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Creating the Perfect Skincare Routine for Long-Term Maintenance
Our skincare routine and needs can change depending on our stage of life. If you’re looking for a routine that’s simple and can follow you through most seasons of your life, this one’s it.Â
Establishing a Basic Skincare Routine
First, it’s important to establish a basic skincare routine that is easy to follow through every morning.
Cleansing
Start with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. Cleansing helps remove any makeup leftover from the night before, as well as oil, sweat and remnant dirt.Â
Toning
Toning helps hydrate the skin and balance its pH levels. Pat the toner lightly on the skin with your palms until it is fully absorbed.Â
Moisturising
Contrary to popular belief, even oily skin needs moisturising. In fact, ensuring your skin is well-hydrated helps regulate sebum levels and prevents your sebaceous glands from overproducing oil, hence, preventing oilier skin.
Apply a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type every day to lock in moisture and keep it hydrated.Â
Adding Targeted Treatments
Targeted treatments, such as serums and masks, help you address specific concerns or conditions your skin may have.Â
Serums and Essences
Serums and essences are generally high-concentration and lightweight, designed to be easily absorbed into the skin. They target various skin concerns and provide benefits such as:
- Anti-ageing — Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles with retinoids, peptides, antioxidants and vitamins.
- Hydrating — Hydrating serums and essences usually have hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that attracts and absorbs moisture, helping to plump the skin.
- Brightening — Dull skin can be treated with a brightening serum or essence. These usually contain ingredients that help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone, such as vitamin C and niacinamide.
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial — If you have acne or blemish prone skin, consider serums formulated specially for acne and oily skin, with ingredients such as tea tree oil or witch hazel.
- Pore-refining — Serums and essences with mild exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are great for skin with uneven textures or large pores.
- Calming — Sensitive skin will benefit from calming or soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera or centella asiatica. These ingredients also help strengthen the skin barrier, reducing skin sensitivity with continued use.
Masks
Incorporate face masks into your routine at least once or twice a week. Clay and mud masks are great for deep cleansing, while sheet and gel masks are typically for hydrating. We especially love brightening masks for an instant radiant effect.Â
Remember to follow the instructions on the mask’s packaging, and leave the product on for the recommended duration.
Sun Protection
Regardless of skin type, sun protection is crucial. The sun’s UV rays are responsible for 90% of premature skin ageing. Prolonged exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer.Â
During the day, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and remember to reapply every 2 hours!
Nighttime skincare routine
Your nighttime skincare routine is just as important as your skincare routine in the day. At night, while our body is in a state of rest, our body focuses on repair and recovery, including our skin. The skin’s protective barrier is also more permeable during sleep.
Double cleansing
Double cleansing is a popular skincare technique that involves two vital steps to ensure our skin is thoroughly cleaned.
- Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
First, use an oil-based cleanser to dissolve and remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oils and other impurities on your skin.
- Step 2: Water-based cleanser
Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue or debris from the first cleanse.
Repair and regeneration
Apply serums and moisturisers focused on overnight skin repair and nourishment. Opt for products with ingredients such as retinols, peptides, ceramides and antioxidants.
Also apply eye creams to reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
Monitoring skin changes
Another important step when adopting a new skincare routine is to monitor the changes in your skin. You could keep a skincare journal of new products you use and how often you use them, tracking the following:
- Changes in skin texture
- Instances of breakouts
- Periods of redness and sensitivity
Lifestyle factors and skincare
Lifestyle factors go hand-in-hand with skincare, determining the overall appearance and health of our skin.
Diet and hydration
Our diet dictates the nutrients that we nourish our body with, including our skin. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants support skin health and collagen production. Drinking at least 2 litres of water helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity.
Stress management
Stress management is an essential part of maintaining good skin health. Chronic and intense stress can trigger inflammation in the body and cause hormonal imbalances, aggravating skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Sleep
Getting adequate sleep, of at least 7 hours, makes a huge difference in skin appearance, reducing your likelihood of dullness, dark circles and fine lines.
Signs you need professional help
Sometimes, even comprehensive skincare routines do not suffice to help address our skin concerns. Signs that indicate it might be time to consult a skincare expert include:
- Persistent skin issues
- No improvement in skin’s appearance
- Signs of advanced ageing
- Chronic skin conditions
- Allergic reactions
- Changes in moles or skin growths
Consult a skincare expert
SkinLab is a medical spa in Singapore dedicated to providing medical-grade solutions and tailored advice for every skin concern. After every treatment, we ensure our clients will be equipped with the skincare knowledge they need to optimise their results and practise skincare maintenance in the long run. Â