“Self-care” appears to be the latest buzzword, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. But what does self-care really mean? And how can it empower you?

Well, self-care is all about you! It entails being mindful of your physical and psychological well-being. Your physical and psychological wellness can both serve as your very own personal tools that you can use to first empower yourself and then others. However, like all tools, your self-care tools must also be regularly maintained for optimum use.

Self-care involves a wide variety of activities, such as eating nutritious food, ensuring a good night’s sleep, exercising regularly, meditating, engaging in hobbies, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and many more. 

Let us discuss why establishing a good skincare routine is important.

The largest organ in the body—the skin—is the first line of defense against harm from external agents, yet it is often neglected. Developing a healthy skincare routine is key to ensuring your skin functions optimally. Do you know what a skincare routine is and why it is important? Read on to learn more.

Importance of a Skincare Routine

Did you know your skin sheds itself daily? So, if you don’t care for it today, you will soon discover dull and coarse skin. Implementing a detoxification regimen to remove the dead cells is essential to ensure your skin keeps glowing. If you want your skin to look lustrous and healthy for decades, the choices you make sooner are crucial. However, also bear in mind that excessive routines can damage your skin.

Your skin is often exposed to the harmful rays of the sun and environmental pollutants, both of which can cause much damage. Unfortunately, it can often be very difficult to reverse the damage to your skin that accumulates with time. That is why establishing a good skincare routine early is essential. 

Once established, it is much easier to maintain it. You can achieve good results if you are disciplined and stick to your routine. Adopting a good skincare routine can lead you to establish other healthy routines, all of which can ultimately lead you to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. 

In keeping with the saying, “Prevention is better than cure,” the sooner you prevent potential problems, the better. Taking care to avoid pimples, acne scars, skin discolouration, or wrinkles now can help you save a lot of money in the future.

Benefits of a Good Skincare Routine

Your face is the first thing that others will notice when they see you. A good daily skincare routine can help you maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Healthy skin can not only make you look good, radiant, and younger, but it can also make you look and feel healthier, which can boost your confidence. A good skincare routine can slow the signs of aging. 

How to Begin a Skincare Routine

The younger you are when you begin, the better; however, it is never too late to establish a healthy skincare routine. Irrespective of your age, there are certain basic steps you must regularly follow as part of your day-to-day routine. Also, there are different skin types. So, it is necessary to first determine the type of skin you have to be able to choose a regimen that is most suitable for your skin type. 

You must regularly cleanse and moisturize your skin. Most importantly, you will have to find a cleanser that not only helps you remove the dirt, grime, oil, or makeup but also soothes and nourishes your skin. Your cleanser should be gentle and not too harsh on your skin. Rinse your skin with warm water. Avoid using hot water, as it removes the natural oils and dehydrates your skin. 

A good moisturizer can serve as a barrier between your skin and the environment and protect your skin from harm and excessive dryness. It is useful to hydrate your skin and keep it smooth. You should consider using a moisturizer even if you have oily skin. There are several oil-free moisturizers to choose from. A moisturizer is most effective when you apply when your skin is slightly damp, as it seals the moisture.

While cleansing and moisturizing are the most important aspects of a healthy skincare routine, some prefer to also include “toning” which is a step between cleansing and moisturizing. A toner helps smooth your skin and restores its nutrients. It is particularly helpful against dry patches, especially if you use an oil-free cleanser.

Besides cleansing and moisturizing, it is also important to use sunscreen every day, even if it is gloomy or cloudy. Choose a sunscreen that has a sunscreen protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and offers a broad range of protection. It is recommended to use one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as the ultraviolet rays of the sun are the main cause of wrinkles, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone, and accelerated signs of aging.

Although it is not necessary to routinely use an exfoliator, it can be used after a cleanser and before a moisturizer to remove flaky skin and clear pores. An exfoliator is very useful if you have dry skin, especially in the winter. Please remember that they should be used only once or twice a week at the most.

A serum containing antioxidants or retinol can be useful to treat redness and improve the texture of your skin.