In a world full of uncertainties, many of us feel anxious about what might happen next. It can be overwhelming to carry all of that doubt and despair, especially for things that are beyond our control.
Instead, we should focus on the things that are actually within our sphere of influence today. Sometimes it’s best to close the windows, turn off the TV, put down the phone, and look at the mirror. If we can practice self-care, then there is at least one person in the world that will be doing much better than before: ourselves.
It’s the little things that matter. Make sure that you have ample savings for emergencies. Exercise regularly to keep yourself fit. Eat healthy so you reduce the risk of illness. Get enough sleep every night so that you feel refreshed in the morning. Drink several glasses of water each day to stay hydrated.
Take daily showers to cleanse your body. Wash your hands frequently to avoid disease. Keep your hair shiny and bouncy with the right products. Practice a skincare routine that works for you every day. If you don’t have one yet, then read on to get some tips and ideas.
Skincare Basics
A skincare routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In fact, beginners should probably err on the side of simplicity. This will ensure a quick start and longer retention. You won’t need to drag your feet as you will only need a few products to get going. They will be easy on the budget so the routine will be sustainable.
You are unlikely to miss a day because skincare just takes a few minutes to complete. If you feel like you need to do more, then you can add more steps later on. For now, however, we’ll stick to the three essentials: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin.
Cleansing Oil and Dirt
Most dermatologists suggest cleansing two times a day with a gentle skin product. Do this in the morning to get rid of the oil and dirt that accumulated during your sleep. Do it again in the evening after you get home to remove pollutants, sweat, and make-up.
If this feels too much for your skin and you are seeing signs of dryness, then switch to once-a-day usage of a cleansing product. You can use plain water in the mornings instead. If the dryness persists, then you should probably look for a different cleanser that won’t be as harsh on your skin.
It’s a good idea to go for hydrating cleansers as these are specifically formulated to keep moisture in. Check the label and read the ingredients. Natural and organic ingredients may be a safer bet if you have issues with typical skincare products.
These can be more expensive, but the results might be worth the extra cash. See if there are any ingredients that tend to irritate your skin. If you are unfamiliar with the things you see, then do a quick online search to understand what you are actually putting on your face. You’ll make better decisions afterwards.
Moisturizing for Glow
Even if you are using a hydrating cleanser, it is still a good idea to moisturize as your second step. Look for a product that does not contain any oils. This will help you stay away from acne and other issues in case you have sensitive skin. Some moisturizers will have their own scent.
It’s best to match this with a suitable perfume so that the scents won’t clash. You can buy several scent samples from Scent Split to ensure your perfume and moisturizer scents are matching. They need to complement each other to create a wonderful fusion that will delight and attract. For example, a floral scent should be matched with a similar perfume.
A lot of people think that moisturizers are only for those with dry skin. However, the reality is that everyone can benefit from these products including those with oily skin. Relying purely on cleansers may have the unintended effect of making the skin produce an excessive amount of oil to compensate for the dryness.
Dry skin is also prone to irritation. If you are worried about pimples, then use products that are designed not to block pores called non-comedogenic moisturizers. You can use these with confidence even on spots where many of your past breakouts have occurred.
Protecting from Damage
The last step in any skincare routine is the use of protective products to prevent damage. Among the biggest threats to the skin are the sun’s harsh rays. These include ultraviolet light which can cause skin cancer.
Even if it doesn’t go that far, high UV exposure can increase signs of aging including dark spots, fine lines, and deep wrinkles. Therefore, it is absolutely paramount for people to put on sunscreen in the morning before heading out the door. Apply this on your face, your neck, your arms, and your legs. Anything that isn’t covered should have this liquid shield.
Just remember that different products offer varying degrees of protection. Check the SPF level to see how well a particular product can block the sun. Go for a minimum of SPF30 even if the forecast is cloudy skies.
Use a higher rating if you have sunny weather, especially if you are going to stay outside for a long time such as at the beach or on a field playing sports. Remember that these will only be effective for a certain period of time so you may have to reapply several times throughout the day.
Extra Care
If you have a bigger budget and more time, then consider adding exfoliation to your skincare routine. This will help you remove dead skin cells, remove blemishes, and improve blood flow.
You may also use hydrating face masks once or twice a week. Do it during the weekend as part of your self-care section while you listen to a good audiobook or podcast. Remember that improvements can take time so be patient and stick to your routine. You will thank yourself in a few months when you see your skin clear and glowing.
