New to Skincare? Here's What You Need to Know Before Starting a Routine

Starting a new skincare routine can be overwhelming, as every product caters to different skin types and concerns. It is essential to know your skin type before incorporating new skincare products into your routine. This article covers the things to keep in mind before starting a new skincare routine. Read on to know how to make the most of your skincare routine and achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Know Your Skin Type- If you are trying to implement a new skincare routine then it is most likely because your last routine failed you and caused several issues. This happens because you were using products that were not compatible with your skin type. Therefore, before buying new products, know your skin type.

Normal Skin- If your skin is soft and doesn’t have dry itchy patches or patches of oil, then you have normal skin.

Dry Skin- You have dry skin if your skin feels tight to the touch and is prone to flakiness. You’ll also have fine lines.

Oily Skin- If you are prone to frequent breakouts and have an overall greasy appearance then your skin is oily.

Sensitive Skin- If any change to your skincare routine or you simply going into a new environment leads to irritation, redness, or breakouts, then your skin type is sensitive.

Combination skin- Combination skin type refers to a skin type where the skin on the cheeks is either normal or dry but the nose, chin, and forehead are oily.

To know your skin type, wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Do not moisturize your skin and leave it be for at least 30 minutes. If your skin starts to feel itchy and tight, then your skin type is dry. If your nose, chin, and forehead are shinier than the rest of your face, then you have a combination skin type. And if your entire face seems greasy then you have oily skin.

Buy products corresponding to the skin type- Look for products that not only match your skin type but also cater to other issues, such as clogged pores and frequent breakouts.

Perform a patch test- Skincare products have an extensive ingredient list and sometimes the active ingredients can be overwhelming for our skin and cause a reaction. Therefore, conduct a patch test by applying a small amount of product on a less prominent area like the inner elbow and wait for a few hours to check for a reaction. If your skin seems fine then you can use the product on your face.

Introduce one product at a time- It is recommended to introduce only one product at a time. Wait for at least a month before adding another skincare product. By doing so you can ascertain whether the product was a right fit for your skin type more easily.

Apply all products in the right order- After introducing all of the new products in your skincare routine, it is important that you apply them in the right order. The rule of thumb is to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest to ensure the products are getting absorbed properly. The right order for a skincare routine is- cleanser, toner, serum, spot treatment, moisturizer, and sunscreen/ or night cream. Wait for each product to fully absorb before applying the next product.

Show patience- Skincare products take a lot of time to showcase their intended benefits. Many skin experts suggest that most products take at least 2 months to show efficacy. Therefore, show some patience and do not change products too soon when the products don’t match your expectations. You shouldn’t panic when your skin becomes dry, red, or itchy from a product, which is intended to ease acne.