Do you know your skin? Are you also someone who has invested in countless beauty products till date as well as skincare regimens without any particular results? You may be approaching skincare the wrong way.

The journey to healthy and glowing skin can often feel overwhelming and with the countless skincare products available in the market, it can be difficult trying to figure out your unique needs and to follow a well-thought-out routine.

Let’s dive right in and discuss what can work for you and how you can build a skincare regimen that works for your skin type!

1. Know Thy Skin

Before you begin using or selecting products, it is essential to know your skin first. This involves identifying your skin type which allows you to match up the perfect product accordingly.

The best skincare routine, especially for people in their late 30s, should stem from an analysis of what your skin needs and it is quite easy to figure that out. You might have one of the following skin types;

Normal Skin: Balanced, clear, and not sensitive.
Dry Skin: Flaky, rough, or tight.
Oily Skin: Shiny and prone to acne.
Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas.
Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated and prone to redness.

If you want to identify your skin type you can cleanse your face and observe how it feels after an hour without applying any products. This will guide you and give you more information regarding what skincare products you can use.

2. Let’s Set the Stage by Cleansing

Yes, cleansing is definitely a lot like setting the stage because you are essentially prepping your skin for all the products to come. Cleansing removes impurities, makeup, and excess oil, which prepares your skin for the next steps.

Morning: Opt for a gentle cleanser which removes the night’s impurities.
Evening: Choose a heavier duty, thorough cleanser which can remove the dirt and pollutants accumulated on the face throughout the day.

If you have oily skin, it is a great idea to use a foaming cleanser which can help you control excess sebum on your face. On the other hand, people with a drier or sensitive skin type might benefit more so from cream-based cleansers for more hydration.

3. Toning: The Unsung Hero of the Skincare World

Often overlooked, toners play a very important role in balancing out the skin’s pH and tightening your pores. Here are a few you may come across;

Hydrating tones: These are ideal for drier, more sensitive skin and can replenish moisture.
Exfoliating toners: These contain ingredients like glycolic acid which helps remove your dead skin cells. It is the best bet for oily or acne-prone skin.

You can apply your toner using a soft cotton pad, gently sweeping the liquid across your face or patting it with your hands.

4. Serums, Spot Solutions, and More!

If you have specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or acne, you can consider using serums concentrated with active ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. These serums penetrate deep within your skin to give the best results.

You can also consider focused solutions in the form of spot treatments for blemishes or dark spots. Look for something that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

5. Moisturize: Locking in the Goodness

Moisturizers are definitely one of the most important skin care products as they are proven boosters for hydration. They even create a barrier against environmental aggressors like dust.

You have quite a few options to choose from such as lightweight gels for oily skin or rich creams for dry skin. However, you must apply twice daily for the best results. Moreover, try coupling this up with SPF 30 or higher so you stay protected from UVA and UVB rays.

6. Me Time!

It isn’t necessarily a bad thing to indulge in some me-time once in a while. You can treat your skin to weekly pampering sessions if you want to maintain its suppleness. Exfoliate with a good quality scrub once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter complexion.

You can also use masks that address specific issues. There are countless types such as hydration masks, detox masks, brightening masks and so on.

7. Stay Consistent

Consistency pays off no matter where you apply it. Building a skincare routine isn’t as hard as implementing it. However, introducing it to your day and religiously following it gains you the best results.

Don’t introduce all new products to your skin at once! Do it gradually and make sure you spot test for any reactions. Consider meeting a dermatologist in Glenwood so you can get a specific regimen that works for your skin type.

Final Thoughts

Skincare shouldn’t take a lot of time and effort. However, it is essential to spend some time researching on the products you should buy as they have the potential to react with your skin, be it positively or negatively. Be cautious!