When it comes to skin care, we are constantly bombarded with products, opinions and advice galore. From your dermat asking you to include more antioxidants to your mother asking you to ditch all the chemicals and go the natural way, we won’t blame you if your skin care routine steps are all over the place.
A Skin Care Routine: The Basics
But what is a proper skin care routine, you ask? What are the products that should be a part of that routine? How do you layer all the products to maximise the benefits of each product? Well, you are not alone in your quest to find the perfect skin care routine steps that are effective, quick and easy to follow. Thus, we present to you a foolproof step-by-step guide to a daily skin care routine that’s going to help take away the guesswork from this simple task.
How to Create a Skin Care Routine
Face Wash
Never skip this step, no matter how tired you are. It is very important to get rid of all the dirt, makeup, grime and other impurities before you move further with the rest of your skin care routine steps. For all the ingredients to work properly, your skin needs to be clean. But using soap can strip the skin of its essential oils and leave it dry and itchy. The Simple Moisturising Facial Wash comes with a gentle formula and moisturizing properties, giving the perfect hydration to your skin and leaving it cleansed, soft and smooth. It thoroughly washes away make-up, dirt, and other impurities from your skin like a cleanser milk, without leaving it feeling dry or dehydrated. It is a perfect moisture-balancing face wash enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, and Bisabolol, and carefully blended with purest possible ingredients and multi-vitamins.
Exfoliator
If you want clear, glowing skin, then exfoliate your face at least once or twice a week. It gets rid of dirt, oil and dead skin to reveal a smoother, cleaner and even complexion. We love the Pond’s Pure Detox Face Scrub as it uses activated charcoal minus the pain of the usual charcoal masks to deep cleanse, unclog your pores and absorb excess oil. It is also loaded with vitamins E and B3 which not only strengthen your skin’s barrier against everyday wear and tear but also sun tanning. While scrubbing your face, focus on the areas that are prone to blackheads and flakiness such as the nose, cheeks and chin.
Toner
How often are you tempted to skip the toner and jump to the next part of your skin care routine steps? But toning your face is super important as it is that skin care hero which helps get rid of any grime that your cleanser failed to budge. A toner also helps eliminate any minerals or chlorine from your water that might have settled on the skin. It also tightens your pores and helps restore your skin’s pH levels for an even skin tone. The alcohol-free Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner is enriched with nourishing ingredients like witch hazel, chamomile, pro-vitamin B5 and allantoin to hydrate, soothe and reduce any inflammation.
Serum
Post cleansing and toning, your skin is finally squeaky clean and ready for the skin care products to follow. It is now time for serums. Serums address specific concerns such as acne, dryness, wrinkles and pigmentation to name a few. We’d suggest the Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Serum as it works for several skin woes. Made with 98% Pure Niacinamide, this serum gives you Hi-res crystal radiance and 2x skin brightening. Remember to always pat the serum on the skin as this will ensure that it is completely absorbed.
Spot treatment
This is extremely important for people with specific skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation and dark spots. Simply apply a small amount of your spot treatment onto the specified area after your serum and before your moisturiser to allow it to sink right into your skin for better results. Putting it during your nighttime routine is the best time as it works overnight without any interruption.
Eye cream
If there is one tell-tale sign of all the stress in your life, then it is the dark and puffy under-eye area. Using an eye cream right after your serum helps it get absorbed right into the skin and soothes the area. The area around your eyes is extremely delicate and that is why it is important to apply your eye cream with your fourth finger in a tapping motion. This will prevent any tugging or pulling.
Moisturiser
An over-moisturised skin is a myth, and no matter what you do, never skip out on using a moisturiser at least twice a day. Moisturisers provide your skin with a lot of nourishment and hydration. The Pond’s Super Light Gel is your go-to moisturizer for all seasons. Infused with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Glycerine, this super light moisturizer absorbs faster than regular creams and gives 24-hour hydration for a water-fresh glow! It helps restore the moisture balance to keep your skin soft and smooth. Its lightweight formula absorbs into the skin instantly without leaving any sticky feeling.
Overnight mask
Remember to use a face mask at least once a week to see faster results. As we mentioned above, when in doubt, just opt for something with an all-powerful ingredient like vitamin C in the Lakmé 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ Overnight Sleeping Mask. It not only evens your skin tone but restores your skin’s natural glow. Wake up with a refreshed and moisturised face as it is also infused with nourishing shea butter. Since it is usually thicker, end your nighttime routine by generously applying the mask evenly on your face.
Sunscreen
You need to protect your skin from the sun every single day, all year round. It is highly recommended that you slather on sunscreen even if you only plan to stay indoors as the light from your computer screen and the UV rays filtering through windows can photodamage your skin too. Sunscreen also reduces the probable signs of ageing by about 24%. The Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte Spray shields skin against UVA and UVB rays and prevents sunburns, dark spots and premature ageing. If you’re tired of not being able to reach your back or blend in the white patch that the yesteryear sunscreens usually left behind, this lightweight spray is for you. With a natural finish, it also hydrates your skin while protecting it with the help of SPF 50. Just shake it well and spray it from a few cm away.
A hot tip - always allow it to absorb for 20 minutes before you head out.
Morning and nighttime routines are different
Your morning routine is when you prepare your face for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, your nighttime routine should allow the ingredients to work overnight to bring about the best results. For a morning routine, include - a cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturiser and sunscreen.
For your nighttime routine, go for - a cleanser, exfoliator (once or twice a week), toner, serum, eye cream, spot treatment, moisturiser and overnight mask.
FAQs about How to Build a Skin Care Routine
Q1. What is a proper skin care routine?
A proper and basic skin care routine that targets all the parts of your face should have three simple steps. Wash with a cleanser or face wash. Follow it with a toner to tighten your skin and maintain the pH levels. End it with a moisturiser to keep your face hydrated.
Q2. What is the Korean 10-step skin care?
To get the dewy or glassy finish that Koreans usually boast of, their skin care routine has 10 steps – Oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to double cleanse. Exfoliate once or twice a week. A toner followed by an essence which hydrates the skin. A concentrated serum followed by a sheet mask once a week. Eye cream for the night and a moisturiser based on your skin type. End it with sunscreen for the day and a face oil or sleeping mask for the night.
Q3. What are the five rules of skin care?
Wash your face twice – in the morning and night. Layer on your products the right way. Use products that suit your skin type. Don’t forget to exfoliate once a week and always wear sunscreen.
Most of us are constantly perfecting our skin care routine steps. But with so many products and ingredients out there, it can get confusing. Well, to make it easy for you, we have created a foolproof routine for your skin.