In recent years, there’s been a significant boost in the skincare industry, especially nowadays since the “glass skin” trends have taken the world by storm. Although some use cosmetics to achieve it, others go the extra length to achieve clear and glossy skin. Do you really need a 10-step skincare routine for this? No! In today’s article, we’ll be talking about how a simple and consistent routine can do magic to your skin.

How do I build an effective skincare routine?

Although there are a lot of serums that offer multiple benefits to your complexion, nothing beats a good skincare routine. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, but it pays to invest in quality skincare products. Here’s a basic guide on how you can build an effective skincare routine.

Know and understand your skin type. Before everything else, you must first identify the kind of skin type you have. There are four different types, namely:

Normal. People with normal skin have relatively balanced hydration and pH levels, giving them a fair complexion with little to no blemishes.

Dry. Contrary to the above, this skin type lacks moisture, which makes it more prone to redness, flakiness, and acne.

Oily. People with oily skin produce a lot of excess sebum, which can trigger breakouts. Because of all the oil, it gives their face a shinier appearance.

Combination. Lastly, people with this skin type usually have an oily forehead, nose, and chin—the T-zone—while their cheeks have dry patches.

Make cleansing a habit. It’s important to develop a regular cleansing routine as part of your skincare; washing your face in the morning and at night with a cleanser fit to your skin type is ideal. However, people with dry skin may need to just opt to wash once a night to preserve their skin’s natural oils. Be mindful of the water’s temperature as well; washing your face with cold can tighten your pores, locking bacteria. On the other hand, using hot water can strip your natural oils when washing.

Use a toner. Many people opt to leave out using toners in their routine, but it’s highly encouraged to include them to help remove remaining impurities from washing, and they help balance your skin’s pH level while also preparing your skin for the next step.

Choose a serum that addresses your skin issues. There are a lot of serums available on the market that address different concerns, from acne spots to fine lines, and even reduce redness.

Moisturize. Finally, the last step of your skincare routine should be to moisturize your skin. Doing so will help prevent water loss, lock hydration in, and protect your skin’s barrier. It’s important to note that you should also choose a moisturizer according to your skin type. Oily skin would benefit from lightweight and oil-free ones, while dry skin should use rich and creamy moisturizers for that extra hydration.

Additional tips you should implement in your routine:

Use SPF. Regardless if the sun is out or not, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Exfoliate. It’s also essential to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells at least once or twice a week.

Hydrate. Don’t forget to drink water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside.

Following these steps are proven ways to help you achieve a healthier complexion. However, it’s important to seek a dermatologist first so they can assess your skin condition and provide better insight into your skin.