This belongs in every skincare routine

Routines and habits are an integral part of skincare. However, skincare is also individual and requires a certain degree of flexibility, especially when the skin changes. Our skin has the important function of protecting us. Therefore, conversely, the care and protection of the skin should be a priority. This raises the question of what the skin truly needs. The fact is, in facial care, tips are numerous and often equally confusing. It’s not easy to get a clear overview. We have therefore tried to bring some clarity to the multitude of product recommendations and tips. Answers can be found in the following article: This belongs in every skincare routine.

What belongs in every skincare routine?

Regular or daily cleansing and care – that’s what a skincare routine is all about. But finding exactly the right product is not that easy. The selection is incredibly vast. Whether in drugstores or perfumeries, shelves are filled with a variety of creams, serums, or masks. Products with many promises, but what the skin truly needs is very individual. The crucial selection criterion is that facial care should not additionally burden the skin through wrong purchases.

Proper skincare also requires a little patience. Generally, the skin needs about 28-40 days for a skin renewal cycle and thus time to adjust to products. If skin problems are also present, finding the right product might take a little longer. Therefore, everyone can only find the answers to the question of the right skincare routine for themselves, step by step. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What is clear is that the morning care routine differs from the evening routine. In the morning, cleansing and a light moisturizer with UV protection are sufficient. In the evening, however, a more comprehensive cleansing is necessary with a tailored facial care. Which products are recommended and where to look more closely will follow in the next section.

Which products are important and which can be omitted.

• Cleanse

A pH value around 5 – 5.5 is recommended when choosing a skin-friendly cleanser. Facial cleansing is the first step of any skincare routine to remove dirt particles, sebum, makeup, and dead skin cells, among other things. Cleansing helps maintain the skin’s natural protective functions. It is therefore crucial that the product selection supports rather than burdens the skin. A look at the ingredients and the pH value is therefore an absolute must.

• Moisturizer

Even if the skin is cleansed with water, the skin cannot absorb it. Rather, it lies on the skin, just like sweat. This softens the skin’s own hydrolipid layer, making it more susceptible to external influences. Often, the skin is not able to fully moisturize itself. A cream with glycerin, urea, or hyaluronic acid then provides relief and important protection, as well as support in providing moisture from the outside.

• Serum

If daily care is not enough, many manufacturers recommend an additional serum, which provides essential ingredients. A serum’s function is to transport highly concentrated care into the skin; it is applied under the cream. However, a little caution is advised: if too many different providers and ingredients are mixed, it can lead to over-caring for the skin. The correct and coordinated product selection is therefore crucial, ideally chosen with an expert, tailored to individual skin needs.

• Toner

A toner is always useful when the skin’s natural pH value (4.5 and 5.5) has previously been affected by other applications or products. This can happen, for example, by cleansing the skin with a product below or above the natural pH value. Commercial soaps, for instance, temporarily raise the skin’s pH value. Healthy skin can regulate this itself. Problematic, aging, or sensitive skin, however, needs external support here. A toner, so to speak, neutralizes this influence on the skin to prevent disruption of the natural skin barrier. Ideally, however, a cleanser within the skin’s natural pH value should be used directly, thus making toning unnecessary.

• Night Cream

There are different opinions regarding night care; some say that the skin can regenerate optimally if it does so on its own. For example, a well-known dermatologist from Berlin holds the view that less is more and that this enables the skin to work independently. Others, however, recommend a night cream with skin vitamins, high-quality lipids, and moisture to support the skin’s regeneration. This is particularly true for mature skin. Ultimately, it should therefore be decided individually whether the skin is sufficiently nourished and functions optimally even without a night cream. Because ultimately, everyone has the same goal: healthy skin.

• Exfoliation

An exfoliant frees the skin from dead skin cells and promotes blood circulation. Depending on its consistency and composition, however, the skin barrier can also be disturbed. Therefore, it is recommended to use a fine, not too grainy exfoliant. But even this should be used with caution and not too frequently. Because every exfoliation creates minimal injuries, which is not bad at first, as the skin can regulate this well itself. However, too frequent use can change this. For sensitive skin or problematic skin, however, a strong abrasive exfoliant or exfoliating gloves should be avoided entirely.

• Face Mask

While a cream nourishes and cares for the skin daily, a face mask can be a good supplement to care, but in moderation. A face mask is usually applied 1-2 times per week. The correct selection regarding product combination, ingredients, and skin type is crucial. Over-caring should also be strictly avoided here.

Are there differences in skincare routines for women and men?

The answer is yes. Men’s skin has a different structure and more sebaceous glands than women’s. Consequently, the products are also composed differently; for example, they have a lower fat content. Cleansing and caring apply equally to men and women. And moisture and sun protection for the day are also essential for men’s skin.

This belongs in every skincare routine…, more on skin protection and skincare can be found at ilon.eu.

 

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