How to start caring for your skin for the first time

For starters, stop sleeping with your makeup on. That's gross.

In case you haven’t heard, 2021, more than any other year prior, is the year for trying new things. This year, we are stepping outside of our comfort zones and doing the things that terrify us. Why? Well, if making it out of 2020 alive did not inspire you even a little bit, then what will? Before you think that I am judging people who find it challenging to cope with our new normal, relax. This is a no-judgment zone. The reality is there are different types of people in this world. And people that thrive in fiery, chaotic situations are one set of them. If you identify with this group, trying something new for the first time should excite you. 

Skincare is something that many people still do not understand. It may surprise you how many people cleanse their faces with bath soap! Yes, you may know a man or several that do this, but do they count? Kidding. The older you get, the better intentionality serves you. It serves you everywhere - from your relationships to how you spend your money. Intentionality can even serve you well in your day to nighttime skincare routines. Treating yourself well has a long-term positive impact on your life. Or at least that’s what your friendly Instagram therapist said. Today, I want to encourage you to put some intentionality into your skincare! If this is your first time at the rodeo, then you are in the right place. Keep reading for our:

Simple Beginner’s Guide to Proper Skincare

1. Know your skin type

Before you can put together an effective skincare routine, you must know your skin type. There is no one size fits all skincare products because not all skin types are the same. That said, the five different skin types are: 

• Normal - skin with small and almost invisible pores. It has little to no breakouts. This skin type is that perfect Beyoncé skin that everyone wants, but few can have.
• Combination - this type of skin is most common. It possesses qualities of normal, oily, and dry skin types. A person with combination skin may have an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and suffer from occasional breakouts. 
• Dry - this skin type is what it sounds like. When you have dry skin, your pores are so tight that nothing can get in or out. That may sound like great news, but your skin needs moisture. Dry skin is flaky, patchy, and may crack or peel often. 
• Oily - like dry skin, oily skin is what it sounds like. That is one of the more complicated skin types because too much of anything can be disastrous. People with oily skin tend to suffer from acne breakouts most. Why? The sebaceous (oil) glands overproduce oil which leads to acne-causing build-up. 
• Sensitive - this skin type is an awful lot like dry skin. Someone with sensitive skin may suffer from the same symptoms like dry skin. These symptoms include redness, dryness, burning, and stinging. Sensitive skin is the most volatile and cannot take chafing like other skin types. People who have skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis have sensitive skin. 

Knowing your skin type is half the battle won in putting together a proper skincare routine. If you need further reading on the different skin types, check out this post. 

2. Consider finding an esthetician or a dermatologist

Unless your skin issues are so severe that you need a doctor, the right esthetician can change your life! A licensed esthetician can assess common skin issues and use non-invasive skincare treatments. As a step up, a medical esthetician can use more advanced skincare treatments. Either way, visiting your esthetician for a maintenance facial each month will go a long way. Although it sounds unaffordable, the right esthetician will save you money long-term. Why? Because you would not need as many skincare products as part of your daily skincare routine. 

3. Invest in the skincare products that your skin needs

If self-care is your lifestyle, overindulging in skincare pleasantries can be tempting. A routine #selfcare trip to Sephora or Ulta may set you back $500 with skincare products that you don't need. While it’s nice to pamper yourself, being wasteful is never good. That is why skinimalism is one of the biggest beauty trends of 2021. Skinimalism is a mashup of skin and minimalism. It calls for you to use fewer skincare products as part of your day and nighttime skincare routines. With skinimalism, you use skincare products that target your skin's specific issue(s). It’s that minimal. So, if you are getting into skincare for the first time, consider this beauty trend and your pockets, too. Spend what you need. Your pockets and skin will thank you for that! 

4. Keep your skin hydrated

If you only invest in three skincare products, they should be: 

• Hydrating serum 
• Oil-free face moisturizer
• A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

Dehydrated skin is more prone to acne breakouts. Your sebaceous glands respond to dehydrated, dry skin by producing natural oils. By starving your skin of the moisture it needs, you run the risk of acne breakouts that can take weeks or months to heal! That is why hydration is so important. Also, drink water. It does not solve all skin issues - I know people with acne-prone skin that guzzle water like a cactus. Yet, it makes your skin softer, more supple, and glowing. Glowing skin is always trending. Never forget that. 

5. Avoid sleeping with your makeup on

That is a cardinal skincare rule! Makeup ages you. I don’t know about you, but premature aging is not my ministry. It’s a sure thing in life, but if I can prevent aging in any way, I would prefer to do that. Sleeping with makeup on can lead to those same acne breakouts that take weeks or months to heal. Further, it’s nasty. Imagine resting a made-up face on clean pillowcases that you sleep on every night. Gross. 

6. Soak up the sun but not really

There’s a thin line between love and hate. We love the sun, but we hate what too much of it does to our skin! No matter your skin tone, everyone needs vitamin D. Yet, too much of anything good can be terrible for you. Sun overexposure causes many skin issues and leads to skin cancer in some people. If you loathe wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, then you risk suffering from: 

• Premature aging - fine lines and wrinkles 
• Hyper-pigmentation - especially in darker skin tones 
• Dark spots and sun spots 

Apart from those, sun overexposure causes your skin to become leathery and patchy. That’s rough. No thanks. 

Follow these simple newbie skincare tips and you will be well on your way to great skin! Remember, when it comes to skincare routines, there are no right answers. There are only the right skincare products and habits for you. When in doubt, consider Masktini’s gentle skincare products. With four products that take you from day to night, the average beginner can rest assured that they made the right choice. Because anything gentle is good for us, right? Until next time!