The Key Components of a Good Skincare Routine

a man with his hand on his face

Your skin is your largest and one of your most important organs. While your heart and brain are vital for life, your skin protects those and all of your other organs. While your skin protects your body, however, it doesn’t have a lot of protection itself. Every day your skin is exposed to the sun and other harsh elements. To stay healthy, you need to develop a skincare routine to hydrate, rejuvenate and protect your skin.

Investing in a routine will help protect you from harsh UV rays and other elements, and it will also ensure that your skin maintains a healthy, even complexion. Good skincare is essential at any age. However, the younger you start, the better off your skin will be. Establishing a good routine in your 20s and 30s can prevent wrinkles, collagen loss, and dry skin due to aging.

Your skincare routine will help you have a healthier and brighter complexion and help preserve your skin in the future. It will be important that you personalize a routine that works best for your skin type and follow it with fidelity. To help you locate products for your skin type and situation, you can try looking at providers like Fifth & Root for plant-based beauty products that will clean and rejuvenate your skin. Let’s take a look at some key components of a good skincare routine.

1. Cleanser

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Finding a cleanser specifically formulated for your skin type is an essential first step in developing a good skincare routine. Many products are designed for people with acne, oily skin, or dry skin. Depending on your skin, you’ll want a cleansing wash that can help keep your pores clean and prevent irritation and breakouts. You should use a facial cleanser in the morning to prepare your skin for the day and at night to clean away the effects of the day. Most people can keep it simple with a basic gentle formula. You should also avoid cleansers that contain dyes, fragrances, and alcohol if you have issues related to sensitive skin.

2. Moisturizer

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After cleansing your skin, the next step in your regimen should be to apply moisturizer. This is an important step to help maintain a natural barrier that will protect your skin from infection and irritation. Whether you have oily skin or dry skin, a moisturizer should be used for added protection. Like the face wash, you can keep it simple with the moisturizer or opt for a cream with products containing skincare helpers and antioxidants such as vitamin c, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acid. You will want a lighter moisturizer for the daytime and hotter seasons and a thicker cream for nighttime and colder seasons. It is also a good idea to apply it when your skin is still damp to help lock in hydration.

3. Sunscreen

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A crucial step that many people leave out of their routine is sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, with more new cases each year than any other type of cancer. The more that your skin is exposed to the sun, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen daily—no matter the season or your exposure level—is a great way of protecting your skin and reducing your chances of disease. Additionally, sunscreen will also help prevent premature again due to the sun and UV rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will help form a protective layer over your skin.

Caring for your skin with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is an easy but essential part of staying clean and healthy. While there are various products on the market today, you’ll want to find ones that work best for your skin type and routine. If you have questions, you can also consult with a dermatologist for skincare product recommendations.