Facial care
Skin Care in 4 Steps
Taking care of your skin is more a matter of discipline than anything else. A facial skincare routine is what you need (and you need to follow this routine with complete seriousness). So, let’s check what comprises an effective facial skin care routine.
Well, very simply, a facial skincare routine can follow the following 4 steps:
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Moisturizing
- Sun protection
Cleansing is the first thing in a facial skin care routine. Cleansing helps to remove dust, pollutants, grease and extra oil from your skin, thereby preventing damage to your skin.
Just spot your face and neck with a good cleansing wash or cream and gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes. Or pour a small amount onto the palm of your wet hand and form a nice lather before applying to your face.
After cleansing, use a soft face tissue or towel to wipe your face in a gentle patting fashion (do not rub). Cleansing should be done at least twice a day, usually morning (as part of complete facial skincare routine) and evening (on a standalone basis).
The choice of cleanser depends on your skin type. Gel or water-based cleansers are recommended for oily skin and cream cleansers for dry skin. Avoid harsh soap ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulphate, which can strip your skin of its moisture when you wash.
Toning is the next in a facial skincare routine. However, this is the optional part of the facial skincare routine. Mostly, proper cleansing can compensate for toning.
The best way to apply a toner is to pour or spray the solution onto a clean cotton pad and wipe the face in a single direction. This helps to remove all traces of dirt, grease and excess cleanser.
Instead of making it part of your daily facial skincare routine, you can use toners occasionally i.e. when you have been exposed to a particularly harsh environment/pollution. However, toners such as The Skin Pharmacy’s Sebum Reducing Anti-Acne Toner contain ingredients with a specific action (for example, reducing oil production) and should be used regularly twice a day.
And avoid toners containing alcohol, as they can dry out skin.
Moisturising is the third step. In fact, moisturizing is the one of the most important part of a facial skincare routine, particularly in mature skin or sensitive skin. Moisturisers prevent water loss from skin and keeps it looking supple and healthy. Even oily skin types need moisturisers, but choose one that does not contain oils.
Moisturizers work the best when applied on warm and damp skin. So do not try to remove all the moisture in the previous steps of facial skincare routine.
Sunscreen is the last and most important step, often left out of a skincare routine. Sunscreens are only needed during the day when there is sunlight. The purpose of sunscreens is to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause early skin ageing and even cancer.
Sunscreens should be applied generously over the face and body. For the face, a tablespoon amount is required to get adequate protection. Spread generously to cover all areas, including the nose and neck.
Finding a good sunscreen which does not leave a thick greasy film can be challenging. The Skin Pharmacy’s Silky Smooth Sunscreen has been formulated specially for the hot and humid weather of the tropics!
Follow these four simple daily steps and you are on your way to a healthier and better-looking skin for 2021!
