Sometimes, when you’re exploring the skincare world, it can feel like you’re getting pushed towards all manner of products and habits, but how do you know which you really need? Although opinions will undoubtedly vary on how vital some of them are, there are some core pillars that most products tend to fit within. Here, we’re going to look at them, their purpose, and the kind of products or tools you can use to help achieve them.

Cleansing

The foundation of healthy skin and the cornerstone of any effective routine, you want to make sure that you take care of the dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and other pollutants that can accumulate and clog your pores throughout the day. Otherwise, dullness and breakouts are practically guaranteed. This is especially true for skin that is naturally oily and might need a little more routine care. Typically, you want to cleanse twice, both morning and night. You don’t need to go too harsh with it; you can stick with gentle formulas. Cream-based formulas tend to work best for dry skin, while gel-based cleansers are better for oily skin. Over-cleansing can strip moisture from the skin and cause irritation; however, so keep in mind that you don’t need to go over the top with it.

Moisturizing

Maintaining the skin’s barrier is a lot more important than you might realize, helping you maintain healthy and resilient skin for longer. Moisturizer helps your skin lock in hydration, building up that barrier and reducing moisture loss. People who have oily or more acne-prone skin might avoid moisturizing because they would prefer their skin be drier, but the truth is that not moisturizing can actually trigger excess oil production, so they should moisturize just as often as anyone else. Applying moisturizer consistently, especially after cleaning, helps to keep your skin soft, smooth, and comfortable, while improving its texture and elasticity over time. Look for ingredients like humectants, emollients, and occlusives in your moisturizing products ot make sure that they do the job they’re purported to.

Sun Protection

As perhaps the most critical step you can take in protecting your skin and preventing changes for the worse, sun protection shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s not just for the middle of summer. Daily exposure to UV rays is going to do much more harm, contributing to premature aging, dark spots, and the increased risk of skin cancer. Wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or if you’re indoors. If you’re going to be exposed to natural light, it’s best to make sure that you're giving your skin the little bit of protection it needs. Typically, you want to choose broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB, and those with sensitive skin might want to choose mineral-based sunscreens, too.

Exfoliation

For those who want to avoid the dullness that their skin can sometimes get, then your dead skin cells are where you want to start. Exfoliation is all about removing those dead skin cells, revealing the fresher, smoother skin underneath. It’s not just going to look better, either. A good exfoliating glove can help you improve your skin texture, unclog your pores, and generally improve your skin’s ability to absorb the other skincare products that you use, as well. Manual exfoliation tends to be a bit better for your skin than chemical products, but whatever the case, moderation is the key. Many can get away with doing it once a week, but you don’t want to do it more than three times a week to prevent increased skin sensitivity.

Anti-Aging

Many of the tips above will help support your skin’s health over time, but there are certain products that are designed tocut right to the heart at issue. You can specifically tackle the visible signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. For instance, you can choose skincare ingredients that promote collagen production, improving the elasticity of the skin, or those that encourage skin turnover. It’s important not to expect any miracles, however. Consistency is more important than intensity, and you’re going to benefit from using products regularly over time, as compared to more aggressive treatments aiming for short-term results. Any anti-aging methods you do employ also have to be supported by frequent hydration and vigilant protection against the sun.

Brightening

Although it might not be quite as critical to your skin’s health as some of the other tips mentioned here, a lot of people can find the appearance of uneven tone or dark spots to be particularly frustrating. There are a host of brightening products on the market that are designed to help in cases of sun exposure, acne marks, or other dark or dull spots that can appear over time. Brightening products work by supporting the healthy turnover of new cells, helping your skin look clearer, fresher, and lighter as a result. Again, this is the result of consistent use rather than an instant fix. You’re not just painting over the skin with a new color; you’re helping it grow new cells of your natural tone.

Know The Needs Of Your Skin

Bear in mind that all of the tips above need to keep your specific needs in mind. Different types of skin will have different priorities, so get to know your skin and explore the options within each skincare category that can help you get the best out of it. If your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or combination, then some product types might work better for you than others. This is similar for those who have specific skin issues like acne. Understanding what type of skin you have, and then choosing products formulated for that specific type, can result in much better results, taking the trial-and-error out of the occasion. Your skin’s needs can change due to age, climate, or lifestyle over time, so you need to be ready to adapt to that, as well.

Which of the pillars of skincare you decide to focus on will change which products are the highest priority to you. Whatever the case, it’s important to always have a clear idea of what a given product or routine can do for you.

What Are The Core Pillars Of A Complete Skincare Routine?