SKINCARE

Skincare Regimen

Do you know that your skin care products must be applied in order so that your skin receives the maximum benefit from the products you use? It might come as a surprise to many, but it’s a fact that if a serum is applied over a cream-based product the cream’s emollience will not allow the serum to reach the skin. Then again, there are many moisturizers that contain water. Applying this over sunscreen will result in watering down the sunscreen, thereby diluting its efficacy.

So, if you want your skin to glow, apply the products in correct sequence. The established practice is to apply skincare products from the thinnest consistency to thickest or from liquid to oil.

Day Regimen:

• Simple Cleanser
• Toner
• Light Moisturizer/Day Cream
• Sunscreen

Night Regimen:

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Spot Treatment
• Serum
• Eye Cream
• Moisturizer or Face Oil

However, what must be kept in mind is the fact that though following the routine mentioned above guarantees maximum absorption of product, it is advisable that you find out what works for your skin the best. It is important to understand that every individual is unique and possesses a skin that is exclusive to them. What works well for your closest pal, sister or even your mother might not necessarily wok for you. It is therefore important to understand what works best for your skin and stick to your regimen strictly.

Toner and its Usage

It might come as a surprise, but it’s a fact that many people abstain from toners because they believe that toners are harsh and irritating for the skin. However, the misconception is on the wane. Newer toners serve as a delivery system for vitamin B derivatives, toning acids, and antioxidants.

Toners are particularly helpful for people with acne-prone or oily skin. People who prefer extra cleansing after makeup or heavy skincare products might also find toners very useful.

Toner Advantages

• Toners help in shrinking pores.
• They help in restoring skin’s pH balance.
• Toners add a layer of protection to the skin.
• They moisturize the skin and protect them from dryness.
• Toners replenish skin and give it a glowing look.
• They help in preventing ingrown hairs.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the process by which dead, keratinized skin cells are removed. The process gives the skin a fresher look and makes it easier for facial products to penetrate the skin’s surface. Exfoliation is an important part of skincare treatment all over your body.

Types of Exfoliation

There are two important varieties of exfoliation.

Mechanical Exfoliation

• Salt glow or a body scrub with coffee or sugar grounds are the most prominent examples of mechanical exfoliation.
• Apply a scrub that includes smaller, rounder, and gentler abrasives like jojoba beads.
• Avoid harsher scrubs as they can lead to micro tears in the skin.
• Microdermabrasion is an aggressive and effective approach to mechanical exfoliation.
• It includes two varieties – crystal and crystal free, or diamond tip like facial and body scrubs, body brushing and microdermabrasion.

Chemical Exfoliation

• It includes the use of enzymes like betahydroxy acids (BHAS) or alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) that loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together which allows them to slough away.
• Facial peels are an example of chemical exfoliation. Chemical peels can be very strong or very soft.
• Body treatments might see the usage of soft chemical exfoliants like pineapple enzymes.

Why Exfoliation?

• As we grow old the rate with which the cell turnover takes place slows down.
• This leads to cells piling up unevenly on the skin’s surface that gives the skin a rough, dull, and dry appearance.
• Exfoliation removes the dead cells and brings to fore the younger, fresher skin cells that lie below.

Moisturizer

Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin. They also protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture. As they hold water in the outer layer of the skin, they also act as a temporary barrier for your skin. It must be understood that no skincare routine is perfect if it does not give importance to proper moisturizing. Irrespective of the skin type you have; you must moisturize it properly with the use of cream or lotion that complements your skin. Doing so will ensure that your skin remains radiant and glowing throughout the day.

Usage of Moisturizer

An understanding of when and how to use a moisturizer will ensure that you gain immensely from this wonderful activity.

• The best time to use moisturizers is immediately after drying your skin after a bath. As the skin is still moist, the moisturizer can penetrate the skin easily.
• Apply moisturizer on your hands after washing every time without fail.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after you have cleansed your face with a cleanser. Failing this will result in the moisture evaporating; taking away with it your skin’s natural moisture as well.

Mask

The face mask is a skincare product that is applied on the face. It is considered as one of the easiest ways to get a healthy and replenished skin quickly. There are varieties of facemasks available in the market. There are some that can be worn at night, while there are some that can be used before or after showering, for a shorter duration. Face masks can also be made at home with products that are easily available in the kitchen.

Usage of Mask

Using a facemask brings in several advantages to the user. Some of the prominent gains of facemask use are listed below.

• It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and pimples, thereby reducing the signs of aging.
• It diminishes hyper pigmentation and gives you even skin tone and texture.
• It enhances collagen production and combats damage from free radicals, leading to fresher, firmer skin.
• It refines skin pores.
• It hydrates and moisturizes the skin.