Taking good care of your skin can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially with all of the different types of skincare products that are available. How are you supposed to know which ones are the most necessary for the health of your skin? Here are the essentials needed to keep your skin as healthy as it should be.
Cleansers
One of the most important strategies for healthier and younger-looking skin is simply to wash it. However, different skin types will need completely different types of cleansers, so it is important to look for products that are tailored to your specific needs. Someone with dry skin will likely not benefit very much from a product that is specially formulated for someone with oily skin, and vice versa.
No matter your skin type, choose a cleanser that is gentle on your skin. Products that contain fragrances and dyes are likely to irritate any type of skin. Additionally, washing your face should be a relaxing experience, not a traumatic one. Scrubbing your face until it is “squeaky clean” will actually do more harm than good in most cases, because you strip away important layers of oil that your skin needs to stay healthy.
Sunscreen
While most people know that applying sunscreen is necessary when you are laying out by the pool, it is not nearly as common to apply sunscreen as part of your everyday routine. However, this practice is just as important for protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 every day will help to keep your skin protected during times when you don’t even realize you are exposed.
Exfoliants
Since your body sheds over 50 million dead skin cells every day, it is good to use mild exfoliants to get rid of any that may be hanging around on your skin. However, you only want to use mild exfoliants, since harsher products can scrape your skin and leave it damaged and irritated, sometimes even encouraging breakouts.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are necessary for all skin types to ensure that your skin stays supple and soft, rather than dry and flaky. The trick is to make sure that you are choosing the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type. For example, someone with dry skin would benefit more from a thicker facial cream or ointment, while someone with oilier skin would do better with a light lotion or serum.
Toners
Skin toners can do a number of things that can be beneficial for your skin, depending on the active ingredients in the product. Toners that contain moisturizers, oils, and extracts help to soothe your skin if it is irritated or inflamed. On the other hand, astringents toners that are alcohol-based work to tighten your skin, reduce the size of pores, and remove oil. Therefore, choose a toner based on what your skin still seems to need after the rest of your skincare routine is in place.
