let's get
into the basics.
how do i know what my skin type is?
While there are countless different 'skin types', the 4 most general or well-known skin types are the 4 in the diagram here - dry, normal, combination, or oily.
Knowing which skin type you have is one of the first steps to building a skincare routine that will suit you and result in positive changes. According to Tatcha,
"If your skin feels tight, your skin is likely dry. If there is noticeable shine on your nose and forehead, your skin is most likely normal/combination. If there is shine on your cheeks in addition to your forehead and nose, you most likely have oily skin."
This method is a simple way to determine which skin type you have, to figure out which types of products to look for.
what is a skincare routine?
A skincare routine is primarily a combination of products used on the skin daily to assist its natural processes and keep it at its peak condition. A basic routine involves 3-4 steps, but when wanting to target specific concerns such as rosacea, dryness, or acne, supplementary products can be incorporated to improve the appearance of our skin and its health from within.
what are the necessary products for everyday use?
The absolute basic steps that are non-negotiables for a skincare routine are cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF. Aim to cleanse and moisturize twice a day, (morning and evening), and apply sunscreen every morning. Additional steps can be added once you have a set routine and feel that there is more you'd like to achieve through your products.
Sunscreen can be neglected by many people who may or may not have a skincare routine already, however it's one of the most important. Wearing sunscreen every day has been shown to reduce the chance of having skin cancer by almost 50%, - which is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. alone. The UltraViolet rays that come from the sun (year-round, not just in the summer) damage our skin and cause pre-mature aging such as wrinkles and fine lines appearing at a young age.
A common misconception is that if you have darker skin, it isn't necessary to wear sunscreen, but the truth is that even if you don't get a visible sunburn, UV rays can still penetrate through the skin and cause irreversible damage - so make sure to wear your sunscreen daily :)
the importance of SPF:
key things to remember:
results take time
price doesn't always matter
genetics
- Genetics play a major role in our skin's appearance - this is why it's incredibly important to remember that products that work for some people don't always work for others.
- The ingredients do. Splurging on a product isn't worth it when the ingredients won't do much for your skin. Focusing more on the quality and doing correct research on products is highly recommended.
- Always try to get samples or minis - the fact that everyone's skin is
completely different makes it important to test things in small amounts or purchase minis before buying full-sized items. We don't want to waste products therefore try to get samples when trying out something new until you find something that works.
- While it's easier said than done, don't expect that a product will magically transform your skin for the better overnight. But keep in mind that when a product does seem to give your skin a negative reaction, you should stop using it immediately.
other factors:
- Diet and stress can sometimes have a greater impact on our skin than anything else. Highly processed foods and refined sugar are often the things that trigger breakouts. Stress on the other hand can be more difficult to manage. It's caused by an increase in cortisol, a type of hormone we produce. Fluctuations in all hormones can affect our skin, so keep that in mind when you start seeing differences.