Daily skincare – how? – Био Магазин ЗЕЛЕН

Skincare – Daily Beauty Rituals

Skin is not just a matter of DNA and a lucky combination of genes. Our habits have a great impact on what we see in the mirror every day. Regarding cosmetics, we can read countless conflicting opinions on the Internet about absolutely everything – from how to moisturize our skin to how to protect ourselves from UV rays. Ultimately, skincare is a matter of personal judgment, because each of our cosmetic needs is different.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to sort through the information and build your own routine that suits your personal preferences.

The goal of any routine is to help the skin function optimally. The beautifying procedures you apply daily are an opportunity to notice the changes in yourself and your skin. Since skin changes with age, basic care and products should also be changed periodically.

The science behind the cosmetic industry has come a long way, but no product has yet been invented that offers an immediate correction to our skin. Give it time! Skin needs time to thank you for all the care you put in daily. Don't forget – consistency is required! The results of using cosmetic products are visible only with regular use.

Aim to use a product for at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference in your skin's condition.

When should you start with your skincare?

Experts will unanimously tell you that it's never too early to start following a routine that guarantees you healthy and beautiful skin, especially as you age. Don't think you're too young to start taking care of your skin. Of course, no one recommends the use of products with AHA acids and retinoids for young girls, but there are other products that will help you get used to maintaining an appropriate regimen.

It is important to start following your targeted beauty routine from your teenage years. Otherwise, in your mid-20s, the signs of aging will already creep onto your skin, and the first fine lines will be a fact before you turn 30. This is the sad reality, especially if you are an active young lady who spends a lot of time outdoors – under the sun's rays on the beach, playing sports in the park, on a walk with friends, etc.

Skincare at different ages

Good skincare is essential at any age, healthy habits in your 20s and 30s can make the transition to aging smoother and less noticeable.

The skin has the strongest synthesis of collagen and elastin in the 20s and 30s. During this period, it is important to stimulate collagen production, both through appropriate cosmetic products and through diet. Consuming an optimal amount of fluids in the body and maintaining good hydration is essential.

Collagen gives the skin a plumper appearance, but it also takes care of its density and plays a key role in the renewal of dead skin cells.

As women enter the perimenopausal period, their hormone levels begin to change and the aging processes begin to activate. The inclusion of serums and creams that support collagen and elastin production is recommended during this period.

Many factors can affect the condition of our skin – the environment, eating habits, diets, stress, and mental load. Often these factors are beyond our control. That's why it's important to stick to a skincare routine. These small steps give us self-confidence and assurance that we are moving in the right direction and investing in the future of our beautiful skin!

Think of your routine skincare in three main steps:

Cleansing – Washing the face.
Toning – Balancing the skin.
Moisturizing – Hydrating and softening the skin.

Tip: Each product should be applied in a specific sequence – from the lightest and most liquid texture to the denser and thicker. For example: cleanser, toner, serum, and then moisturizer.

Cleansing

Washing the face is the most basic and essential step in any routine. Our skin comes into daily contact with environmental pollutants, dirt, makeup, and other factors that need to be carefully removed. Wash your face twice a day, morning and evening, to avoid clogged pores, pimples, and blackheads.

Choose an appropriate face cleanser. The right formula cleanses the skin without stripping its natural oils and maintains healthy sebum levels. Ease up on exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid harsh abrasive ingredients.

The type of cleanser you use matters more than you think. Too many people use harsh products or cleanse their face too often, thereby damaging their skin barrier.

What exactly does non-comedogenic mean?

This term often appears on product labels and is used by skincare experts, but it is not always clearly defined. Here's a brief explanation: If a product claims to be non-comedogenic, it means it should not clog pores or activate acne – by blocking pores, blocking glands, or irritating the hair follicle. Some well-known comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil and cocoa butter. Generally, the fewer ingredients a product has, the easier it is to determine if it will cause any reactions.

Toning

How to use toner?

Adding an intermediate step between cleansing and moisturizing components in our routine is really important. This can have a great effect on our skin over time.

Toners are light, fast-absorbing liquids that deliver an extra dose of nutrients, helping other products in your regimen absorb better while balancing your complexion. Most experts believe that toner is not essential, but it can be a good way to add specific ingredients to your routine or to add another layer for skin recovery.

Some of the ingredients often present in toners:

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and gently treat fine lines.
Rose water and green tea to soothe irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vitamin E and C to combat daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.

Toner can be a great way to balance your skin's pH. If you have acne-prone skin, look for a toner with ingredients like salicylic acid to soothe inflammation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a hydrating toner to soothe.

The traditional method of applying toner is to saturate a cotton pad and swipe it across your face. However, this wastes a large amount of the product. Applying toner with clean hands is most effective. Simply pour a few drops into your palm, then spread it over your face. Most formulas can be used morning and evening, but if you want to use those with exfoliating acids, do so only in the evening.

Use of Serums

Serums are powerful allies for the skin in its fight against aging. Their formulas contain concentrated active ingredients that can solve a number of dermatological problems – from dark spots to wrinkles. Even if you don't have specific problems, everyone can use an antioxidant serum in the morning to protect their skin from daily aggressors.

Active ingredients in serums:

Hyaluronic acid in serums is used to plump the skin, hydrate, and strengthen the barrier function of the outermost layer of your skin.
Vitamin C helps brighten a dull, uneven complexion and reduce dark spots with prolonged use.
Retinol, vitamin B3, peptides to stimulate collagen and elastin production. They smooth the skin and prevent the appearance of fine lines.
Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide to soothe redness and reduce inflammation.

Helpful tips:

Some dermatologists recommend treating individual areas of the skin with different products depending on the problem areas on the face and their treatment with active ingredients.
To save time, do not mix serum into your moisturizer. This reduces the serum's ability to absorb effectively. Products should be applied one after another.
Not all serums are applied with the same frequency.
You can apply antioxidant products in the morning, as they provide additional environmental protection, but always use a sufficient amount of sunscreen after their use.
Some ingredients are best when applied at night. Retinols are not sun-stable and should not be applied during the day.
When using a vitamin C serum, look for one that contains a stable form of vitamin C, so you can be sure that the molecule will penetrate the skin and be effective.

Moisturizing Products

The main function of moisturizing products is to hydrate and soften the skin. Essentially, moisturizers help prevent water loss through the outer layers of the skin. These are products that doctors recommend for year-round use for all skin types.

Skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture as it ages, which is why moisturizers are so important.

The Difference Between Day and Night Cream

The creams you apply in the morning are designed to protect your skin from environmental aggressors you'll encounter when you leave home. They usually have a light consistency. Night creams, on the other hand, focus on repairing any damage and imperfections on the skin. These creams also increase skin moisture levels but have a rich and thick texture.

Eye Creams

Can you go without eye cream? Absolutely. But if you have specific concerns in this area – such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, or puffiness – you might try to address them with a suitable eye contour cream. The skin around the eyes is quite thin and delicate and is more likely to react to irritating ingredients than other areas. Dermatologists generally recommend eye creams that account for potential sensitivity and have gentle concentrations of active ingredients.

For under-eye bags and puffiness, ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can be soothing and effective. For brightening, creams containing vitamin C and niacinamide can be applied. Avoid strong retinols and fragrances in eye creams to prevent irritation and redness of the eyes.

The most important step you shouldn't skip in your beauty routine:

Protect your skin with sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most important product in any beauty routine. It is extremely important as part of your year-round regimen. Daily and consistent use of sunscreens helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin imperfections, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. Daily use of sunscreens can help prevent the formation of some types of skin cancer. Experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours. Chemical sunscreens should be applied directly to clean skin, while physical ones can be applied last in your regimen, but before makeup.

About two tablespoons of sunscreen is the optimal amount needed to cover your face and exposed areas of your body.

Day and Evening Care

The easiest way to remember when to use a given group of products is to learn one simple rule: Morning care should focus on prevention and protection of the skin during the day, and night care is aimed at treating and restoring the skin.

In the morning, rinsing with warm water before applying moisturizer and sunscreen should be enough for care, but in the evening, more serious care is recommended. Before bed, you must wash your face with a cleanser to remove dirt and makeup, then use a toner, exfoliant, and serums. Always finish with moisturizing; if desired, you can also apply a night mask.

You should always wash your face after exercising or heavy sweating, as sweat can clog pores and worsen skin conditions.

Never forget to remove your makeup before bed.

Seasons

As the seasons change, you can make small adjustments to your skincare, but you shouldn't fundamentally change your routine.

In winter, everything you use as products should be related to additional moisturizing. Cold weather and wind (as well as heat from radiators and air conditioners) contribute to skin dryness and dehydration during this season. You can switch to a more moisturizing cleanser to supplement your daily moisturizer.

In summer, your skin is oilier, and you can choose an oil-free cleanser with a lighter gel-like texture.

Sunscreen is an essential product for all seasons, but it is advisable to use a larger amount due to the increased sunshine in summer. This way you will ensure the best skin care.