Disclaimer: I am in no way a skincare professional or expert. All information in this post is based on my own combined research and personal experiences. Everyone has different skin types and can react differently from products.
In my previous post, we discussed how you can start a skincare routine from scratch.
But although our skin's basic needs (cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting) remain the same, our skin's needs change as we get older. We might also develop some skincare concerns as we age - like pimples or acne breakouts, large pores, signs of aging, redness or uneven skin tone. So, you may want to step up your skincare game at some point.
Now that we covered the basics, let's move on to a more advanced skincare routine.
Basic Morning Routine:
Advance Morning Routine:
1. Cleansing - it is still important to do your morning cleansing to get rid of all the dirt that might have build-up overnight. Choose a cleanser based on your skin type. You can visit my previous post to help determine your skin type.
2. Toning - this is not only a great way to remove dirt that has been left behind from cleansing, but it also balances your skin's pH. The use of toners help tone and tighten skin.
3. Improving - this step includes adding antioxidants to your routine. Vitamin C and E serums are great for improving your skin's texture. Serums with Vitamin C can help protect your skin from damage and reverse sun and pollution damage.
4. Treating- this step includes the application of spot treatments and eye creams. Most of the acne treatments are advisable to be used at night time, and I personally only use them at night. Eye creams, on the other hand, is a staple for me. It helps to brighten, smooth, and reduce puffiness and darkness around my eye areas.
5. Moisturizing - this will always be essential because our skin needs to be hydrated all the time. If our skin is dry, it can easily be irritated, and we don't want that.
6. Protecting - this step is crucial. Wearing sunscreen can help your skin not only in the present time but also in the long run.
Optional: If your skin is leaning towards the dry type, you may want to try adding the use of face oils. Face oils can serve as an extra level of skin protection that strengthens the outer layer of our skin and preventing water loss. You can add this step after applying your serum (step 3), or you can mix it with either your serum or moisturizer.
Basic Night Time Routine:
Advance Night Time Routine:
1. Cleansing - if you wore makeup during the day, you may want to try double-cleansing at night to ensure all dirt and grime are removed. You can either use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, followed by your regular lathering cleanser and water.
2. Exfoliating - this is an important step, but it's advisable to do it only once or twice a week. Exfoliating the skin helps remove the build-up of dead skin cells and helps unclog pores for smoother and healthier skin. You can use exfoliating cleansers or clay masks that are known to be good exfoliators.
3. Toning - apply your toner the same way you do in the morning. I prefer using my hands to apply my toner directly to my skin. I just gently tap it on my face instead of using cotton pads or balls. You can also use mist toners. Do whatever works for you.
4. Improving - add serums that are packed with hyaluronic acid. You can also alternate your hydrating serums with retinol that can improve your skin-aging concerns.
5. Treating - Always follow serums with your eye creams of choice; we don't want to forget our precious eye areas! After taking care of your eye areas, make sure to address your other skin concerns like acne or pimples, dark spots, and acne scars by applying your spot treatment. If you are using retinol, make sure to read your product instructions before adding them to your skincare routine. It can sometimes be irritating to the skin if you use them both at the same time.
6. Moisturizing - our skin works double time at night, and moisturizers are essential for glowing skin when you wake up. Use night creams, which are thicker than your regular moisturizer in the morning. It helps seal active ingredients and lock-in hydration.
Optional: If you want to pamper your skin a little extra, add a sheet mask after your serums/essences (step 4). You can also use a sleep mask (usually gel or cream-like) in place of moisturizers.
Final Thoughts
Again, everyone has different skin types and skin needs.
Your skin may only need a 3-step skincare routine, or it may need the whole 6 steps or more. Listen to your skin and be observant to what it really needs.
Whatever you decide on, always remember the rule of thumb - apply products with the thinnest consistency to thickest, or from liquid to cream.
You may not see instant results, but if you find that skincare regimen that works for you, stick to it, and you will eventually see the results.
Do you have a specific skincare routine? Share it on the comment box below!