Observing models with flawless skin in beauty salon images might give the impression that achieving similar results at home is unattainable. But in reality, you don’t always require costly procedures to achieve good results. It’s enough to choose suitable care that meets your skin’s needs. Of course, genetics can be one more influential factor, but it’s just another aspect of the equation. Understanding how different components work, committing to regular skincare routines, and choosing safe products is what truly matters.
This article compiles practical tips and trusted cosmetic brands to assist you in establishing gentle, at-home care routines tailored to your skin type. Check them out!
How to take care of your skin: 6 expert tips
Caring for your skin isn’t just about looking good; it’s also about your health. After all, this organ plays a vital role in your body’s metabolism, helping to eliminate toxins and excess water.
FAQ: What beauty salon procedures are good for improving facial skin?
Consider regular procedures in a beauty salon to enhance your skin’s condition. These might be peels, beneficial substance injections, or machine-based treatments. For example, you can inject dermal fillers to smooth out facial features. Or, opt for salicylic peels to balance skin tone. Just be sure to choose a qualified specialist.
To take proper care of your facial skin, follow these simple tips:
#1 Make skin care your daily routine
The hardest part of skincare is sticking to a routine. But to see results, you need to make simple procedures part of your morning and evening rituals. Keep in mind that even with the most expensive and effective products, results won’t appear in one day. Your skin requires time to absorb the beneficial components.
#2 Determine your skin type
Depending on your genetic predispositions, you might have one of five possible skin types—normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. It’s crucial to select skincare products that cater to your specific needs.
To determine your skin type, you can consult a beauty therapist or dermatologist. However, you can also do it at home using a simple tissue test.
Thoroughly wash and cleanse your face with soap, then wait 30 minutes without applying any cosmetic products. Afterward, gently blot your face with a tissue. This will help you assess the results:
- If the tissue remains clean, you have dry skin;
- If there are oily spots on the tissue, you have oily skin;
- If there are oily spots on the T-zone but the tissue is clean on the cheeks, you have combination skin;
- If there are barely noticeable oily spots on the tissue, you have normal skin.
Sensitive skin is usually characterized by a high frequency of breakouts.
#3 Adapt your skincare depending on the season
Your facial skin is especially sensitive to temperature, humidity, and sun exposure changes. Since these conditions vary throughout the year, your skincare routine should be adapted accordingly.
Summer poses challenges for your skin due to the heat, which can lead to increased moisture loss and exposure to dust and pollutants. That’s why during this season, enhanced purification is advisable. To remove dirt, you can use acids like AHA, BHA, and PHA. Nonetheless, opt for specific products depending on your skin type:
- AHA—for dry skin;
- BHA—for oily and sensitive skin;
- PHA—is suitable for most skin types.
Skincare formulations infused with these compounds effectively slough off dead skin, kickstart collagen production, and alleviate inflammation. AHAs are a praised staple for summer skincare. Nonetheless, according to Michigan State University, they should be paired with SPF products due to heightened skin sensitivity to UV rays.
During winter, shielding the skin from frost and wind is necessary. American dermatologist Allison Bodzy suggests ramping up the use of moisturizing products in the cold season. She also recommends opting for skincare formulations containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid to combat skin dryness.
#4 Focus on ingredients, not visual aesthetics
Cosmetic brands often create eye-catching product packaging, which consumers are drawn to. However, this doesn’t always guarantee skincare product quality. It’s better to find a single reputable line and stick to it. When choosing, pay close attention to the ingredients. Good skincare products contain cleansing agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate), moisturizing ingredients (e.g., glycerin), active components (e.g., vitamin C), and antioxidants (e.g., green tea). Nevertheless, manufacturers often include harmful substances like parabens, formaldehyde, and triclosan.
#5 Take care of your skin’s pH
Maintaining acid-base balance, measured by pH, is important for human skin. It forms a protective barrier that prevents harmful bacteria growth and facilitates excess moisture removal. A good skin pH ranges between 4.7 to 5.75.
However, this balance can be disrupted by using only tap water or harsh soaps. That’s why you should opt for specialized skincare products like micellar water, oil cleansers, and gentle foaming cleansers.
#6 Always remove makeup
Not washing off your makeup, especially heavy coverage foundations, is the primary reason for clogged pores, leading to breakouts. Besides, it irritates the skin, hindering its natural functions. Get into the habit of removing your makeup every night before going to bed.
FAQ: What products can you use daily for your face skincare?
This depends on your skin type. For example, if your skin is dry, it’s essential to moisturize it daily. For sensitive skin types, you should find products like gentle cleansers or hypoallergenic moisturizers that won’t cause breakouts or other issues. To figure out your skin type, consult with a dermatologist you trust. They can also help you develop an appropriate skincare routine.
3 reliable skincare cosmetic brands
Cosmetic brands promise perfect facial skin in their ads. But not all of them are transparent with their customers. Check out three companies known for their stellar reputation and proven effectiveness.
FAQ: What is the best way to take care of your facial skin?
The best way to take care of your facial skin is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After all, this organ serves as a reflection of your overall well-being. For example, smokers often experience telangiectasia (“spider veins”) due to the detrimental effects of nicotine on blood vessels. Chronic sleep deprivation can result in dark circles under the eyes, while excessive salt intake may lead to swelling, potentially causing skin stretching and acne breakouts.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a French dermatological laboratory owned by the L’Oréal brand. It develops cosmetic solutions specifically for sensitive and problematic skin. La Roche-Posay’s products help combat eczema, dryness, and acne. Moreover, its skincare lines are recommended by dermatologists. Only safe ingredients are used in production, while the effectiveness is proven through clinical trials.
CeraVe
CeraVe is another French cosmetic brand. Their entire product line is formulated by dermatologists to target common issues like dryness, roughness, and irritation. The brand’s standout feature is utilizing ceramides, which are essential components of the skin barrier.
Paula’s Choice
This skincare brand was founded by American talk radio host Paula Begoun, known as “The Cosmetics Cop.” The company prioritizes scientific research and ingredient efficacy in product development. They steer clear of trendy ingredients and focus on what truly benefits their consumers’ skin. Moreover, Paula’s Choice’s founder claims they are one of the few who recommend products from other brands if necessary.
FAQ: What steps are necessary for improving your facial skin?
Many dermatologists recommend a four-step face skincare routine. First, you must cleanse to remove dirt and sebum. Second, use a toning solution to calm the skin. Then, apply moisturizer to keep it hydrated. And lastly, use sunscreen with high SPF to protect your skin from UV rays. As these recommendations are general, you should customize your skincare routine based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
Taking care of your skin shouldn’t feel exhausting; sometimes, it’s just about reassessing your habits and adopting healthy practices like quitting smoking and staying hydrated. Also, keep in mind that the care depends on your skin type and can vary depending on the season.