When it comes to achieving healthy skin, you may think you need a complicated skincare routine and several trips to see your favourite facialist, aka every skincare addict’s dream. However, having healthy skin doesn't always mean you need to have an extravagant ritual. Sometimes the key to good skin is making sure you get the basics right.
Protecting the largest organ can simply mean giving it the protection and nourishment it deserves, because self-care means taking care of every inch of your body. November is National Healthy Skin Month, which was created and sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and is a time for educating and learning how to keep your skin healthy.
So, if you're a skincare newbie or just want to know how you can keep your skin healthy all year, here are 3 essential skincare tips to keep your complexion and body happy and healthy.
1. Make SPF your skin's new best friend
Any good dermatologist will tell you that the first step to a good skincare routine is including a sunscreen. No matter how sensitive your skin is, it's important to make sure you're wearing at least an SPF 30 when you go outside. SPFs in sunscreens are designed to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure and harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sun damage can weaken your skin's natural defenses, making it more prone to long-term medical issues and premature aging. So, whether you're a 10-step or 1-step routine kind of gal, be sure to include at least an SPF30 in your skincare.
2. Prioritize hydration
Image credit: @meularnagringa
People with dry skin will know that it's vital to include skincare products with moisturizing components, like our own Aloe Coconut Body Lotion. However, even if you have normal or oily skin, it's still important to make sure that your skin is hydrated to make sure it remains healthy. Keeping your skin hydrated can include products with key ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or shea butter. But it also means making sure you're drinking enough water every day. Studies have shown that people who increased their water intake found their overall skin health improved. In addition, people who drank more water found that their faces looked plumper, and signs of redness reduced. Drinking more water can help flush out toxins and help regulate blood flow, which is why dermatologists and doctors recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. So, to conclude, don't leave your skin looking and feeling thirsty.
3. Create a skincare routine to suit your skincare needs
Different skin care concerns will need different types of skincare products. When it comes to good and healthy skin, there isn’t a one size fit all, which is why it’s important to do what is best for your needs. Therefore, it's important to not only know what your skincare goals are but what kind of skin you may have. There are four skincare types: normal, oily, dry, and combination. For normal skin types, you can stick to a basic routine of a hydrating gentle cleanser followed by a moisturizer and SPF. However, for other skin types and goals, here's a basic skincare starter pack you can follow:
For Oily Skin:
- A gentle, oil-free cleanser
- A cleansing toner
- A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer
- SPF 30 for the daytime
For Dry Skin:
- A cream-based cleanser
- An alcohol-free hydrating toner
- A serum that can boost your skin's moisture
- A thick, creamy moisturizer
- SPF 30 for the daytime
For acne-prone skin:
- A gentle, oil-free cleanser
- Acne Treatment (e.g., Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc.)
- A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer
- SPF 30 for the daytime
For hyper-pigmented skin:
- A gentle cleanser
- Retinol/Vitamin C serum
- A lightweight moisturizer
- SPF 30 for the daytime
For anti-aging:
- A gentle, hydrating cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Anti-aging treatment
- A thick, creamy moisturizer
- SPF 30 for the daytime
No matter where you are on your skincare journey, make sure you’re nailing the basics right first. Health should always be the priority, but if you’re skincare obsessed like we are, there’s no harm in indulging in a few skincare tools to help you along the way. To learn more about our beauty tools, like Riya - our ultrasonic rose quartz roller or Petal, our ultrasonic cleansing brush, hit the button below!
