Men, skip to point #2, #6, #7 and the pro tip at the end. Ladies, stay with me. Having GREAT (not just good skin) is a matter of skinformation – PERIOD. Luck, genetics, and minimum effort guarantee you good skin, but great skin? Great skin comes from great habits.
I learnt this soon after I first got into skincare in 2016 and started selling skincare products the following year. I know it feels like rocket science how a “select few” seem to have perfect skin while the rest of us struggle. Here’s the good news – you can go from dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin, dehydration, oily skin, and texture among other skincare concerns to having flawless, glowing skin within months. TRUST ME.
So, what’s the difference between people who have good skin and those that have PHENOMENAL skin? Are there any defining habits? What do they seem to know so well that the rest of us don’t?
1.Patch testing
Patch testing refers to using a new skincare product on a small portion of your skin first to determine how the skin will react before officially adding it to your routine. This is a good way to go particularly if you have access to samples or skincare products in small sizes.
If you’ve purchased a product without being sure of whether it’s right for you, you’ll get to find this out and avoid a situation where you can’t go on that date or long awaited trip because your skin acted up and destroyed everything. My goal is to help you avoid a situation where you’ve broken the bank and on top of that ended up with a flared face and regrets.
You don’t even have to break the bank, I got you. You can get a 10% discount on Uncover Skincare products using my discount code JOY10 or my shopping link here.
2. Cleansing Twice Daily
Cleansing is the first fundamental step in skincare. This step gets rid of dead skin cells, dirt, oil, make up, and other pollutants while nourishing the surface of the skin a.k.a. the skin barrier.
Using a cleanser twice daily is ideal. The feel of the cleanser is a matter or preference though what’s wrong with using conventional soaps instead? They contain fragrances and other ingredients that strip the skin of it’s natural moisture hence a good cleanser, one that addresses you skincare concerns, is your best bet.
Ingredients like cica are must-haves for calming and soothing the skin while salicylic acid in very low concentrations, for instance, is ideal for mild cleansing if you have acne.
3.Using toners
Toners are used after cleansing. They were initially made for people with oily skin but you can now find a toner if you’re trying to balance your skin, improve it’s texture, soothe and hydrate it, remove dead skin cells, improve the skin barrier, and protect the skin against external pollutants. How often you use your toner is up to you although I highly recommend working your way up in terms of consistency.
Start by toning your skin every other day then daily before you can start toning twice daily (if your skin agrees to it). Remember, the skin does have a say. Toners are, however, a must-have for makeup lovers because they help make up glide onto the skin, improving it’s appearance, while removing excess dirt and make up that may be left over after using a cleanser.
4. Exfoliating
Exfoliation is the process of doing away with dead skin cells through manual scrubbing and rubbing using tools such as washcloths and scrubs, or chemicals such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s), beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) , and polyhydroxy acids (PHA’s). AHA’s act on the surface of the skin and can be used on all skin types.
They include glycolic acid, citric acid and lactic acid. Always pick one with a concentration of 10% or lower, pH of 3.5 and above, and use with sunscreen. BHA’s, on the other hand, penetrate the skin to control sebum production levels and include salicyclic acid, tropic acid, and trethonoic acid. You can exfoliate once or twice a week and make sure to look into the different ways to use AHA’s, BHA’s, and PHA’s before adding them to your routine.
Dead skin cells replenish themselves every 30 days so when they don’t shed off completely they clog the pores and leave the skin looking dry and flaky. Exfoliation essentially reduces breakouts, increases collagen production, improves the appearance of the skin, and improves the adoption of moisturisers and serums.
Physical and chemical exfoliation are both safe if you have normal skin. However, if you have acne-prone, sensitive or dry skin be extremely gentle when physical exfoliators or use a mild chemical exfoliator.
5.Applying Serums
Serums are used after exfoliators to treat specific skincare concerns as they deliver a high concentration of active ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin c, azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, and retinol deep into the skin. Different ingredients address different concerns.
To treat hyperpigmentation go with azelaic acid or niacinamide. Niacinamide also controls sebum production. To target premature ageing use retinol, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C also improves overall complexion and aids collagen production.
When and how you use serums matters. Niacinamide, salicyclic acid, and hyaluronic acid can either be used in the morning or evening. Vitamin C is only used in the morning while azelaic acid and retinol are used in the evening.
Always apply water-based serums before oil-based serums. If in need of an instant boost, sheet masks are your friend.
6.Moisturising Twice Daily
Moisturisers are used after serums and are yet another fundamental step in skincare. However, people tend to make numerous assumptions when it comes to them. For instance, it makes sense not to moisturise if you have oily skin because the skin is already producing excess oil. Another common practice is using the same moisturiser you use on your body on your face. Guilty?
What happens when we don’t moisturise is the skin produces more sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture resulting in acne and a greasy or shiny complexion. The face is also more delicate than the rest of the body therefore we need to be keen on what we put on it.
One moisturiser I absolutely love and HIGHLY RECOMMEND is the Argan Hydrating Moisturiser by Uncover Skincare. It’s non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), lightweight and leaves the skin feeling and looking supple. It does contain argan oil which improves skin barrier function and overall skin texture, niacinamide which reduces the appearance of pores and helps improves the discoloration of the skin, moringa extract which has antibacterial properties that reduce acne lesions, and hyaluronic acid which hydrates the outer layers of the skin improving the skin’s elasticity. You can buy the moisturiser here for 10% off your purchase and have it shipped to you anywhere in the world.
7.Reapplying Sunscreen Every 2 to 3 Hours
Sunscreen is the final fundamental step in skincare. Sunscreen should be applied approximately 30 minutes before going into the skin every day and reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.
Guarding the skin against direct sunlight is the goal therefore ensure to supplement with hats and protective clothing, avoid being in the sun between 11am and 2pm, and remember commonly forgotten areas such as the back, ears, neck, and top of the hands and feet.
When shopping for a good sunscreen find one that is hydrating, offers broad-spectrum protection, doesn’t leave a white cast, even better if it also soothes the skin.
8.Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Eating a balanced diet and taking skincare supplements such as minerals, probiotics, vitamins, collagen, and healthy fats is a 360-degree approach that improves the quality of the skin from the inside out.
Pro tip – Whenever your skincare isn’t working ensure you’re on a basic 3-step routine comprising of a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Once you’ve built consistency add the rest of the steps on need basis and watch your skin go from 0 to 100. It’s really that simple! I hope you found this useful 🙂
#SkincareSeries #Tips #UncoverClub
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