Everyone wants to have flawless, healthy skin. Some people are blessed with great genetics and have never gotten a zit, while others have to figure out and invest their time (and money) in creating a skincare routine that best fits their needs. It does not have to be as intricate as some of these online beauty gurus make it seem. No need to break the bank or feel overwhelmed on where to start. Here is what you should know before you dive into the world of skincare.
1. The Drugstore is Your Friend
Not to bash any specific beauty stores, but you can easily find high-quality drugstore products that are half, even a third, of the price of major high-end products but are just as great. You can find brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, and Olay at your local Targets and Walmarts. Not only are they super affordable, but the quality is certainly there.
Brands like The Ordinary (my all-time favorite), Acure, Mario Badescu may not necessarily be found in a drugstore but can be found at an Ulta or online and are super affordable and, again, high-quality.
2. Cleanser, Moisturizer, SPF, and more!
The three most essential products in every skincare routine are a daily facial cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. Everything in between will vary depending on your skin type. For someone like me with combination skin who wants to combat premature aging and texture, I choose to use a hyaluronic acid serum, niacinamide serum, and eye cream in addition to the first three. SPF is critical for protecting your skin from the harsh sun during the day and reducing anti-aging. Doctors and skincare experts are constantly stressing the importance of SPF because, more importantly, it helps decrease the risk of skin cancer.
It is wise to incorporate a toner and exfoliator for people who tend to have more oily skin. For those with dry skin, facial oils added to your nighttime routine can help your skin look supple and glowy. If you aren’t sure of what type of skin you have, here is a helpful guide.
3. Be Consistent AND Patient
While we wish that results could happen overnight, with skincare, that is not the case. Consistency and patience is the key to getting those skin results that you want. Getting into the habit of waking up and following a simple daytime routine and then a nighttime one will put you on the right track.
Try your best not to miss days or sleep in your makeup after a night out with friends (I know that one is hard), and the results will come soon enough!
4. Trial and Error May Be Required
Lastly, as said before, everyone has different skin and different allergies to chemicals and ingredients found in skincare. If you tend to have sensitive skin, it is always best to do a skin patch test first.
There are no set rules on a skincare routine. These tips are just supposed to help guide people who don’t know where to start. Just as we take care of our bodies by eating right and working out, the same is done for our skin to look glowy, youthful, and feel confident every day!
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