September 20, 2021 19 min read

Why Skincare Is Very Important and the Dangers of Not Having Skincare Routine

The importance of taking care of your skin goes beyond maintaining your appearance. Even though it is the biggest organ in the body, many people take it for granted. Aside from making you look good, proper skin care can make you feel and look healthy. 

Your skin gets exposed to the sun and external contaminants all the time, and it can be hard to reverse when your skin gets damaged. 

Having good skincare is crucial, and it is also better to start having a skincare routine at a young age. But that doesn't mean you can't begin anytime! Here's your ultimate guide on skincare.

The Best Order for applying Skin Care Products

In the Morning:

Cleanser

Before putting on any product, you need to wash your face. That is because cleansed skin is essential so that the other skincare products get absorbed properly. Makeup wipes are alright, too but not recommended, and Low-ph cleaners are recommended if you have sensitive skin. 

Toner 

Facial toners today are different from alcohol-based toners that cause stinging and irritation to your skin. You can choose varieties targeted for hydrating dry skin or with exfoliants to help deal with acne. Toners are optional, but they help prime your face for the other products you will use later on. 

Serum

Serums contain a high concentration of hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and nutrients that boost your skin after application. Many people skip on using serums, and however, this step does a lot in giving you better hide.

Using this is optional, but they are highly recommended if you want to level up your skincare routine and have glowing skin. 

Moisturizer

Applying a moisturizer is a must in your skincare routine, even if you have oily skin. Although our body has its lubricating system that produces oil or sebum to protect the skin from external elements and infections, it needs additional hydration after exposure to different chemicals, weather, and the sun. 

Many experts suggest applying moisturizer to damp skin. Therefore, you use it soon after applying your serum to enjoy the hydrating benefits of your moisturizer. 

If you are using a spot treatment for your acne, you should not apply moisturizer over those areas. In the morning, you can use a gentle, light, and hyaluronic-based moisturizer so that your face will not feel greasy or heavy.

SPF

SPF is the last step of your morning skincare routine. Wait for the other products to penetrate and treat your skin first. SPF is not made for the skin to be absorbed, and it functions to protect your skin and not boost it. 

When choosing your SPF, you have to make sure to choose one that has a minimum of SPF 30 to avoid worse acne scars, higher skin cancer risk, and wrinkles.

In the Evening:

Cleanser

Before washing your face, some experts say to remove your makeup first using a makeup remover, then wash your face using a gentle cleanser. You can also do double-cleansing, eliminating a day's worth of dirt, makeup, oil, and grime. You use cleansing oil to melt your makeup and wash your face with your daily cleanser. 

Toner

For your toner, you use it the same way you use it in the morning. Some people opt to apply essences, mists, or beauty waters, and these products have active ingredients that help nourish and hydration the skin. 

These products are water-based and lightweight, so they can be applied after washing your face. Nevertheless, apply your toner first if you are using essence. 

Mask

If you want to indulge your skin and you have enough time, you can use a mask once or twice a week after you cleanse your face with a cleanser and toner and before using your other nighttime skincare products.

If you have dry skin, you can use a hydrating mask, and using a clay mask is suitable for oily skin. For every skin type or concern, there is a mask available. 

Serum

At night, it is best to use a serum with high hyaluronic acid content. That is because it draws moisture from the air and allows your skin to absorb it, making it plumper and more hydrated while you are sleeping. 

You can also opt for serums that target your concerns, such as dullness and acne. If you are using retinol, it is recommended to use a hydrating serum. 

Moisturizer

Your skin repairs itself at night and works harder to repair damage and promote regeneration. Therefore, your evening moisturizer should have hyaluronic acid, proteins, lipids, and other substances that the body naturally produces. You can also use an anti-aging night cream. 

Step-by-step Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleansing

Wash your face with water and apply a small amount of gentle cleanser to your palm. Rub your clean palms and massage your face gently, then rinse your hands and slather your face with water. Do this until all the grime and cleanser have been removed. Using a soft towel, pat your face gently. 

If you have makeup on, you might need to double cleanse at night. Use micellar water or cleansing oil to remove makeup. You can also leave eye-makeup removers for a few minutes to take off eye makeup easily and avoid rubbing that area. After this, use a cleanser to remove the oil and dirt.

Step 2: Toner

Apply your toner after washing your face and before putting on other products. You can pour a few drops on a cotton pad or in your palms and wipe it gently on your face. 

If you have an exfoliating toner, you use it at night only. These types of toners usually contain active ingredients, and you can use hydrating toners twice a day. You have to keep in mind not to use an exfoliating toner and other exfoliating products or retinoids simultaneously. 

Step 3: Serums

Since many serums are available, it is best to look at the product description to apply them. Serums are often applied after toners and before moisturizers or SPF. You can pat the product on your skin and smooth it out or use your fingers to apply it. You have to make sure to apply it throughout your face and let your skin absorb the product. 

Step 4: Moisturizer

You can apply moisturizer in the morning and evening, and it is the product you use after applying serum and before putting on makeup. At night, do it as the last step of your skincare routine before going to bed. If you do not use a toner or serum, you can moisturize after washing your face. 

The amount of moisturizer you apply depends on the consistency of the product. You use your fingers to dab the effect on your forehead, chin, cheeks, and neck. Using a swirling motion, spread it until your skin absorbs it. You have to make sure that the moisturizer is dry before you put on makeup. 

Step 5: Sunscreen

Although applying sunscreen is the last part of your skincare routine, most experts agree that protecting your skin against harsh UV rays is very important. That is because these UV rays can cause signs of aging and skin cancer. Even if your moisturizer has SPF, you still need to apply sunscreen. 

Wait for 20 minutes before going outside if you are using chemical sunscreen for the product to work. A sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or more can protect against UVA and UVB radiation. 

You have to make sure not to forget to apply your sunscreen on your neck and the back of your hands. Also, it would help if you did not skip using sunscreen even when you are indoors because UV rays can penetrate through your windows. 

As a rule of thumb, apply sunscreen every two hours.

Skincare Tips According to Skin Type

Normal Skin Type

People who have normal skin seldom experience breakouts, and their skin is not sensitive to weather changes and different skincare products. If you have this type of skin, you do not need to deal with oil on your face throughout the day, and you also don't need to moisturize constantly. Moreover, you have firm skin with very few wrinkles and lines. 

Your skin can also tolerate many ingredients since it does not experience oiliness, dryness, or irritation. You can experiment with different skincare and beauty products such as masks, cleansers, and moisturizers and discover products that suit you best. 

Combination Skin Type

You likely have combination skin if you find it challenging to determine what your skin type is. There is dry skin in some areas and oily in other parts. People with a combination skin type have an oily T-zone and normal to dry skin on the different parts of their face.

It is best to avoid alcohol-based products, and they can dry you out and aggravate your skin more. What you need to figure out if you have a combination skin type is balance. You can deal with problem areas with spot treatments and use balancing creams and toners to have even skin. 

Dry Skin

Having dehydrated skin and dry skin are two different things, but they are similar. 

Having dry skin means there is not enough oil in the skin. Some symptoms of dry skin are sensitivity, the presence of cracks, itchiness, and flakiness. Environmental factors, skin conditions such as eczema, and lifestyle are possible causes of dry skin.

Having dehydrated skin means the skin cannot store enough moisture. The skin may look like paper, have small fine lines appearing when pinched, or feel tight. 

If you have dry skin, you need to apply a rich moisturizer many times throughout the day to ensure moisturization. Using it is more important after taking a bath or washing your hands, and it also helps to maintain the air warm and moist inside your house for healing. Using harsh soaps and other skincare products with a lot of fragrance or citrus oils is avoided. 

If you have dehydrated skin, you need to use water-based products, and Oil-based products can worsen your skin condition. The most important tip if you have this skin type is to drink enough water every day. 

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin types always carry mattifying powders and blotting paper. Makeup and skincare products do not last long enough on your face. If you're wearing foundation, they can end up cakey after a few hours.

The main problem with oily skin is shininess. Even though oily skin has benefits such as fewer wrinkles, you still need to regulate it to avoid acne and pore congestion. You should prevent petrolatum, alcohol oil, and mineral oil skincare products. You can look for products that are labeled "non-comedogenic" since these do not cause clogged pores.

You still need to moisturize, so you should opt for oil-free moisturizers. Clay masks and chemical exfoliants are your best friends. You also need to avoid washing your face too much, and it can result in drying your pores out, which leads to more oil production to make up for the dryness.

Sensitive Skin

Redness and inflammation are the common symptoms of sensitive skin. If you have this type of skin, you can feel itchiness, sting, and burn when applying new skincare products. You may also react more to the product if it has preservatives or fragrances. Some possible causes of sensitive skin are skin diseases, stress, insufficient sleep, environmental factors, and hormones. 

It would help if you did not use foaming facial wash to clean your skin so that lipids are not stripped off. You can also use products that have anti-inflammatory components, such as green tea, to alleviate your skin. Instead of a chemical blocker, you can use a sunscreen with a physical blocker such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for the active ingredient. 

Common Skin Problems, Their Causes, and the Solutions

Early signs of aging

There are different early signs of skin aging. First is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fine lines are noticeable at the crow's feet or outer corner of the eyes. Wrinkles appear on the forehead when you do facial expressions and become deeper over time. It happens because the skin loses elasticity. Your best defense against this is sunscreen. 

Another sign of early skin aging is dark circles under your eyes. The most common reason for this is lack of sleep and stress. Using eye cream with retinol can help make the skin around your eyes thicker. Moreover, sleeping for at least 8 hours and lying on your back are recommended. 

When we age, the turnover rate of cells becomes slower, and as a result, the skin becomes dull and loses its glow. To counter this early sign of aging, you can use glycolic acid for your regular exfoliation.

Acne

It is one of the most common skin conditions. Even though many consider this as a skin issue in their teens, many adults still get them. Breakouts occur when dead skin cells and oil clog your pores. The usual trigger for this is hormones. OTC medications can resolve this skin issue, but it is best to consult a dermatologist if it is severe and no improvements are seen. 

Scars and discoloration/hyperpigmentation

When your skin's elastin and collagen are damaged, it results in scars. The causes for this can be trauma to the skin due to surgeries, severe acne, or injuries. If the spot is old, it is best to accept them. Nevertheless, lasers can diminish them if they are less than one year old. 

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation is abnormally dark discoloration of the skin. People of all skin tones and races can have hyperpigmentation. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be done in clinics to treat this condition. 

Dry and sensitive skin

People with dry skin can have a rough and dull skin that cracks or peels and red patches. Moreover, their skin can have less elasticity, more visible lines, and almost invisible pores. The skin can also be inflamed, irritated, and itchy.

Some of the possible reasons for having dry skin are hormones, genes, exposure to UV rays from tanning beds, medications, ingredients of some skincare products, and environmental elements such as wind, among many others. 

Taking short showers can help. If you have dry skin, it is recommended not to shower or take a bath more than once every day. You should also avoid using deodorant soaps and opt for gentle cleansers and soaps. 

Do not rub when you bathe or dry your skin. After taking a bath, it helps apply a rich moisturizer such as creams and ointments. If needed, reapply throughout the day.

You can also use a humidifier to lower indoor temperatures and wear gloves when using detergents, cleaning solutions, and solvents. 

Redness, burning, drying, and itchiness can be seen in people with sensitive skin. There are many possible causes for sensitive skin, so it is best to determine what triggers these symptoms. However, the most common cause of this is skincare products. 

How to make sure everything in your skincare routine is safe

Choosing Products That Match Your Skin Type

When choosing skincare products or makeup, it all starts determining the type of skin you have. Determining your skin type is simple. 

Checking Product Reviews and Ratings

Some of your family members you and your friends might have recommended products that have worked well for them. If you consider trying them, you have to remember that you might have a different skin type. 

Searching online for product reviews and ratings can help you check how safe a product is. Other people might have the same skin type or issues as you,

Knowing the Active Ingredients and Contra-Indications of Products

Because there are many new and exciting beauty products now, you might be tempted to try them all. Before adding any of these products to your skincare routine, you must remember that some ingredients work well when used together, and you cannot combine some. 

For instance, you should not use vitamin C and retinoids together since this can cause too much exfoliation, which results in more sun and skin sensitivity. You do not need to go through all the ingredients, and you need to check the first few ingredients listed in the package. 

Skincare for Men vs. Skincare for Women

Men's skin age differently because of many characteristics than women's skin. The former is 25% thicker because of collagen. Moreover, it has more natural moisturization because men's oil glands are more active. Menage slower at a young age, but women can keep constant moisturization and thickness of their skin until they reach menopausal age. There are fewer changes because of lower estrogen production. 

Skincare products for men have more functional packaging, ingredients, and regimen. These products are also more lightweight and available in conventional lotions, gels, and gel creams. 

Their skin needs more attention in the beard since they shave here, and therefore, this part is more susceptible to irritation and ingrown hairs. There are products specially made to be applied before and after shaving. Men need skincare products that are more concentrated and formulated since they have oilier skin. 

 

On the other hand, women's skincare products are more complicated in claims, regimens, and combinations of ingredients. Women's skincare products have richer consistency in various formats such as emulsions, milk, creams, lotions, oils, jellies, and gels. Since women are more engaged in skincare and more willing to try different products, they have more options. 

Even though there are slight differences, skincare is unisex. You just need to know what your skin needs explicitly. Always check the ingredient list and reviews before buying a product.

What foods to eat to nourish the skin better?

Watermelon

You can help keep yourself and your skin cells hydrated when you eat 2 cups of cubed watermelon. You also get a lot of antioxidants because watermelons contain vitamin C and beta-carotene. In summer, it is recommended to cut it up and freeze it for a refreshing treat.

Cod

One of the best ways to improve your diet is to consume more seafood, and most people only consume less than 10% of the recommended 8 to 12 ounces every week. The omega-3 fatty acid in fish can prevent inflammation which can result in damaging your skin cells. Inflammation can also cause your skin to be flaked, dull, and dry. 

Aside from cod, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from lobsters, sea bass, tunas, mackerels, herrings, shrimps, lobsters, and sardines. 

Oats

Oats promotes healthy skin since it has many vitamins and fibers, and it can also treat inflammatory disorders such as eczema or irritation. Moreover, the zinc content of oats helps in rejuvenating and detoxifying the skin. Aside from making the skin better, it protects the cells from damage and boosts your immune system.

Corn Oil

You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from plant-based oils such as corn oil, which helps minimize inflammation. Corn oil is ideal for giving more flavor to your food because it is low in saturated fat and provides antioxidants. Therefore, your heart and skin cells benefit when you consume this oil. 

Pecans

Most plant-based foods such as nuts have ellagic acid that has been connected to skin cell protection from UV damage. These nuts are packed with minerals such as calcium, potassium, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants. Not only do you get glowing skin but also better immunity because it has zinc.

Olives

Olives have polyphenolic compounds that prevent cell disruption and make blood flow better in your body. These fruits also contain antioxidants that help protect skin cells and give you better health. The combination of fiber and unsaturated fat can fill you up. 

Grapes

You can find a combination of resveratrol and ellagic acid in green, red, and black grapes. These compounds fight off oxidative stress, and it also helps in maintaining and regenerating skin cells. 

Strawberries

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and flavonoids, and these help keep and provide healthy skin. What makes these yummy berries better is that they can keep their nutrients even when they are frozen. Therefore, you can eat this and enjoy the benefits it gives to your skin any time of the year. 

Bell Peppers

When you eat bell peppers regularly, you boost the production of your body's collagen naturally. Collagen helps keep your skin younger-looking and firm. Since these vegetables have vitamin C, they can make your immune system stronger. You will be more protected against colds when you add bell pepper slices to your sandwiches and salads. 

Can Exercise Give You Better Skin?

Yes, it can. Even though you might need to make minor adjustments to your skincare routine, regular exercise has more positive effects on your skin than adverse effects. 

You can have nourished cells when you exercise regularly due to better blood flow. During exercise, blood is pumped through your body which works your heart muscles and circulates oxygen and blood. 

As a result, there is more blood flow and better circulation even when you are at rest. All of your cells, including your skin cells, get nourishment from the better flow, and it leads to effective repair and replacement of cells and better vitality. 

Toxins are also eliminated from the skin efficiently. Exercising makes the delivery of nutrients faster, and toxins and other waste are also removed from the cells more quickly. Therefore, all your cells are less exposed to these toxins and debris, which can be damaging. 

Exercising can also lessen the occurrence of chronic skin conditions. The adverse effects of stress can affect people who suffer from chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne more. Stress can cause many bodily responses such as inflammation, allergic skin reaction, and breakouts. 

When you exercise, you can help lower the increased immune and hormonal responses to stress. As a result, it is less likely to have breakouts and other chronic skin conditions. You also have a better immune system, so your body can better defend your skin and whole body. 

Signs of aging can be prevented and reversed through exercising. They researched the skin of participants whose ages were 65 and older and discovered something impressive. After obtaining a base sample from the participants' skin, they asked them to do moderate aerobic exercises for three months. 

After three months, the study found out that participants who exercised more regularly had almost the same healthy skin as people between 20 to 40 years old. It has been known that exercising can make skin look healthier. Nevertheless, this study shows that it can make it younger. Doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day can make you look younger for years. 

Finally, exercising gives you better health, so there is less strain on the skin. Skin is the organ that protects the body from possible damages. Nevertheless, your skin can suffer if your immune system is too busy keeping the body healthy because of its bad state. Regular exercise provides all the nutrients your body needs to make your skin and the rest of your body feel the best.

Chemicals to Avoid

Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals consisting of propylparabens, butylparabens, ethylparabens, and methylparabens. They help in prolonging the shelf life of skincare products and are also the most common skin offenders. 

Phthalates

Another group of chemicals is phthalates. These chemicals make the plastics in cosmetic products more flexible and softer. Moreover, it helps make the products adhere to the skin. 

These chemicals are dangerous to children, but it is better to avoid using them. That is because they can cause congenital disabilities and severe disruption to the endocrine system. There have few types of phthalates that have been banned in making products for children, 

Fragrance

Many companies do not indicate the ingredients inside fragrances, and the scent is a trade secret present in many skincare products. The ingredients in perfumes can cause allergies and hormonal problems, which can cause infertility and other reproductive health problems. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate and SLES or sodium Laureth sulfate can cause various allergies and skin irritation. Therefore, it is better to avoid them for safety. 

BHT

BHT or butylated hydroxytoluene are artificial antioxidants. These are used to prolong shelf life or products, but these carcinogens can cause liver damage and hormonal problems. 

Lead

Lead is a neurotoxin and a heavy metal. Serious learning problems such as low IQ and behavioral issues can be brought about by lead. Although this element is not used in gasoline and paint, it is still present in some skincare and makeup products. 

For instance, when you use lipstick or lipgloss with lead, you tend to reapply it throughout the day. Though some of it comes off when you wipe your lips, most of it is absorbed and ingested in your body. It is also recommended to avoid products containing petroleum jelly since it can cause skin breakouts. 

Formaldehyde

You read that right. It is used in cosmetics, and this carcinogen has been connected to developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and asthma. 

Natural Skin Care Benefits

Skin

Natural skincare is produced using the same standards in making organic food. Therefore, you do not expose your skin to pesticides, fertilizers, and harmful chemicals when using natural skincare products. 

Most chemical components in products are cheap fillers which are dangerous. You might notice you have better skin at first. However, these components can make your skin irritated, pores clogged, and more sensitive. 

By choosing natural skincare, you are guaranteed to apply products that do not harm your body. Instead, it provides better balance and repair of the skin.

Health

Many skincare products in the market have endocrine disruptors such as parabens, phthalates, and SLS, among many others. These can damage different systems in the body, such as the endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. The more you use these harsh chemicals, the higher the concentration of toxins that enters and accumulates in your body, resulting in different problems in your body. 

Environment

Natural skincare products are suitable for the environment since they are sustainable. They are naturally grown and produced, and these products significantly produce less waste and toxins since they do not contain harsh chemicals. 

You do not have to worry that the product can contribute to damaging the earth. It is good to opt for beauty products that are good for your skin and overall health and positively affect the environment.

Best Natural Ingredients

Olive Oil

Olive oil is usually used to drizzle over fresh salads and warm bread, but it also can be an excellent moisturizer to enjoy soft and supple skin. It can even reduce blemishes and stretch marks and offers vital nutrients to keep the skin from looking scaly. Its softening effect is indeed excellent.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most known natural skincare ingredients, and this versatile ingredient can be taken orally or applied topically. Regardless of how you intake it, it has many benefits to the skin, such as making the skin tissue stronger, protecting the skin from sunburns, and expelling dead skin cells. 

Argan Oil

Many people consider argan oil a significant skincare component since it is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E. 

It works well in diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars. Moreover, it fights the early signs of aging and sun damage and enhances the skin's elasticity. 

It is no surprise that this natural ingredient is present in facial cleansers, eye creams, anti-aging products, makeup, and facial moisturizers. 

Tea Tree Oil

Many women have used tea tree oil for treating inflammation, skin redness, and breakouts for many decades. Tea tree is tolerated by the body well, so it does not have side effects. It is excellent since it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties. 

You use this by directly applying it to your skin. It is another known natural skincare ingredient since it has phytochemicals, which are chemical compounds from plants. 

Rose Water

Aside from beauty, rose water is adequate for beauty and health overall. When used on the skin, rose water is a great way to treat irritated skin and acne, and it can soothe and calm skin irritation. 

People with oily skin can use this as a cleanser and moisturizer for those who have dry skin. Moreover, it is also anti-aging since it can rejuvenate, revitalize, make the skin glowing, and soften mature skin.

Rosewater is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that provide nourishment to the skin. It can also function as an organic antiseptic because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. People of all skin types can enjoy the benefits of rose water. 

Grape Seed Oil

Similar to other best natural ingredients such as coconut oil, grape seed oil also has many antioxidants and linoleic acid. Linoleic acid keeps the skin moisturized and lessens the appearance of acne. 

What makes grapeseed oil different from coconut oil is that it is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not cause clogged pores. People with sensitive skin can use it as well. If you do not want to use commercially-made eye creams, you can use grapeseed oil as an alternative to working on dark circles. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, people prone to acne can use this as their moisturizer.

This natural ingredient also has potent antioxidants and PTOs or proanthocyanidins. These prevent free radicals from causing more damage from the lighting of age spots and sun. PTOs also make collagen production better and lessen stretch marks and fine lines. 

Final Thoughts

These are the basics you need to know about skincare. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury or indulgence. 

When you invest early in your skin health through daily skincare, you not only protect it but also make you look and feel good. You need to remember that you can achieve resilient skin if you understand your skin and proper treatment. 

 Moreover, you can't expect to achieve the results right away. Like with all things, patience and consistency is the key. 

Firat Aslan
Firat Aslan


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