Body + Mind

How to Find The Perfect Skincare Routine For Your Skin Type Image Source Pixabay Have you ever wondered why a proper skincare routine is of supreme importance for not only physical but mental health as well? If it has never crossed your mind, then this is the right time to sit down and think about it. So, what kind of impact does skincare have on an individual’s health? Firstly, the skin is the primary barrier which protects against infection. Thus, in order to keep it healthy and plump, one must find clever ways to protect it. Also, by keeping the skin healthy and hydrated, you will look more radiant and younger.The overall appearance of one's skin has tremendous effects on an individual's mental health and self-esteem. As a matter of fact, on average, the very first thing people notice when meeting someone new is the appearance of the skin. Also, admit it; it is also a big deal for you when you sit down in front of a mirror and take a good look at yourself. So, instead of running to the drugstore and getting heaps of expensive products to cover up acne, scars, and wrinkles decide on starting a skincare routine. For starters, before figuring out what skincare routine works for you and your needs, try to find out your skin type. In fact, knowing what type of skin you have is extremely important, because not all routines are suitable for every skin type. In brief, there are four skin types; Normal, dry, oily and combination. Most people have well-balanced skin, thus they fall into the "normal" category. Others might deal with dry skin, which produces significantly less sebum than normal skin or oily which in contrast produces more sebum than needed. The last skin type, combination, refers to a mix of all the skin types together. Only after you have determined which category your skin fits into should you start your research on what products are the best suitable for you. Luckily, there are many quality brands on the market which cater to every individual's personal needs. Next, it is important to educate yourself on the types of treatments which you should include in your skincare routine. The four key treatments are cleansing (washing the face), toning (this balances out the PH of the skin), exfoliating (getting rid of dead cells and dirt from the surface of the skin), and moisturizing (re-hydrating the skin). So, you have gotten this far, and you are wondering, how can I find the perfect skincare routine for my skin type? Read on. Caring for Normal Skin People with normal skin usually rarely struggle with common issues such as fine lines, oily areas, dry patches, uneven skin tone, and clogged pores. Hence, if you are someone with normal skin, then shop for beauty products which are specifically made for normal skin types. When it comes to cleaning the face, do not just grab any harsh soap to wash your face. Instead, go for a gentle cleanser or a soap specifically made for normal skin types. Wash your face in circular motions and rinse with a generous amount of warm water. If for some reason the cleanser makes your skin dry or even oily, then consider getting a different product. Luckily, there are many excellent brands for beauty products specially tailored for normal skin on the Australian market. Caring for Dry Skin Dry skin guys and gals should keep away from all kinds of cleansers which have alcohol or fragrances listed in the ingredients. Yes, the scent of fresh roses definitely smells lovely, but it may dry the skin out even more. When it comes to finding the perfect cleaners suitable for dry skin, consider cream cleansers. These cleansers are much gentler on the skin, and they will not strip it of its precious, natural oils. Thus, your skin will not end up feeling tight and uncomfortable. Another tip dry skin types should make sure to follow is avoiding the use of hot water. Also, do not skip on exfoliating scrubs, but remember to use them only once or twice a week! Caring for Oily Skin People with oily skin know that it can be tricky to find the right cleaning product which does not leave the skin even oilier than before. So, look around next time you are at your favorite drugstore and consider getting an oil-free foaming cleanser or oil-free gel. Also, if your skin is extra oily and stubborn then purchase a quality toner. Toners, especially those which contain witch hazel will assist in removing the excess sebum and help with making the face appear less shiny. Moisturize Daily When it comes to the topic of moisturizing, a lot of young people falsely believe that there is no need for such a step. On the contrary, everyone needs to pamper their skin and apply a good quality moisturizer at least once a day. Nevertheless, remember that a moisturizer should be applied to a previously cleansed face, so only take this step as a follow-up to the previous one. Also, if you are struggling with mild or more severe acne, then definitely go for lightweight and oil-free products which will not block the pores and make the acne flare up even more. The phrase "non-comedogenic" should be visible on the product's packaging. Of course, if you struggle with a more serious case of acne prone skin, then definitely schedule a visit to your dermatologist. Thankfully, there are a lot of trustworthy professionals in Australia who will give you the best advice on which type of moisturizer (or any other skincare product) you should choose for your skin type. Use SPF A smart move when shopping for a moisturizer is to look for one which might already contain sunscreen in it. Not a lot of people are aware of the fact that sunscreen is essential to combat against the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays (these come in two forms, UVA and UVB rays). If sunscreen is skipped altogether, over time, there might be a risk of increased fine lines; wrinkles and unattractive age spots which might make the skin look a lot older. The best thing to do to ensure that the skin is protected at all times from the harmful rays is to wear sunscreen every single day, even when in the winter. Also, make sure to reapply the product every 2 hours, because the effects wear off after some time. Experts at Panthea clinics in Canberra explain that the skin is made up of three layers: the outermost layer, the underlying soft tissue, and the bony foundations of the facial skeleton and its ligamentous anchors. According to them, textural and pigmentation changes may be the result of the harmful effects of being overexposed to the sun. Take a Break From Makeup Wearing makeup on a daily basis is also a controversial topic when it comes to maintaining a proper skin care routine. On one hand, makeup is fun and it makes you look and feel more feminine. On the other hand, it is one of the fastest ways to clog your pores and have you looking at least ten years older sooner than ever. Nevertheless, is it really necessary to ditch makeup altogether, or is there a way to make yourself pretty and still care for your skin? Even though many consider makeup their best friend, dermatologist from all around the world claim that wearing too much of it on a daily basis exposes the skin to chemicals and toxins. Instead of putting makeup on as soon as you start your day, consider taking a break from your average beauty routine for a couple of days, and slowly progress to a week or two. Even though foundation and bronzer might make your skin look nice and glowing, underneath the surface, the makeup accumulates in the pores every time the product is applied. After some time, dirt and sebum build up and it leaves the pores clogged and looking enlarged. One of the reasons why going makeup-free for a couple of days (Or better yet, a couple of weeks!) is that the buildup inside the pores minimizes significantly. Not only will the skin look a lot smoother, but it will also look much healthier and radiant. Always Remove Your Makeup Before Going to Bed Did you know that makeup ruins the skin's cell renewal process? This is especially true for girls who do not remove their makeup when going to bed. According to experts, when makeup is not removed before a good night's rest, the dead skin is unable to be replaced with new cells. The bottom line is, even if you are feeling absolutely worn out and you do not want to be bothered with removing all the dirt from your face, realize that by sleeping in your makeup you are only damaging the health of your skin. So, make an effort and wash all the gunk and dirt off with a mild cleanser or your favorite makeup remover. Alternatively, cotton pads or wipes can be used to further cleanse and tone the skin. If you struggle with problematic and acne prone skin and you need to be applying a medication, then consider putting it on your face right after cleansing and just before going to bed. Choose Better Alternatives Of course, most women love wearing makeup on a daily basis and there is nothing wrong with that. If you cannot bear the idea of having a break from your usual makeup routine, then consider investing in better quality makeup products. For example, an oil-free foundation or concealer is perfect to hide smaller bumps or pesky zits. If you really want to take it to the next level, wear makeup and take care of your skin at the same time then try purchasing a foundation or tinted cream which contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is excellent for fighting acne and other imperfections on the skin. Naturally, always consult with your dermatologist first before purchasing any new products. In summary, it is not difficult to start practising a proper skincare routine when you get a grip of all the basic steps that need to be taken. Remember to do a good deal of research on your specific skin type and purchase only high-quality products. Most importantly, do not skip on washing your face with a gentle cleanser and under no conditions sleep in your makeup. Stay confident and fabulous! Main Image Source : Pixabay Also See : Top 5 Skin Types | Discover Your Skin Type To Get Best Beauty Tips Accordingly Foundation Mistakes That You Should Avoid!