Let’s face it guys, skincare can feel like a mystery wrapped in a riddle. Do you really need 15 products and a skincare fridge, or can you just splash water on your face and call it a day?
The good news is that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, and no, you don’t need a chemistry degree to figure it out.
With just a few minutes a day and the right approach, you can keep your skin looking fresh and healthy without adding stress to your life.
Ready to get started? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Wash Your Face (Every. Single. Day.)
You wouldn’t leave your car covered in dirt and expect it to shine, right? The same logic applies to your face. Dirt, sweat, and oil build up during the day (and even while you sleep), so washing it off is non-negotiable.
- Morning: Start your day with a gentle cleanser to get rid of overnight grime. It helps wake you up, and your skin will feel fresher.
- Night: Rinse off the day’s dirt—especially after working out, being outdoors, or commuting through city pollution. Neglecting this step means you’re leaving grime and bacteria to party on your skin while you sleep.
Pro Tip: Skip the body soap on your face. Body soap is designed for thicker, tougher skin, and it can strip your face of its natural oils. Instead, use a cleanser made for your face. Your skin will feel clean, not tight or dry.
Step 2: To Moisturise or Not to Moisturise?
Moisturisers get a lot of love in the skincare world, but they’re not always necessary for everyone. For some skin types, relying too heavily on moisturisers can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Your skin produces its own oils to stay hydrated, and overusing moisturisers can sometimes trick it into being lazy.
This is something this Health and Aesthetics guide explores in detail. It’s worth reading if you’ve always thought moisturiser was non-negotiable.
If your skin tends to feel tight or dry after washing, a lightweight moisturiser can help. Apply it sparingly to avoid greasiness. But if your skin feels fine without it, skip the step entirely. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated from within might be all you need.
Step 3: Exfoliate (But Don’t Overdo It)
Exfoliation is like hitting the reset button for your face. It removes dead skin cells, clears clogged pores, and can even reduce the chances of breakouts. But here’s the catch—too much exfoliation can leave your skin irritated, red, and raw.
- Once or twice a week: That’s the sweet spot. Exfoliating more often can do more harm than good, so keep it occasional.
- Choose wisely: Physical scrubs with fine granules can work, but a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid or glycolic acid is often gentler and more effective. These acids dissolve dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.
Think of exfoliation like trimming your beard. It’s a maintenance task—not something you need to do daily. Be gentle and don’t rush it.
Step 4: Sunscreen (Your Skin’s Best Friend)
Sunscreen might not sound exciting, but it’s the superhero of skincare. Those UV rays you’re exposed to every day—even on cloudy or cold days—can cause long-term damage to your skin. Think wrinkles, sunspots, and in worst-case scenarios, skin cancer.
- Pick an SPF 30 or higher: Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA (ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays).
- Make it a habit: Apply it every morning as the last step in your skincare routine. Don’t just save it for beach days—your skin needs protection daily.
Pro Tip: A lot of modern moisturizers include SPF, so if you’re already using one, you might be killing two birds with one stone.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen: Mineral vs. Chemical
When it comes to picking a sunscreen, you’ll encounter two main types: mineral (also known as physical) and chemical. Understanding the difference can help you make the best choice for your skin.
- Mineral Sunscreens: These contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays by reflecting them away. Mineral sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin because they are less likely to cause irritation. However, they can sometimes leave a white cast on the skin, which might be a consideration for those with darker skin tones.
- Chemical Sunscreens: These contain organic (carbon-based) compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate. They absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical-based sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and less likely to leave a white residue, making them more suitable for daily use under makeup or during physical activities. However, they can sometimes cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.
This guide discusses the differences between mineral and chemical-based sunscreens
Tips for Choosing Your Sunscreen
- Skin Type Consideration: If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, a mineral sunscreen might be more suitable due to its less irritating nature. For normal to oily skin types, chemical sunscreens can be a good fit because of their lightweight feel.
- Activity Level: If you’re planning to swim or sweat, look for water-resistant options. Remember, no sunscreen is completely waterproof, so reapplication is key.
- Application Preference: Some people prefer the feel of one type over the other. It might take some trial and error to find a formula that you’re comfortable using daily.
Remember, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently. So, choose a product that fits your lifestyle and feels good on your skin.
Step 5: Keep It Tailored to Your Skin Type
Not all skin is created equal, so it pays to know your skin type. Understanding this can save you time, money, and frustration.
- Oily Skin: Your face tends to look shiny or greasy by midday. Use lightweight, oil-free products that help balance your skin without clogging pores.
- Dry Skin: Your skin feels tight, flaky, or rough. Focus on hydration, but don’t assume you always need a moisturiser—refer to the Health and Aesthetics guide for more insight.
- Sensitive Skin: Redness, stinging, or irritation? Stick to products that are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin.
- Combination Skin: Dry in some areas (like your cheeks) and oily in others (like your T-zone)? Go for versatile products that can handle both.
If you’re unsure about your skin type, start with a basic cleanser and sunscreen and tweak your routine as you figure things out.
The Bottom Line
Skincare doesn’t have to feel like a chore. A simple routine—cleanser, sunscreen, and maybe a moisturiser—can do wonders for your skin without requiring a ton of effort. If you’re feeling adventurous, give exfoliation a try or explore different approaches like skipping moisturisers entirely (read more about that, in the guide above).
Now go forth and conquer your skincare routine. Your face deserves it, and so do you.
