Learn what products you NEED to have in your daily skincare routine(and what products you don’t)!
By: Anagha S.
There is a lot of skincare content out there. From YouTube to the Internet to even TikTok, it’s hard to know what you actually need in your skincare routine.
Well, that’s what I’m here for.
In this blog post, I’m sharing the 4 essential things you NEED to have in your skincare routine and what things you can say a hard NO to.
If you like this type of content and want to see more of it, be sure to subscribe to Ana Health Avenue to never miss a blog post!
Let’s get into it.
First Off, Why Do I Need A Skincare Routine?
Good question. In today’s atmosphere with toxins, pollutants and more, even people who genetically have normal skin(lucky you) need a skincare routine.
People with more specific issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, etc. need more intense treatments to help their skin(I fall into this category).
But, no matter who are or what skin type you have, you need a skincare routine.
Step 1: Makeup Remover(if needed)
Now, depending on your lifestyle, you may or may not wear makeup. I myself wear makeup on/off, so when I do, I’m sure to use a specialized makeup remover.
If you don’t wear makeup at all, then your already super short essential makeup routine got shortened! 🙂
Butttt, if you do wear makeup, I highly suggest double cleansing: the first step of double cleansing gets the makeup off, while the second step gets off all the dirt, grime and grease from the day.
I have two things to tell you regarding makeup removal:
- be sure to ALWAYS take off your makeup before you go to sleep: you don’t want to sleep in your makeup and end up clogging your pores!
- what type of makeup remover you use is up to you, but the only thing I say regarding this: DO NOT USE MAKEUP REMOVER WIPES!!!!!!!!!
I know I sound really dramatic, but trust me, makeup remover wipes are horrible for the environment, and they don’t even work!
Step 2: Cleanser
I feel like we all know what a cleanser is. This product helps take off the dirt, grime, grease, remaining makeup and whatever else people get on their face during the day. I absolutely loveeeee cleansing because I actually have very oily skin, so at the end of the day, cleansing just makes me feel so clean!
“I think I’m finally clean”.-Taylor Swift from Clean on the 1989 album(one of my faves ever) 🙂
But I digress.
Depending on your skin type, you need a different type of cleanser. For drier skin types, a thicker, more hydrating cleanser is best for you! Also, depending on how dry your skin is, you can either wash your face once or twice a day.
For oilier skin types, I recommend a thinner, possibly gel cleanser. I’d recommend washing your face 2 times a day, but don’t overdo it!
Stripping your skin actually causes more sebum production which makes your skin even oilier.
I’ve learned this the hard way 🙁
PRO TIP: for people who struggle with acne, look for cleansers targeted towards acne treatment!
Step 3: Moisturizer
I feel like this is the step that everyone does(or at least I hope they do). I’ve been taught to always moisturize after I get out of the shower, so I always remember to do it!
If you have drier skin, I’d recommend an emollient moisturizer(super thick and rich in hydration). This will lock in the moisture.
However, if you have oilier skin, I’d recommend a humectant moisturizer(lightweight but still moisturizing). This won’t make your skin excessively oily, but you don’t have to compromise on hydration(remember what I said above)!
I’ve had my eyes on Honest Beauty’s Hydrogel Moisturizer for some time now: if you’ve tried it before, let me know in the comments below your opinion!
I’d recommend moisturizing 2-3 times a day regardless your skin type(and no, you don’t need a separate moisturizer for day and night)! I do recommend having a different moisturizer for your body and your face: these two areas need different things, and face moisturizer tends to be more expensive than body moisturizer.
Tryna save you some of your hard-earned dough, sis! 🙂
PRO TIP: do NOT buy a moisturizer with fragrance in it: that’s right, be gone Bath and Body Works, we don’t want your irritating and useless fragrance!
Step 4: SPF
This is SUCH an important step!!!!!!!! With the ozone layer continuing to thin, you need to be protecting your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays!
Now, if you want to learn more about sunscreen and its benefits, then click the link below!
The Importance of SPF: Why is Sunscreen an Essential?
But, the gist is: sunscreen protects your skin from harmful rays which can cause accelerated aging, discoloration and skin cancer.
I know…it’s pretty serious!
The sunscreen market has improved drastically over the last couple of years: with affordable options and sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast(a necessity, especially for people of color), there is absolutely no reason not to wear sunscreen!
Once again, read my blog post to find out which sunscreen type is best for you!
My Two Cents
I’m gonna be honest: my skin needs specialty products since I do struggle with breakouts and discoloration. This is a minimal routine that everyone needs to have!
And if it seems like a lot, just keep in mind that you’re spending less than 5 minutes in the morning and night to ensure that your skin is happy and healthy!
You’ll thank me when you’re 40 and everyone around asks you how your skin is so clear. 😉
Thank you sooooooo much for reading…I hoped this blog post helped you narrow down what type of products you need in your skincare routine.
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See ya next time!-Anagha
Psssst…have any blog posts that you want to see written? Let me know in the comments below!