your skincare products the right way may also increase their effectiveness as it can help maintain your skin’s pH balance so your pH-sensitive products can work optimally.
Part 3: Protect
Sun damage is one of the top causes of accelerated skin ageing, hence shielding your skin from UV rays is vital to maintaining your youthful looks. This is why sunscreen should be an essential part of your morning skincare routine. But don’t just relegate sunscreen application to your morning skincare routine — sunscreen can wear off throughout the day, so be sure to regularly reapply it once every 2 hours.
One skincare mistake beginners often make is to only apply sunscreen when heading outdoors. However, skincare experts recommend wearing sunscreen even when you’re at home. For more insights on the how to make the most of your sunscreen, check out our guide on the importance of sunscreen and how to apply it the right way!
Remember, consistency is your greatest ally in achieving your skincare goals. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skincare enthusiast, let this routine become a ritual — a testament to your commitment to self-care. After all, your skin deserves the very best, and by following these steps and pampering it with skin-loving skincare products as well as our range of facial treatments available here at Beauté Library, you can revel in the transformation, enjoying the vibrant and healthy skin you've always longed for.
