During these unpredictable times of the pandemic (after
which the word "uncertainty" will circulate for years), one thing has
remained a constant in many of our lives: our skincare routine. Perhaps your
skincare routine has stayed exactly the same as it was before the pandemic, or
you've added extra steps, like a weekly mask or nightly serum for even more
self-care. Maybe yours was inspired by an 11-step regimen, or you wash, rinse,
and repeat. Or you might be here to find the definitively best skincare product
order (you're in luck).
The truth is, every skincare routine is necessarily as
unique and inimitable as the person who follows it (or attempts it, anyway).
But as skincare has become trendier on social media and thousands of new
products released in recent years (which seem to contain every ingredient under
the sun), it's also gotten a little edgier. Scary and confusing for beginners
at first and for anyone. To understand how to create an effective skincare
routine that works for them.
This is where we come in. Read on to find out everything you
need to know about all the possible steps and ingredients in a skincare
routine, including what to look for based on your skin type and any health
conditions you may have. When you start (or continue) your skincare quest, we
hope to answer as many of your questions as possible here in this Skin Care 101
guide with the help of researchers and experts instead of hype... @smarttechpros
Here's how to use this guide: If you're new to a skincare
routine, it pays to start from the beginning as we answer your most
straightforward skincare questions—even the ones you might have. Too
embarrassed to ask all of your expert skincare friends. If you've dabbled in
skincare and want to know what ingredients might be right for you, we've got
that too. Scroll down to learn more about the items in your skincare routine,
and get an overview of the active ingredients that work best for specific skin
conditions. We also have sections specific to the skin of colour, what to do if
you're pregnant, and what to consider if you've been diagnosed with the
condition that affects your skin. Plus, we break down some of the often
confusing aspects of the skin care industry, like whether or not the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) regulates skincare ingredients and what exactly
manufacturers mean when they call their products "natural" or
"clean." "
In each section, you'll find links to all of our coverage of
this topic, so be sure to click on anything that interests you if you'd like to
learn more.
Finally, don't forget to check out our glossary of standard
skin care terms, which can help clear up any confusion you might have, and
these helpful tips on washing your face.
What do you mean when you say "skincare"?
We're talking about primary care and maintenance of your
body's largest organ: your skin! It plays an essential role in protecting you
from external pathogens; you know, it keeps all your internal organs in place
(Father). And just like you brush your teeth regularly, your skin requires at
least a little extra attention to keep it functioning correctly.
It also requires special protection against skin cancer. At
SELF, when we talk about skincare, we mean science-backed ways to improve the
appearance and function of the skin to treat and manage both cosmetic and
medical problems.
This guide is for anyone curious about what it means or what
it takes to have an effective skincare routine, from beginners who don't know
where to start to seasoned skincare enthusiasts. Consider it your ultimate skincare
guide.
Come back up
Close-up of the models' faces
photo: Felicity Ingram; Costumes: Ronald Burton.
Hairstylist: Jerome Caltrera at L'Atelier; Make-up: Porsche Cooper; Manicure:
Yuki Miyakawa at Walter Schopfer
Why should I care about skincare?
Yes, being obsessed with skincare can be super trendy these
days, especially with beauty influencers offering everything from a facial
steamer to a jade roll on social media, but no matter what, give it some love. @techgeeksblogger