Starting your journey to glowing, healthy skin can be exciting with the promise of discovering a routine that illuminates your natural beauty and enhances your confidence. But it might also feel daunting. Where should you begin?
You've come to the right place. This step-by-step guide on how to start a skin care routine is designed to meet your needs and empower you to feel your best.
1. Identify Your Skin Type
The first step when planning how to start a skin care routine and how to choose skin care products is pinpointing your skin type. Dermatologists agree that this is crucial to how you care for your skin, from which products you use to how often you use them. Here's how to identify yours.
Dry
Dry skin often feels tight and itchy, and it may have a flaky texture. This skin type requires lots of moisture for relief. Look for products rich in ingredients that promote moisture retention, like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. Avoid drying ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, and fragrances.
Oily
You know your skin is oily if it feels greasy and you're constantly trying to tame the shine. For oily skin, look for products with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinoids, and Benzoyl Peroxide. Avoid thick, heavy moisturizers.
Combination
If your cheeks tend to get dry by the end of the day but your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is prone to shine, you probably have combination skin. This skin type calls for a mixed approach: treat your cheeks with rich creams, and use lightweight moisturizers on your T-zone. Look for products with Niacinamide to help regulate oil production.
Sensitive
You'll know you have sensitive skin if it burns or stings after using new skin care products or in response to harsh weather, allergens, or other irritants. Protect your delicate skin with gentle, hypoallergenic products that fortify the skin barrier. Opt for products with soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Oatmeal. Avoid products containing alcohol, sulfates, fragrances, parabens, and synthetic dyes.
2. Learn the Basics
A basic skin care routine requires just three actions: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. It's that simple. Here's why each step is essential.
Cleansing
Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, clearing your pores and preparing your skin to absorb subsequent products' benefits. Opt for a gentle cleanser like PCA SKIN Facial Wash. This formula won't strip your skin of its natural oils and leaves it feeling fresh but not tight.
Moisturizing
Hydration is vital for all skin types—even oily skin. A good moisturizer locks in hydration, maintaining your skin's barrier against environmental stressors.
Applying Sunscreen
The last, and perhaps the most crucial, step is sunscreen. Sunscreen shields your skin from ultraviolet rays and prevents signs of premature skin aging—and skin cancer. Reach for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, like PCA SKIN Daily Defense Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+.
3. Address Specific Skin Concerns
Next, consider which aspect of your skin you'd like to improve most, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, or fine lines. Then, choose a serum that targets your unique concern. Serums have a high concentration of active ingredients to address various skin concerns, and their small molecule size allows them to penetrate your skin's deeper layers. Apply after cleansing.
4. Establish a Routine
Now that you know how to choose skin care products, it's time to develop the habit. You'll want to introduce some ingredients, like Retinol or Salicylic Acid, into your routine slowly to minimize irritation. Start once or twice a week, and gradually increase as your skin adjusts.
Consistency is king in any skin care routine. Your morning and evening routines may differ slightly depending on your products and skin needs. For instance, sunscreen is key to your morning routine, while you may reserve a richer moisturizer for the evening. Here are some other general tips for best results.
Patch Test New Products
Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin (like the bend of your elbow) for about a week to check for adverse reactions before applying a new skin care product to your entire face.
Use Lukewarm Water
When cleansing, use lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.
Be Patient
Give each new product about four to six weeks of consistent use before deciding whether to stick with it, as skin cells typically renew every 30 days.
5. Evaluate and Adjust
Finally, be prepared to evaluate your skin care routine's effectiveness and adjust as needed. Your skin changes over time, and so should your skin care. You may also want to update your routine seasonally. When you adapt to your skin's changing needs, you help ensure optimal care at every life stage, year-round.
Committing to Your Skin Journey
Starting a skin care routine is a beautiful way to invest in yourself. PCA SKIN believes everyone should be comfortable in their own skin, so they offer science-backed products to help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion. Embrace the journey confidently and celebrate skin that feels as good as it looks.
Author: Daisy Brumby
Daisy Brumby is a journalist turned beauty writer who specializes in all things skincare. She has written for West Dermatology, the Skin and Cancer Institute, and The Aesthetic Guide. What’s her skin care secret? She swears by the power of sunscreen to protect skin and Retinol to rejuvenate it.