“I don’t want beautiful skin”- said nobody ever.
Let’s face it. We all want flawless skin. Yet some of us don’t have the time or money to buy the latest beauty trend. One fad that has been circulating for a few years is the 10-step Korean skincare routine. This routine consists of products such as skin essence, one-sheet masks, and toners. Do we really need all these products? No! Are most of these products a marketing gimmick? Um, yes.
You can achieve flawless skin with a few essential skincare products. Try this bare minimum skincare routine instead.
Use a Cleanser in the Morning
There are three reasons you should use a cleanser in the morning:
- Bacteria accumulates during the night – this can irritate the skin.
- Removes night creams and serums (if you use them), which can clog pores and cause acne.
- Cleans your skin, providing a clean slate for your other products to work efficiently.
Follow up with a Serum – if You Need One
Let’s be honest. Not everyone needs a serum. Serums are highly concentrated to address specific skin conditions, like aging, redness, hyperpigmentation, etc. If your skin doesn’t have a specific condition to address, don’t fall for the ploy that a serum is a “must-have” in your skincare routine.
But if you do have a skin issue, of course, we recommend using the right serum. Furthermore, if you’re over the age of 25, it may be time to incorporate an anti-aging serum (or cream) into your routine. Even if you don’t have fine lines or wrinkles, it’s best to start early as a preventative measure.
Skip the Toner – Go Straight to Moisturizing
Here’s an unpopular opinion: toners aren’t necessary for everyone. Your serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen provide all the antioxidants you need. That being said, if you have combination skin, you can benefit from toners. The right toner can hydrate the dry areas on your skin, without causing breakouts, and balance the oily areas without stripping your skin of oil.
If you don’t have combination skin, skip the toner, and use a moisturizer after your serum. Every skin type benefits from moisturizers, including oily and combination skin. We recommend splashing water on your face or using a face mist first, as it allows the moisturizer to deeply penetrate the skin, boosting hydration.
Use an Exfoliator 1-2 Times Weekly
A lot of people don’t know how to use exfoliators correctly. It’s common to buy a name-brand granulated exfoliator and apply it to your skin as per product instructions, which is usually more than the recommended usage. This usually leads to dry, irritated skin.
Here’s how to exfoliate correctly:
- Find an exfoliator designed for your skin type. For example, oily skin can benefit from more aggressive products, such as granulated exfoliators. However, dry skin favors chemical exfoliators.
- Only use your exfoliator 1-2 a week. More, and you may end up irritating the skin and causing redness.
- If you have oily skin, you may be able to use your exfoliator three times a week if once or twice isn’t de-clogging pores and preventing breakouts.
- Do you have combination skin? Find out if you have oily spots more than dry, or vice versa. Buy two types of exfoliators: one for oily skin and one for dry. See which works more efficiently for your skin type.
Apply Sunscreen – Daily
Finally, don’t forget your sunscreen. Every time you step outside of the house, protect your skin with SPF – even in the fall and winter months. According to experts, sun damage is responsible for 90% of skin aging. You probably didn’t know this, but your sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging product in your skin arsenal – and on the market.
It’s also recommended to wear sunscreen indoors, as UVA rays can penetrate windows!
Even if you have SPF in your moisturizer and foundation, you still need the real deal. Moisturizers and foundations typically have no higher than SPF 15 – we recommend using a sunscreen that’s SPF 40.
