Basic Skincare for Beginners: How to start a skincare routine

Are you new to skincare? Do you want to find out how to begin a proper skincare routine? Look no further. Keep reading to find out how to start a basic skincare routine

You may know people, or have seen people online, who have 10-12 different steps in their skincare routine, and understandably, trying to decide which of these steps you actually need can be overwhelming. When initially starting your skincare routine, it's advised to start with the basics, and once you're comfortable with this routine add new products and products more suited for your skin type, if you wish.

It is important to note that you will not see a difference in your skin straight away. Results are only seen through consistent use of your skincare products. To really notice a difference in your skin, you should aim to use your skincare products twice a day (except SPF) for at least 6 weeks.

There are 4 main steps you should include in your basic skincare routine:

1. Cleansing (washing your face)

2. Toning (balancing the skin)

3. Moisturising (hydrating and softening the skin)

4. SPF (protecting the skin)

Step 1 ~ Cleansing:

With the exception of SPF, cleansing your skin is the most essential step of any skincare routine. Cleansing helps to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne, whilst allowing for better penetration of the products you will follow up with. Ideally, you should cleanse both in the morning and in the evening. Cleansing in the morning helps remove any sweat and oil left on your face from your pillow and hair during your sleep, while cleansing in the evening helps remove your morning skincare products and makeup, as well as excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, environmental pollutants, dirt, and other debris which collects on your skin throughout the day. Whilst experts recommend a hydrating cleanser for beginners, as all skin types tolerate hydrating cleansers, eventually you should move on to a cleanser best suited for your skin type.

Step 2 ~ Toning:

Toners are great at removing any impurities left over after you've cleansed. Most toners are water-based liquids, which are formulated with specific active ingredients. You could think about toners as supplements, as the active ingredients allow the toner to deliver an extra shot of nutrients helping later products absorb better, all while balancing your skin complexion. Most toners can be used both morning and night, however toners with exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) should only be used at night, or every other day.

Step 3 ~ Moisturising:

Moisturisers hydrate and soften the skin, and assist in preventing water loss through the outer layers of the skin. They also help to replenish moisture lost through daily activities such as cleansing, which can strip natural hydrators from the skins' surface. This is why no matter what skin type you have, you need to use moisturiser. For beginners, an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturiser is advised, as all skin types can tolerate it. However, as with cleansers, once you are comfortable with your skincare routine, you should try to find the best moisturiser for your skin type.

Step 4 ~ SPF:

SPF is the most crucial step of any morning skincare routine. Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's UV rays, and helps to prevent against skin cancers. SPF also helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, textural imperfections, and changes in the appearances of pores over time. This is why it is important to wear SPF every day, even in the winter. It is the final step of a morning skincare routine, and experts say that even if you neglect to apply any other skincare product in the morning, you need to apply sunscreen. Experts recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen which is SPF 30 or higher. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 is one SPF that is recommended for beginners, as it is suitable for all skin types and tones. However, once you become comfortable with your skincare routine, you may want to change to a sunscreen which is formulated specifically for your skin type.