Let’s talk about skin care routines. Caring for your skin is a crucial element of self care. A good skincare routine should consist of several essential steps to keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and protected. With so many products and techniques available, it can be challenging to figure out what works best for your skin type and needs.

One of the most critical steps in any skincare routine is cleansing. Removing dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin is essential to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. When you find a cleanser that works for you, stick with it. Dermatologists suggest not changing up your cleanser routine. One of my favorites is a UK-based company called Simple face wipes. They are gentle and effective, and leave my skin feeling clean without feeling stripped. They are a quick and easy way to keep your skin clean, and even remove waterproof mascara easily. 

Apart from cleansing, every skincare routine should include exfoliating and moisturizing. One of my favorite ways to moisturize is to use hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a well-known ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated by retaining moisture. It acts as a magnet for moisture, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid also helps fortify the skin’s lipid barrier to lock in moisture. I prefer to use a hyaluronic acid serum (link) in the morning and evening underneath my moisturizer, but you can also use a moisturizer that includes hyaluronic acid in its ingredient list. 

On the other hand, glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed from the skin’s surface. This process helps to unclog pores, smooth out rough patches, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Regularly using glycolic acid can help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, age spots, and acne scars.

Using these two acids regularly can give your skin a healthy, youthful glow. You can use your favorite brand of hyaluronic acid twice a day, followed by a moisturizer. And for glycolic acid, you can find different levels of strength so that you can choose the right one for your skin type. It’s important to note that while these acids can be very effective, they can also irritate some people. If you experience any redness, itching, or irritation, you should discontinue use and speak to a dermatologist.

Apart from these two essential ingredients, you can use many other products and techniques to take care of your skin. For instance, vitamin C serum is great for brightening the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental damage, such as pollution and UV rays. It also helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, giving the skin a more even tone.

You can also try using different oils at night, such as rosehip seed oil, which is excellent for anti-aging. You can use a retinol product, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that works by stimulating collagen production and increasing cell turnover. It can help improve the skin’s texture and tone and reduce the appearance of pores and acne.

Lastly, if you want to take your skincare routine to the next level, you can try some professional treatments. A broad band light (BBL) facial treatment is an excellent option for reducing sun damage and rebuilding collagen. It involves using a light therapy device that delivers light pulses to the skin, which causes the skin to rebuild collagen and elastin. The treatment also helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and age spots, giving the skin a more even and radiant tone. The procedure is non-invasive and has no downtime, making it a popular choice.

Another professional treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is micro needling. Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, increasing collagen production and skin rejuvenation. The treatment can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Try micro-needling at home with a personal micro-needling tool or get it done professionally for a more intense treatment.

Remember that skin care is not just about what products you use; it’s also about how you use them. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your skincare routine:

Start with a clean slate – always cleanse your skin before applying any products.

Use products in the correct order – start with the lightest products and work your way up to heavier creams and oils.

Remember your neck and chest – these areas are often neglected but can show signs of aging, like your face.

Protect your skin from the sun – always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days.

Be consistent – stick to your skincare routine and give it time to work. It can take several weeks or even months to see significant results.

A good skincare routine should consist of several essential steps, including cleansing, hydration, and protection. Incorporating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid can help improve your skin’s texture and tone. Professional treatments like BBL facials and micro needling can take your skincare routine to the next level. Remember to be consistent with your routine and give it time to work. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve healthy, radiant skin that you’ll love.