India is a country consisting of various ethnic groups, climatic conditions, and lifestyles. So the skin condition varies from region to region and the heredity factors. One can find a combination of bright and dark skins in India.
Generally, there are 5 kinds of skin types:
Normal, Sensitive, Dry, Oily, and a combination of dry and oily skin types.
For all people, a generalised Facial skincare routine can be followed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Daily facial Skincare Routine:
Every day is a normal day for some people, and hectic for some people. Our work condition also affects our skin condition. We need to take care of our skin too and follow a disciplined routine method to maintain the skin condition to normal.
Here are 2 main steps for the Daily Facial Skin Care Routine:
- Cleanse
- Moisturise
Cleanse:
The first step in facial skincare is to cleanse it.
What is cleansing?
Cleansing is to clean the skin, open the pores and allow the skin to absorb the skincare product you are going to apply over the skin. Every day our skin gets perspiration (sweat), grease, dust, stale makeup (old or previous day makeup), dirt, and bacteria at the end of the day. These things have to be removed from your skin by using a cleanser.
You can wash your face with lukewarm water. Then apply a good cleansing cream or lotion over your face and neck, and gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes. In the end, you can use soft tissue paper or cotton wool to wipe your face. Wipe your face in a gentle patting fashion and do not rub over your face.
It is recommended to cleanse your face twice a day in the morning and evening. Water-soluble cleansers are considered to be the best in your facial skincare routine.
Moisturise:
There are few optional or recommended steps after cleansing.
The last step in the facial skincare routine is to Moisturise.
The most important step in facial skincare is moisturising your skin. Moisturiser prevents your skin from getting dry.
Dry skin can cause the upper layer of skin to break and people do not wish to have dry facial skin. Dry skin can damage the skin layers, leading to dead skin cells.
Make sure to use the upward strokes while applying moisturiser which is effective for the skin. Moisturisers give good results when applied on warm and damp (slight wet) skin. So it is advisable not to remove the entire moisture on the skin, in the previous steps of the facial skincare routine. Sunscreen cream also has moisturizing properties. Hence moisturiser can be replaced with sunscreen cream if required
Other steps in between cleanse and moisturise process:
- Tone
- Applying Serum
- Applying Sunscreen
These steps are optional or advisable based on your skin type, nature, and problems. However, sunscreens are advised to be followed every day for healthy skin.
Tone:
Toning is the next step to the cleansing process in a facial skin care routine. In general, this is the optional part of the facial skincare routine. Most of the time, proper cleansing will give toning to your skin. However toning is essential when there are traces of dirt, grease, and excess cleanser left out on the skin. Toning helps in removing these excess traces. Toning can be done occasionally, instead of using it in your daily facial skincare routine.
At times when you are exposed to a harsh environment or pollution, you can try the toning method. Different kinds of facial toners are available in the market. Facial Toner can also balance your skin’s pH.
Applying Serum:
Applying face serum is next to the cleansing/toning process. The facial serum contains concentrated active ingredients that can be absorbed quickly into our skin. Certain serums can brighten your skin and reduce blemishes (marks / dark spots). Vitamin C serum is advised for all ages and skin types. Select your serum based on the marks or specific condition of your face skin.
Applying Sunscreen
Sunscreen products protect the facial skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. Sunscreen products can prevent sunburn and premature ageing like wrinkles and leathery skin. Sunscreens can be used when you are indoors, outdoors, and during all seasons and every day. It also has moisturising properties and can be used in place of moisturisers.
Select a moisturiser that has sunscreen property or a sunscreen product that has moisturising property.
Sunscreen is not always optional, but it is advisable to use sunscreen products every day both morning and evening, and at the end of the facial skincare routine.
Weekly facial Skincare Routine:
Exfoliation :
Exfoliation is an optional step in the everyday facial skincare routine. However, exfoliation is needed at least once a week (or twice, depending on the skin type and the environmental conditions). Our skin cells regenerate naturally every 3 or 4 weeks, that is almost every month. Exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells that block the pores in the skin and helps the skin in the natural process of regeneration and healthy skin. However, we need to have a balanced exfoliation method, since excessive or harsh exfoliation can damage your skin.
Face masks :
Face masks help in absorbing excess oils, open clogged pores, and it can reduce inflammation. Some people consider facial skin masks are luxurious, and it is interesting to try it at home and get a relaxed spa feeling in our own home. Various face masks are available in the market today, and each one has different skin benefits. Try face masks once or thrice a week. This is also an optional step but can be tried based on your skin condition.
Monthly facial Skincare Routine:
Facial:
Facials are a treat for many women and men. Some do this once in a while during festivals or during special occasions to feel refreshed and to brighten up their skin.
Going for a facial once a month is a good thing for your skincare routine. Facials are best in facial skincare routines when they are done consistently and regularly.
A facial is the quickest way of cleansing, reviving, and brightening the faded skin. This makes your skin light, soft and glowing. A facial soothes your stiff nerves, nourishes your skin, and makes you feel relaxed, younger, and fresher. A facial done once or twice a month will make your facial skin feel rejuvenated and fresh for a long time.
If you can spend a little then you can visit a spa or skincare professional for your facial. It is advisable to seek someone who uses natural products and understands your skin type and condition. When you cannot reach a spa or professional, you can try facial yourself at home. Choose a convenient time free from disturbance and a silent environment. Arrange the essential things ready before you start a facial so that you can relax and enjoy it well.
Peels:
Mild peels are safe and good for a normal skin type when done once a month. For medium and deep peels, 2 to 4 times per year is advised. However, you can also mix the peel type as per your need and skin condition.
A chemical peel contains chemical solutions to strip the surface layer of cells away in order to grow new and healthy skin. A mild chemical peel will require less recovery time than a deep peel.
By reading this information you would have known the basics of facial skincare routine. Please do a little research so that you get still more confident in trying the skincare routine to have healthy skin.
