If you are a beginner in the skincare scene, the market is too overwhelming. There are hundreds of skincare products available with different formulations. How does one decide the right profile for themselves?
If you are asking yourself this question, then don't worry. We are going to discuss some of the top brands that are going to be your 1st step in the skincare journey.
Why does skincare matter
Our skin goes through so much - from hormonal changes to extreme weather conditions. A good skincare routine protects you from it all - sun damage, pollution, acne control and more.
Taking care of your skin will keep it clean and healthy, away from breakouts and will ultimately increase your confidence level!
What are the Different Skin Types
1. Normal Skin
Skin is usually balanced with little to no imperfections. It is smooth in texture, neither too oily nor too dry. Less chances of blemishes and acne.
2. Dry Skin
Skin feels tight, sometimes rough and might even have flaky patches in extreme cases. It lacks natural oils and needs extra hydration
3. Oily Skin
Skin over-produces sebum - the natural oil present in your skin. Most of the excess sebum production happens in the T-zone, that is forehead, nose and chin. It leads to blemishes, bigger pores and a shiny complexion.
4. Combination Skin
Skin that has elements of both dry and oily skin. Usually, the T-zone is the oily part while your cheek area is dry.
5. Sensitive Skin
Skin that can feel easily irritated by any type of external factors and even certain skincare products. Easily prone to redness and itchiness.
Skincare for beginners - A basic and effective routine
Skincare doesn't have to be complex, especially a skincare routine for beginners.
Here are three core steps along with beginner friendly skincare product recommendations to start your skincare journey -
Step 1 - Cleansing
Cleansing is nothing but washing your face. It is a key aspect of any and every skincare routine, especially for beginners.
Our skin is subjected to dirt, pollution and many other stressors in the environment. Cleansing your face twice a day becomes really important to keep your face clean.
You can start by cleansing your face once in the morning with a gentle cleanser, and double cleansing at night with a cleanser best suited for your skin type
Product Recommendation:
Evermore’s Mexico-Sourced Cactus-Infused Hydrating Face Wash is a gentle and hydrating cleanser, best suited for beginners.
Along with that, The Natural Wash’s Anti Acne Face Wash with salicylic acid, neem and tea tree extracts is perfect for beginners with acne prone skin.
Step 2 - Moisturising
Keeping your skin hydrated is another very essential part of your skincare routine, especially for people with dry skin.
When we wash our face, some of the natural oils of our skin are stripped away. This is why moisturising becomes so important. It gives our skin the hydration back.
Sometimes, moisturisers also act as a protective barrier from all the stressors present in the environment.
Just like cleansers, you can also have two different moisturisers for day and night. Typically, day creams should be lightweight and absorb quickly while night creams should be thicker, more moisturising to heal your skin barrier through the night.
Product Recommendations:
Suroskie’s Rose Glass Moisturiser is luxurious and lightweight, easily absorbing into your skin. It can easily be used as a day cream.
Another great moisturiser for beginners is the Asaya Vitamin C Moisturiser. This cream will help you reach your bright and glowy skin goals.
Step 3 - Using Sunscreen
SPF is truly non-negotiable, especially during the daytime. Sunscreen helps in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, which cause visible signs of aging, sunburn, and even the risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen can also be applied at home to protect yourself from the rays emitted by your devices.
Product Recommendations:
Asaya’s Spot Light Sunscreen has SPF 50 along with PA++++, which blocks 98 percent of UV rays and stands for the highest level of UVA protection respectively. Must have for any beginner!
Tips for a Healthy Skincare Routine
Skincare shouldn't feel intimidating at all. Here are a few tips for someone who is starting to get into skincare
1. Do a Patch Test
Before trying a new product, apply it to a small area of your skin and see how it reacts before you fully include it in your routine.
2. Be consistent
Consistency is key. The only way to see visible results is when you consistently do your skincare routine.
3. Water Intake and Diet
Skin Care products alone cannot help you reach your skin goals. Make sure to have a clean and balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep your skin happy.
4. Over-Exfoliation
Exfoliating your skin is important, but over-exfoliation can strip off the important oils of your skin. It can also cause tiny tears and irritation.
5. Take Off Makeup Before Bed
This doesn't feel very important to people, but it truly is. Not taking your makeup off before sleeping can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Common Skincare Mistakes
Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a pro, skincare can feel tricky for all of us sometimes. Here is a list of some common mistakes you can avoid.
1. Avoiding SPF
SPF is the only step you should never forget, especially when going out.
2. Using harsh face scrubs
Harsh face scrubs may have complex ingredients that might disturb your skin. Stay away from them, especially as a beginner.
3. Using too many products
Having a lot of products in your routine may seem tempting, but it might overstimulate your skin.
4. Not knowing your skin type before applying a product
Before buying and applying any product, it is essential to know your skin type and what ingredients work best for you.
5. Switching products too often
It is important to have a base skincare routine in place. Use them for at least 2 to 3 months before you decide to change them.
Start your skincare journey now
Skincare is not as overwhelming as it may end up looking like. A simple, clean routine with fixed daytime and night time products is all you need to begin.
Remember that less is more when it comes to skincare. All you need to do is cleanse, moisturise and protect from the sun.
All the products you need to master your basic routine can be found on Zop. Zop offers a variety of skincare options for beginners who are looking to start their skincare journey but also don't want to empty their pockets.
Results will take time, but your skin will thank you for all the patience and consistency.
FAQs on Skincare for Beginners:
How do I understand my skin type?
If your skin feels tight after washing it, it is dry. If it looks too shiny, it is oily. If it feels tight at certain places and looks shiny at others, you have combination skin.
Do I need to apply sunscreen inside the house?
It is suggested to apply sunscreen every day, it doesn't matter where you are. It protects us from the UV rays from our devices.
Can I use serums as a beginner?
Serums can be good for you, but it is better to have a solid skincare routine first, especially as a beginner.
Should I exfoliate my skin?
Usually, skincare for beginners does not include exfoliators as they are complex to work with. An exfoliator with clean ingredients can be used once or twice a week.
Should I always go for natural ingredients?
Natural ingredients are cleaner, but might not always be suitable for every skin type. Do your research before investing in certain ingredient-based skincare products.