Want to know 5 easy steps for a beautiful complexion? Scroll down to read more!
Step 1: Hygiene
Do not sleep with your makeup on. I cannot stress this enough. Clogging your pores will make your skin more prone to acne breakouts. This occurs when the build up of dirt, dead skin cells, oil are accumulated on the surface of your skin.
I recommend using a 2 - step cleaning process rather than one. You should remove your make-up initially by an oil-based cleanser or make-up cleansing balm. The reason for this is because oil cleansers and makeup removing balms are gentle yet effective in removing makeup without stripping your skin of natural oils. After this step, settle for a gentle cleanser that is non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic for sensitive and acne prone skin types. Once you've washed away all of your makeup, the second gentle cleanser ensures that your face is clean.
Once or twice a week, I also recommend using a chemical exfoliator to gently remove the build-up of dead skins. For sensitive skin types, I highly recommend you to stay away from physical exfoliator as scrubs can be too harsh on your skin. Last but not least, incorporate a pH balancing toner to prep your skin for moisturizers and balance your pH level.
Step 2: Target Your Problems
Target different problem areas of the skin rather than using an all-in-one product because they tend to be less effective. Signs of aging are mostly shown through the wrinkles of the eyes and lip lines. Using a good anti-aging eye serum concentrate to minimize signs of aging or tightening of crows feet in your 20s to prevent aging early. We will discuss lip-care in step 4.
Other examples of targeting your problem areas are: lightening your dark spots, minimizing textured skin, preventing future acne and reducing current ones, and many more.
Some products that I highly recommend are:
Dark Spot treatments
- Ole Henriksen: OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner
- Paula's Choice Skincare: Triple-action dark spot eraser 2% BHA Gel
- Dr. Jart: Focuspot Dark Spot Micro Tip Patch
Improving Texture
- Paula's Choice Skincare: skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Origins Skin: Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Acne Treatments
- Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask
- Benzagel: Benzagel Acne Gel 5% BP
- Peter Thomas Roth: Max Complexion Correction Pads
Step 3: Apply Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from environmental aggressors, UVA & UVB rays. Not only that, sunscreens are known to fight against signs of aging. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for a physical sunscreen and look for ingredients such as Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For those of you who are exposed to the sun on a daily basis, I recommend using sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.
Some of physical sunscreens I recommend are:
- Paula's choice: Super-light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
- Drunk Elephant: Umbra Sheerâ„¢ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Remember to apply it to both your face and neck!
Step 4: Take care of your lips
Did you know some lip-care products have sunscreen in them? This is especially good for those with pigmentation in the lip colour, or those who want to reduce signs of ageing. Use a soothing lip-balm or lip sunscreen to not only repair flaky skin but also deliver the ultimate hydration with SPF. Choose products with ingredients such as Vitamin E and shea butter for long-lasting benefits and nourishment. Daytime lip products should be different than your nighttime ones. This is because some nighttime lip products can help gently exfoliate your lips throughout the night and are to be rinsed off in the morning.
Some lip products I recommend are:
- Laneige: Lip Sleeping Mask
- Paula's Choice: Lipscreen SPF 50
- MAC: Tendertalk Lip Balm
Step 5: Habits
Most importantly, get a full 8-hr sleep and drink lots of water. This is the most common yet most effective advice that anyone can give you! Use all these products if you want, but if you're not building good habits such as sleeping early or drinking plenty of water, your skin will never be in its best condition.
That's all for now! Please do research before using any of the recommended products (or any products for that matter). These are just my personal preferences and what I found suitable for my skin type (combination/oily). Paula's Skincare website has a detailed ingredient list where you can look up the effects of different ingredients. Similar to your eating habits, you should pay close attention to what you're putting in and on your body! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below! Submit any products if you'd like to see a review on, and I'll do my best to comply! Ciao for now.
Image source: UNSPLASH