Everyone wants glowing skin, but with a dizzying range of skincare products around – how do you decide what's best for you? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for skincare. Your skincare needs to change with age and the changing weather. With regular upgrades, your skincare routine can do wonders.
Whether you have an existing skincare routine that you want to improve or you are just starting to build a skincare routine for the first time – we have some tips that can be helpful. Let's get started –
Think Steps Not Products
Skincare is more about what you do for your skin than what you use. Start by choosing the right steps before selecting the products. Here's a look at the three basic skincare steps:
- Cleansing: Your skincare routine should begin with cleansing, whether it's morning or night. In the morning, cleansing rids the skin of impurities and clears clogged pores. At night, it works to clean your make-up or any dust that may have clung to your skin while you were outdoors. If you have sensitive skin, cleanse once a day – preferably at night. For dry skin, try a combination of oil-based cleansers and dirt-dissolving balms. Feel free to add a step of exfoliation to counter the effects of pollution and dust.
- Toning: Between cleansing and putting any products on your skin, toning is an essential step to refresh your skin. It replenishes the lost nutrition, calms irritation in the skin, if any, and balances pH. Use a toner made with nourishing ingredients like glycerine and hyaluronic acid for best results. If you want to use any treatments, serum, or sheet masks – do it after this step.
- Moisturizing: Daily moisturizing is a skincare ritual recommended by dermatologists worldwide. Moisturizing replenishes the water loss caused by the heat and complements the natural protective oils in your skin. If you have oily skin, use a lightweight gel-based moisturizer. Choose a soothing balm for inflamed or sensitive skin, especially at night. If you suffer from dark circles, include an eye cream in this step. Finish up with a good quality sunscreen lotion in the mornings – even on cloudy days.
Changing Needs of Changing Skin
As we age, our skincare needs to change. Just like the changing nourishment needs of our bodies, our skincare needs also change with age.
- The 20s - In your 20s, you may be battling acne and lifestyle-related issues. You can find many herbal or medicated lotions to counter acne, but there is no substitute for skin hygiene. Resist the urge to pick your skin.
- The 30s – In their thirties, most women find hyperpigmentation, fine lines, sun damage, and dark circles. Keep your skincare routine gentle and nourishing. Don't forget to pay attention to the skin on your hands, feet, and neck to avoid premature signs of ageing.
- The 40s – Late forties bring hormonal changes and menopause for many women. These changes can make your skin drier and less elastic. Pick good quality anti-ageing products like night creams and serums. Increase the quantity of Vitamin C in your diet and protect your skin from UV rays with a high SPF sunblock lotion.
- The 50s & beyond – After your fifties, you begin to see wrinkles and skin flaws more than ever before. You may choose to continue to love and care for your skin as usual while accepting the effects of ageing, or you could opt for anti-ageing treatments like Botox or PRP.
Enjoy Your Skincare Ritual
Never think of your skincare routine as a chore. Every morning and night, following a skincare habit, can do wonders to uplift your mood and calm your mind. It is only a few minutes, but you can turn it into a soothing me-time to be yourself and love yourself. Put on some calming music and spend time massaging the products into your skin. Once a week, use a face mask or a pack to soak in some extra nutrition.
When designing a skincare ritual, keep in mind that your skin needs are different in the morning and the night. In the morning, it is essential to include protective layers like sunscreen. If you had a late night, include a rejuvenating face mask. For the nighttime routine, focus on relaxing your skin. If you need to apply acne treatments, anti-ageing serums or eye creams for dark circles – it is best to do so at night.
We cannot say it enough – everyone's skin is different. A skincare product or routine that suits your sister or best friend may not be suitable for you. Always take a moment to consider your skin type before you buy. Usually, every product has variants to suit different skin types. And instead of experimenting with a new product every week, aim to use a product for four to six weeks to determine its efficacy. The best results are visible only with consistent use.
When it comes to skincare, there is no quick fix. Design a skincare routine and stick to it with minor modifications – and you will see results in the long term. Choose your skincare products with care and keep updating your skincare routine with changes in seasons. And don't be afraid to throw in a few natural skincare remedies recommended by your grandmother!
Lolita’s recommends:
- SUNDAY RILEY Juno Antioxidant Superfood Face Oil for obsession-worthy radiance. It helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier with a unique blend of antioxidant-rich, superfood seed oils.
- Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil glow-giving gentle retinol night oil to calm skin while improving the look of wrinkles, redness, and pores.
- Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 I PA to help protect skin from infrared radiation and even out complexion.
- CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting this serum corrects the appearance of existing dark spots and evens the complexion.
- KORA ORGANICS Turmeric Glow Moisturizer helps to restore weakened, damaged or stressed skin.
- KWANSHA FACIAL BEAUTY COIN is a custom-designed facial massage tool that brings vitality, radiance and health for firm, toned and glowing skin.