Still Unsure About Your Skincare Routine? Here's How to Fix It

While sitting on your couch in front of the television, you switch from one channel to another and then pause. A new skincare brand advertisement swears by its new and improved product that’ll leave your skin flawless and glowing. You are sold. Next time you hit the mall or the supermarket, you hunt for that product hoping for some divine intervention for your skin. A few days or weeks later, you notice almost no change and probably your skin feels worse. It’s even more baffling when someone tells you about a certain skincare remedy that worked wonders for them, but you can’t say the same. Or, maybe you still rely on the same beauty routine that you created years ago. But don’t forget that your skin’s needs change over time.

It can be quite overwhelming since there is so much variety of moisturisers, cleansers, essential oils, acne treatments, etc. now available near you at different price points.

Unfortunately, there’s no single product or antidote that’ll give everyone the same satisfying result. Same goes for your skincare routine. It differs from person to person depending on their skin type. There are other factors too that need to be kept in mind while finalising your beauty regimen like the weather, your age, and even your budget.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind before you tailor your skincare routine:

FIGURE OUT YOUR SKIN TYPE

To create an ideal skincare regimen, the first question that you must ask yourself is, “What is my skin type?”. There are five main types: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. Those online tests that determine your skin type aren’t completely reliable so you can figure it out by doing a small examination on your own.

Remove your makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser to rinse away dirt and oil. Pat it dry.
Do not apply any toner, serum, moisturiser or any other product on your skin. Also, avoid touching your face.
After 30 minutes, check your cheeks, forehead, nose for shine.
Another 30 minutes later, flash a big, toothy smile or scrunch up your nose to see how your skin feels.

If you notice shine only on your forehead and nose (also called the T zone), then you have combination skin. If your pores are visibly large and there is greasiness on your forehead, nose and cheeks as well, then your skin is oily. If it feels taut and you spot no pores then it’s dry. If you develop a rash or your skin feels itchy or gets red then could be sensitive and in some case even dry. Blessed are the ones with normal skin who face no such symptoms. It is highly recommended that you visit your dermatologist just to be sure about your skin type.

DON’T CONFUSE IT WITH SKIN CONDITIONS

There’s a clear distinction between your skin type and the issues it may face. Your skin type will help you decide what your skincare routine will look like, what makeup to get, which moisturiser suits you best and help make changes to your diet that will have an influence on your appearance.

Skin conditions refer to your skin’s temporary problems which you might’ve faced at one point in time in your life or may in the future owing to factors like environment and even genetics. During your teen years, you suffer from mild or severe acne, during pregnancy or menopause, you’ll experience a host of other skin problems. Some of the common conditions are:

Sun damage: Overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun can lead to hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin due to excessive melanin production), discolouration, freckles, fine lines, wrinkles, etc. It can be prevented by applying SPF generously before stepping out of your house.
Dehydration: The symptoms of dehydration are quite similar to that of a dry skin. If your water intake is insufficient, you’re not applying any hydrating skincare product or your alcohol or caffeine consumption is high, your skin will feel tight and dull. You may also spot some fine lines. This can be corrected by using antioxidant-rich moisturisers and hyaluronic acid-based serums. Drink more H2O, avoid using harsh exfoliators or scrubs.
Acne: Even post-teenage, many are still agonised by skin breakouts or acne. There are multiple reasons behind it that can range from oily skin leading to clogged pores, stress or maybe you’re using a cosmetic product that does not suit your skin. If you want to zero in on what’s causing the acne and what is the correct remedy to heal it, you must consult with your physician or dermatologist.

GET PRODUCT SAMPLES

Before committing to a skin care product, you must do a sample test or a patch test especially in case of sensitive skin. Ask for samples from the beauty store and apply. Carefully observe your skin and watch out for reactions like burning sensation, rashes, redness or blisters. Even if it suits you and you start using the product on a regular basis, keep examining your skin now and then. You have to be patient for the product to work and give you the desired result. Give it at least four to six weeks and then decide if you want to continue using it or look for an alternate.

You should settle for what makes you and your skin feel like a million bucks. If your skincare routine costs a fortune, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it leads to perfect skin that is blemish free and feels like porcelain. You have to be patient with the products you use and see if it delivers what it promises for your skin. Do your own research about skincare brands and what they offer and rely on your dermatologist to figure what nourishes your skin best.