We’ve all made adjustments in our lives because of COVID-19 to protect our friends and family. But what about ourselves? Skin care routines as part of self-care can go a long way to let us take control in changing times. Of course, our skin will thank us for taking care of it for many more years to come.
Moisturize
Just like our bodies, our skin needs to be hydrated. There are many benefits and reasons for applying a moisturizer after cleansing the skin - read about them here. Feeling a slight irritation from using a retinol at bedtime? Moisturizing helps. Don’t like the fine lines under the eye? Moisturizing helps. Acne and rosacea bothering you? Moisturizing helps.
Aside from improving hydration, ingredients added into moisturizers can provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. A moisturizer can also soften aging changes on the skin such as fine lines and dull tone.
Cleanse
Our skin encounters different environmental aggressors throughout the day. It’s important to remove skin surface debris and oils, and makeup for those who wear it, before bedtime. Similarly, nighttime skin care products and oils should be cleansed off in the morning.
Ingredients added to cleansers can help soothe inflamed skin, target acne or reduce dryness. A clean base before the morning routine let skin care products protect you during the day, and a clear base permit the skin to regenerate overnight.
Sunscreen (of course!)
Sunscreens are powerful skin care products to protect us from UV damage, linked to premature aging, uneven pigmentation and skin cancers. Sunscreen is part of a bigger skin protection strategy - use it with limiting time in the sun between 10 am - 2 pm, clothing protection and seeking shade.
Those with sensitive skin often find mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide more tolerable. And for those with melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB protection) sunscreen provides benefits for these pigmentary skin conditions.
A thoughtfully selected moisturizer, cleanser and sunscreen form the basics of a good skin routine - as much as it is skin care, it is also self-care.