"Less is more"
The huge advancement of the cosmetic industry paved the way of complex skincare routines that are deemed to be effective and helpful in the long run.........
What if, this isn't the case?
The trend of incorporating products and slathering in layers and layers of creams and oils has lead to premature skin aging and skin congestion. Although it has its own merits, it is definitely not for everyone. We have to keep in mind that our skin is a functioning organ, it is smart and it is capable of taking care of itself. The whole essence of skincare is to aid or to improve it, not to takeover its job.
In this article I will be explaining which products are essential and which are optional.
ESSENTIAL:
Cleansers - One of the innovative ideas that I can appreciate from the lengthy skincare routines is the double cleansing method. Essentially, you start off with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to remove the gunk and followed by a foaming/gel/cream cleanser to cleanse off the excess impurities. This is a smart way of eliminating dirt from your skin without being too harsh for the assurance of it being clean.
Moisturizer - Whether you have oily/dry/combo/normal skin, moisturizing is a MUST! Not only does it hydrate the skin, it also locks in moisture and acts as a protective layer for the skin making it hard for free radicals and outside pollution to penetrate deep in the skin. It is basically like a bubble wrap that keeps the item intact as its being shipped.
Sunscreen - Rain or shine, indoors or out, SPF is crucial! It protects the skin from UV rays that can cause skin aging, skin vulnerability, and skin cancer, in other words, the primal enemy of the skin. Your routine would be rendered useless if you won't us an SPF.
OPTIONAL:
Toner/Essences - Essences are more potent than toners, aside from that, they're basically the same. The purpose should only be giving the skin that extra kick of hydration, if it is used as another step in cleansing, it might be too stripping for the skin which can lead to irritation.
Serums/Ampoules - These products are produced to tackle specific skin concerns. Ampoules are mostly used twice to thrice a week due to their potency, while serums are catered for everyday use.
Eye creams - Even if they are targeted towards the eye area, They have very similar formulation with moisturizers. You can easily substitute an eye cream with a mild moisturizer.
Face scrubs - If you have a physical scrub I highly suggest that you stop using it on your face. It creates microtears on the surface of the skin, thus, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate. If you already purchased one, you can still use it to scrub your elbows, knees and feet.