GUIDE: Skin care routine

We all try to be the best versions of ourselves, but when it comes to our skin, we might get a little bit lost and find ourselves trying everything in the hope of getting it right. It only takes simple steps and the right combination of products to make the jump from good skin to great skin.

 The first step in building your perfect skincare routine is to understand your skin type. There are five skin types. Knowing yours is crucial to understanding how to best take care of it: 

1. Normal - Well balanced, healthy skin.

2. Oily - Large pores and shiny skin.

3. Dry - Flaky and rough.

4. Combination - Oily in some areas like the chin and T-zone (forehead and nose) and dry in other areas like cheeks.

5. Sensitive - Easily irritated, and itchy.

Morning skincare regime:

1. Cleanse your face - Don't use bar soaps; they are too drying, dull your skin, and may clog your pores. Instead, choose a skin cleanser the works best for your skin type.

For normal and oily skin: Use a face wash that is subtle and will not dry out your skin.

For dry and sensitive skin: Use cleansing milk. Milk cleanser is light and gentle, made from a natural emulsion of fats and water. It cleanses your skin without stripping it of natural oils, so your skin stays balanced, hydrated, and protected.

2. Apply toner or tonic - A toner's function is to complete the cleansing of your skin—removing the dust, pollution, and impurities that can still be lingering after washing with a cleanser, as cleansers usually contain ingredients such as oil, which can leave a film on your face. Try toners that contain rosewater; it is hydrating, has energizing properties, and clarifying. Alternatively, chamomile is also an excellent skin soother. However, try to avoid toners that contain alcohol, if your complexion is dry or sensitive because alcohol tends to dry out the skin.

3. Apply eye cream - The area around the eyes is often neglected, though it needs to be taken care of the most as it is fragile and tends to age faster than the rest of the face. Applying an eye cream will protect the area around your eyes while preventing premature aging. 

4. Apply a face serum - Face serums are lightweight moisturizers that penetrate deeper to deliver active ingredients into your skin. Using a serum is not essential for your skincare routine, but it adds that extra boost and maximizes the effect of your moisturizer.

5. Apply a moisturizer - Moisturizers protect the skin from harsh elements while holding water in the outermost layer.

Normal skin: Apply a water-based moisturizer that is light and not greasy to maintain the natural moisture balance of your skin.

Oily skin: Apply a light moisturizer after using products that dry out your skin.

Dry skin: Use an oil-based moisturizer that helps to restore moisture in your skin.

Sensitive skin: Use a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Chamomile. Make sure the product is not fragrant.

6. Apply SPF 50: Don't forget your sunscreen. Constant sun exposure can harm your skin, and as a result, it will age prematurely.

Your evening skincare routine is not very different from your morning routine. A few added steps will complete your evening routine.
1. Remove your makeup. Afterward, repeat your morning skincare routine from step 1 to step 3.

2. Apply a serum that has more active ingredients as the skin cells are more receptive to products and regenerate while we sleep.

3. Apply a different moisturizer for the night. The night cream renews skin cells and prevents the tissues from being damaged.
Using a special cream for the night, not only keeps your skin nourished but also helps to repair the damaged cells.