With so many products in the market, it can be hard to know which ones you will need.
Finding the right products for your skin type and skin concerns is paramount to a good skincare routine.
It’s rare to find an all-in-one skincare product that prevents wrinkles, removes dark spots, smooths your skin, or gives you the best looks on its own. In other words, you should consider having a range of skincare products to target different concerns.
Cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreen are just a few examples of some essential products in a skincare routine. Adding treatments like serums to your routine can also provide targeted benefits, beyond your moisturiser or cleanser.
If you are starting a skincare routine and don’t know the best products to invest in, this article offers several recommendations that can help you look your best.
8 Essential Skincare Products You Can’t Live Without in your Skincare Routine
Cleanser
Having a cleanser in your routine is an essential for everyone.
Cleansing your face twice daily can help eliminate debris, makeup and oil that has accumulated during the course of the day. Cleansers help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It is ideal to cleanse in the morning and the evening, unless advised otherwise by a health professional.
There are various brands to choose from, you can also consider choosing one for summer and another for winter. In the hotter months, you may consider a cleanser that helps target oiliness, and in the colder months, you may consider a cleanser that is more hydrating.
You should consider a double cleansing routine where you use one cleansing product, typically a cleansing balm or cleansing oil, for two minutes, then go in with your normal cleanser. Double cleansing provides a deeper clean, and is ideal for those who often wear makeup.
Exfoliator
An exfoliator is designed to eliminate your skin’s surface layer and enhance its texture.
Your skin can accumulate dead skin cells over time, leading to rough and dull skin. This can also affect makeup application, where makeup appears patchy and uneven.
It’s not recommended to exfoliate daily, doing it once or twice per week will give you the best results.
Researching the different kinds of exfoliators in the market can help you easily locate one that matches your requirements.
Toner
A toner can help rebalance the skin’s pH levels and also prepare it for the following skincare products.
Toners are applied after cleansing the skin and it is ideal to find one that is alcohol and fragrance free.
Toners can be sprayed onto a cotton pad and then applied to the skin, or applied directly onto the face.
If you notice that the cotton pad is quite dirty after using toner, it means your cleansing routine isn’t effective. Try to cleanse your face for one to two minutes before washing it off.
Serum
Serums are targeted treatments that can help with specific skin concerns such as dullness, wrinkles and dryness. They are used before moisturiser, and in most cases, can be applied day and night. This combination works in that order, given that serums contain vitamins while moisturisers help them exhibit maximum benefits on your skin.
For those with dry skin, opt for a hydrating serum to help with dry and flaky skin. For those with dark pots, pigmentation serums are common for maintaining uniformity in skin colour and removing blemishes. For those with dull skin, brightening serums can help restore radiance in your skin.
If you haven’t already thought of incorporating serums in your skincare routine, this is a sign that you need it for the most satisfying results.
Eye Cream
Your eyes are easily noticeable, and people can tell how tired or happy you are. Dark circles or puffiness can often occur around them. This area is also prone to fine lines and wrinkles, prompting you to seek products that can smooth your wrinkles over.
Eye cream is your go-to product if you want to complete your skincare routine.
Different eye cream brands help hydrate the area under your eyes for a brighter look. Gently dabbing the eye cream around your areas of concern, at least twice a day, can help the skin regain its succulence while eliminating puffiness and dark circles.
Moisturiser
Moisturiser is the key to hydrated and radiant skin. They help protect your skin from being too dry or oily by maintaining a balanced texture. It can also help with skin blemishes and other conditions such as acne, giving you well moisturised and smooth skin.
You can opt for a general moisturiser to provide hydration and seal in moisturiser. Alternatively, you can find targeted moisturisers, such as brightening creams.
Moisturisers protect your skin from being too dry or oily by maintaining a balanced texture.
Sunscreen
Your morning skincare routine is not complete without sunscreen. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen daily can help minimise pigmentation and also protect the skin from signs of ageing and sun damage.
It is recommended to use an SPF of at least 30, though 50+ is even better.
There are different sunscreens available on the market, some are combined with moisturiser, some come in sprays, creams, blocks or even sticks.
Find one that works with your skin type and use it consistently.
Weekly Mask
Weekly face masks can help target skin concerns like signs of ageing, wrinkles, dehydration or saggy skin.
There are different types of masks, like sheet masks, wash off masks or overnight/sleeping masks.
You can either get one or several brands depending on your preference and the requirements of your skin.
You should consider using this product weekly, at least once or twice a week, or as required in the instructions.
Bottom Line
Maintaining beautiful and healthy skin demands discipline and patience in your skincare routine. As listed, you need to combine various products to maximise the benefits and give your skin the glow and brightness it needs.
When researching what works best for your skin, focus on the ingredients and whether it is appropriate for your skin type.
With consistency in your skincare routine, you can expect your skin to be looking its best in no time!
