A Simplified Approach to Daily Skincare
Between school, work, extracurriculars, and other daily obligations, it can be difficult to find time to take care of yourself. Self-care is an important practice that can sometimes get pushed to the back of our minds, but it is necessary for you to be your best self on a regular basis. Skin care is an often neglected self-care practice that doesn't take a lot of time and can really boost your mood. Incorporating it into your daily routine will not only make your skin look great, but will also provide you with a small escape from your responsibilities; a short refresher. Some people don't think they have the time to take care of their skin with their busy schedules, while others are overwhelmed by the seemingly endless aisles of skin-care products at the drugstore and don't know where to begin. Whatever the case, taking care of your skin can be made simple and is something that everyone should prioritize. Here is a simple routine that won't take you more than five minutes twice a day — it will fit into even the busiest of schedules, and you only need three products!
1. Cleanser (2x daily)
During the day, your face accumulates bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old skin cells. Cleansing in the morning and at night removes these impurities. Consider your skin type to determine how much cleansing your face really needs. Normal skin may need just a rinse with water in the morning and a deeper cleanse at night, while acne-prone skin types may be most comfortable using a cleansing product twice a day.
An important thing to remember is to not over-cleanse. According to dermatologist and founder of DNA Renewal, Dr. Ronald Moy, “Over-cleansing can lead to ruining your skin's lipid barrier and strip your skin of its natural oils. ... Washing your face more than three times a day — with the exception of post workout cleansing — can cause dry and irritated skin.”
2. Moisturizer
Skin needs moisturizer. This can seem obvious for people with dry or normal skin types, but oily-skinned guys and girls need to prioritize moisture, too. According to Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC, you can have oily, acne-prone skin but still lack hydration. Dry skin is about lack of water, not oil. Find a moisturizer that works well with your skin. It should not leave you feeling oily and sticky. Instead, your skin should feel dewy and hydrated. For oily skin types who have a tougher time loving moisturizers than most, try out some oil-free options. Don't lose hope. You will find a moisturizer that works for you with a little trial and error.
3. Sunscreen
You've probably heard it a thousand times, but you should be wearing sunscreen every day. Not just on summer days, but every day of the year. The ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer and early signs of aging are not blocked by clouds, but are present year-round. Daily sun protection is necessary to prevent damage to the skin. Find yourself a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, making sure to apply and reapply liberally. The key here is to find something you enjoy using so that you will remember to apply it. Daily use is key.
And that's it! A no-nonsense, bare-bones daily skin-care routine for people who want to save time and get back to the basics. Whether you are simplifying your current skin-care routine or starting from nothing at all, it is important to understand that your skin is an organ that works to maintain and balance itself. Work with your skin and its natural functions. Learn what it likes and what it doesn’t by starting at the basics and building from there. Things such as toners, serums, scrubs, and such can be added as you see fit. By starting with a basic routine, you can see what special skin concerns need to be addressed beyond the processes outlined here, while saving time and money in the process.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a dermatologist. Take the information presented in this article with a grain of salt. If you have specific skin-care questions, problems, or concerns, please see a professional. A professional dermatologist has the training to answer your questions and can provide you with an individualized routine to treat concerns specific to your skin.
