Building a basic skincare routine 

Dek: With all the skincare products on the market, having a good routine can make all the difference for your skin.

Building a basic skincare routine can help you feel great and keep your skin healthy. With an abundance of skincare products available today, there’s no shortage of serums, lotions, and face masks to try out. 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends keeping your routine simple, starting with just three steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. These basic components can address common skincare concerns and prevent long-term damage. Keeping your routine simple can also help you stay within a budget, making it easier to practice consistently.

Cleansing 

The first step of any skincare routine should be cleansing. Cleansers remove oil, dirt, and other debris from the skin, providing a clean base for the effective application of other products and  helping to prevent breakouts and clogged pores. 

However, overusing cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. To prevent dryness or sensitivity, only wash your face once in the morning, once at night, and after sweating heavily. Those prone to dryness may want to limit how often they use cleansers to avoid itchiness or tightness.  

Choose a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser, and apply it to your face with your fingertips before rinsing off. The AAD recommends using lukewarm water to wash your face.

Moisturizing 

Since cleansers can also remove natural oils from skin, applying moisturizer afterward is essential to prevent moisture loss. Maximize your moisturizer’s benefits by applying it while your skin is still damp to trap water and boost hydration. You can also apply moisturizer right after getting out of the shower. 

Ingredients to look for in a moisturizer include ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Those with dryer skin may benefit from heavier creams, while people with oily skin may want to opt for lighter gel moisturizers. 

Sunscreen 

The last essential step of your skincare routine is to apply sunscreen. Sunscreen helps prevent wrinkles and age spots and protects against skin cancer, so remembering this step is crucial. 

Unlike cleansing and moisturizing, sunscreen only needs to be applied in the morning. However, it’s important to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outside in the sun.

The Skin Cancer Foundation lists Five W’s to keep in mind regarding sunscreen. 

• Who: Who needs sunscreen? Everyone over six months of age! Even if you don’t tend to sunburn easily, sun exposure still causes damage over time, so it’s important to take proper precautions. 
• What: When choosing a sunscreen, opt for broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher. If you’re spending the day outdoors, go up to SPF 30. 
• When: Apply sunscreen every morning, at least 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours. 
• Where: Sunscreen should be generously applied to all exposed skin. 
• Why: To help protect you from skin damage! 

Choosing Products 

When introducing products into your skincare routine, it’s important to consider your skin type. Generally, there are five types: 

• Sensitive: prone to irritation after product use, including redness, burning, or itchiness 
• Normal: no or few blemishes, not sensitive 
• Dry: flaky and itchy, may feel tight 
• Oily: shiny and greasy, prone to breakouts 
• Combination: dry or normal in some areas of the face and oily in others 

Once you have determined your skin type, keep an eye out for products suitable for it. Try to look for options labelled as gentle and alcohol-free. Avoid anything with fragrances, as these can cause irritation, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. 

In general, try introducing products one at a time so that it’s easy to identify the cause if any sensitivity occurs. Start slow and gradually build a routine that you can keep up consistently. 

Contact a certified dermatologist with any questions or concerns you may have about your skin. You can find a dermatologist in Canada through the Canadian Dermatology Association.