Skincare can be slightly unnerving, with an oversaturated beauty market and the increasing popularity of multi-step regimens. But attaining the skin of your dreams needn’t be this complex. Infact, an infallible, result-oriented regimen demands a total of 6 products from your vanity, no more. So, scroll further to learn the list of skincare staples you must have! (no redundancy, we promise). Remember, skincare is not a standardised formula, which means the products you commit to should bode well for your skin type and its concerns.
- Cleansers
Cleansing is the first step in every skincare products regimen. A potent cleansing formulation purges the pores of grime and excess oil, leaving the skin rejuvenated and refreshed. Albeit, the election of a cleanser suited to a pertinent skin type is gravely overlooked by many— the perfect match can elevate a skincare regimen 10X.
If you have dry or flaky skin, invest in a cleanser infused with hydrophilic agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerine. These humectants bind water to the skin, making it look soft and supple on the outside. For folks with oily or active prone skin, salicylic acid is a God Send! This oil-soluble active cuts excessive sebum, sloughs off dead cells from the skin and detoxifies the pores. If your skin type is sensitive and flares up at the slightest inconvenience— look for cleansing formulas brewed with honey, aloe, oat milk and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Toners
Some cleansers can dry out the skin, making it uncomfortably taut and rough. Precisely why toners are summoned into a skincare routine to restore the skin’s natural pH. They also facilitate better absorption of the rest of your skincare staples, like serums and moisturizers.
If you grapple with oily skin, opt for formulations with green tea extracts that diminishes the pores’ diameters (substantially) and also leaves a cooling, soothing effect on the skin. If your skin type is dry, look for brews with glycerine, vitamin E and chamomile that help replenish the moisture content in the dermis. It is always advisable to look for fragrance-free and alcohol devoid variants that don’t irritate the skin or aggravate pre-existing conditions.
- Serums
Once every last morsel of dust and grime has been cleared off your skin (thanks to cleansing and toning) — it’s time to treat the underlying concerns with the help of serums. These concentrates carry a high percentage of active ingredients, which seep deep into the dermis, treating problems like dehydration, greasiness and discoloration (among others). Ahead, we dissect the most prevalent skin concerns and propose a result-oriented serum for each of them.
For skin brightening: If your skin has been looking dull and beat, grab a Vitamin C serum for your regimen. The potent antioxidant dwindles the appearance of dark spots, blemishes and administers an even complexion. This omnipresent activity also boosts the skin’s natural radiance!
For Hydration: If your skin is prone to dehydration, weave a hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine. As discussed earlier, this active helps to retain moisture into the skin, facilitating its soft, supple appearance.
For acne or acne prone skin: If you have oily or acne-affected skin, sign up for a salicylic acid serum, STAT. This ingredient curbs the excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands, detoxifies the pores, all while sloughing off the dead cells sitting atop the dermis.
- Moisturizers
All your efforts towards treating pertinent skin concerns can be futile — if you don’t use a moisturizer to put a lock on the dermis. That’s right, a meticulous moisturizing formula, forms a protective barrier to hold the skin’s water reservoir. Additionally, a moisturizer suited to your skin type can hydrate and soothe the skin.
As discussed, a hyaluronic acid or glycerine imbued formula should be the holy grail for people with parched skin.
If you have oily skin, look for moisturizers that are oil-free, non-comedogenic and mattifying. Brews with alleviating agents like cica and green tea can work wonders on the inexplicable bouts of acne on the skin.
- Sunscreens
The penultimate step to attaining flawless, impeccable skin— slathering sunscreen. Opt for a broad spectrum variant which shields the skin against UVA and UVB radiations. It will prevent episodes of sun-induced rashes, burns and hyperpigmentations. Sunscreen is the one skincare staple which has undergone an evolution in the last many-years — can be availed in sticks and powder formats, too. Sunscreen sticks are convenient, compact and can be applied on the top of your makeup. Sunscreen powders do away with the unwarranted shine and give your skin a flawless finish.
- Lip Balm
Your skincare would be incomplete without a satating lip balm. We often neglect the skin on the pucker, which is brittle, sensitive and hence, prone to damage. The lips’ tissues are devoid of sebaceous glands, which means you have to externally apply a balm at regular intervals to ensure hydration and nourishment. Opt for a lip balm to keep episodes of flakiness and dryness at bay. Remember, just like the rest of the skin —your lips also bear the brunt of the sun’s harmful radiations. This is why we recommend opting for an SPF-infused lip balm.
Conclusion
We help uncomplicate the art of skincare with a total of 6 staples. Pick a cleanser to cast away the dust, grime and toxins from the skin. Follow this up with a toner to help restore the skin’s original pH. Once you have a clean and clear canvas, apply your concern led serum with the help of the dropper. Gently pat the concentrate into your skin for the best results. Seal this with a layer of moisturizer suited for your skin type. The formulation forms a protective barrier (on the dermis) which helps keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact. Finally, slather some sunscreen and a stroke of a nourishing lip balm to protect the pucker.