A Detailed Guide to Building a Basic Skincare Routine

In the fast paced world we live in, where every second counts, maintaining a skincare routine often takes a backseat. We generally restrict our attention only to diet and fitness and tend to overlook the health of our skin specially the Face. Eventually, this ignorance can lead to the long term skin related issues and force us to seek advice from a dermatologist. Let me make it clear that getting a cure from a Dermatologist is a long term process and requires a dedicated and medicated skin care routine.

Our Face is not only an integral part of our body, but also creates our personal identity before the world. Hence it is important to focus on facial skincare to elevate our presence before the world. A simple solution may work magic if we can start to follow basic skin care routines with 3 products i.e. Face wash, Serum & Moisturizers.

Let’s understand the importance for each of these products, around their usage and benefits.

Step 1: application of “Face Wash”

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. Your skin accumulates dirt, oil, and pollutants that clog pores and dull your complexion throughout the day. A good face wash effectively removes these impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

Technically, a good face wash should be formed of:

1. high quality soap/surfactant (optimum ratio to remove dirt and impurities) and
2. balanced with the right ingredients to reduce the hardness of soap.

There are many brands in the market. All of them have easily sorted the formula justifying the point 1 above, however many fail to formulate a formula with both the above points. Hence while choosing a face wash, we should always, upon good brands, after effects of their face washes. I recommend looking for gentle, Paraben-free, sulfate-free formulas that cater to your skin type. For instance, a face wash infused with ingredients like Salicylic Acid can help control acne, while one with Rice & Ceramide is perfect for soothing and moisturizing the skin.

How to Use:

• Wet your face with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of face wash to your fingertips.
• Gently massage the cleanser in circular motions for about 30 seconds, focusing on the T-zone.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Step 2: Nourishing and Repairing with a Serum

Now at the second step, your face is ready to take the deep repair and need internal nourishment. After a wash, Serum works best and benefits most to the face and protects the facial skin Good Serums should be lightweight, fast absorbing formulas packed with active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin. For the best results, it is always recommended that Serum should be free from any mineral oil and fragrance.

Any Serum to be used for repair should be chosen cautiously with the right level of ingredients. From any research, it has been proved that a combination of Vitamin C and Niacinamide works wonders to all skin types if applied in face repair serum. It solves issues like dullness, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, aging, skin hydration and uneven texture.

How to Apply a Serum

• Dispense 4-5 drops of the serum onto your fingertips.
• Gently press and pat it into your skin, avoiding rubbing to prevent irritation.
• Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Application of a Moisturizer

Moisturizing is a mandatory last step in any skincare routine. It locks in hydration, strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, and creates a protective layer against external aggressors. It will be best to use moisturiser with mild SPF (i.e. SPF 15 onwards) as it can save you from both UVA & UVB rays. For high exposure under the sun, one may use the separate sun protection with SPF 50.

Read: Why You Should Use a Facial Moisturiser with SPF Every Day?

Application of a Moisturizer

• Take a peanut sized amount of moisturizer.
• Warm it between your fingers and gently spread it across your face and neck.
• Massage it in upward motions to boost circulation and absorption.

Why This Routine Works

A skincare routine may look complex and impractical for many of us, however we should follow this basic routine comprising a face wash, repair serum, and moisturizer. It ensures that your skin remains clean, nourished, and hydrated. Regular cleansing removes impurities, the serum targets specific concerns, and the moisturizer locks in all the goodness while preventing moisture loss.

Additional Tips for Optimal Results

• Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
• Stay consistent with your routine to see visible improvements.
• Avoid overloading your skin with too many products, as this can cause irritation.

Also it is worthwhile to study and research daily skin routines. To spread over awareness, here is the link of one of the article by American Academy of Dermatology

LapinD’or continuously works towards introducing the right product for skin care. I wish that you can achieve healthy, radiant skin without the need for an elaborate regimen. Consistency is key, and with the right products tailored to your skin type, your journey to glowing skin begins here!