SKINCARE 101
Radiant Skin Unlocked: 10 Products to Supercharge Your Skincare Routine
Published on April 13, 2024
Credit: Shiny Diamond
In the pursuit of flawless, radiant skin, the right skincare products can make all the difference. Of course, your skincare routine should be adapted to your specific needs, age, eating habits, and lifestyle. However, some products are definitely better than others, and taking a step in the right direction has to do with both the products and strong habits.
From potent serums to nourishing oils, incorporating these top 10 products into your daily routine will elevate your skincare game to new heights.
Gentle cleanser
Credit: cottonbro studio
Cleansers come in all kinds of forms: balms, gels, foams, or soaps. Depending on your skin type and your personal preference, choose the right fit for you.
Cleansing should always be the first step, and ideally, it consists of two parts. First, you should use an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based one to ensure removing all kinds of dirt and oil from your skin.
Double cleansing is key at night, as it guarantees the removal of makeup, sunscreen, and dirt. In the morning, just a water-based cleanser is enough to get the day started!
Exfoliating scrub
Credit: Polina Kovaleva
After you have cleansed your face skin, exfoliation will help you tackle the dirt accumulated in your pores. But don’t worry, it’s not just you! We all have pores, and they all accumulate dirt.
Exfoliating should be done twice a week, no more than three times a week, to avoid damaging our skin barrier. At the same time, you shouldn’t use an exfoliating scrub without first consulting a dermatologist, especially if you suffer from skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or atopic skin.
Peptide tonic
Credit: Shiny Diamond
As a third step, incorporate a tonic. Tonics come in handy to give your skin a boost of hydration after cleansing and scrubbing when you might feel your skin is tighter and rougher.
Tonics serve the purpose of balancing your Ph and preparing your skin to receive all the ingredients and products you will apply after it.
Morning and night, a good tonic will ensure your skin absorbs the active ingredients in your serums and moisturizers, promoting a smoother and more even complexion.
Infused sheet-masks
Credit: Polina Kovaleva
Sheet masks also come in all shapes and forms, with different key ingredients. Every four or five days, using a sheet mask will help you tackle specific needs like dehydration, lack of glow, or dullness.
In general, sheet masks come infused with potent serums and essences, so you should check the ingredients they contain don’t clash with the ones in the rest of your routine. For example, retinol creams or serums cannot be used at the same time as vitamin C.
Morning or night is the same when it comes to sheet masks. Just be sure to apply them weekly to give your skin an extra boost.
Hyaluronic acid serum
Credit: Ron Lach
If you feel your skin is tight and you notice more and more expression lines, you probably need moisturizing. When it comes to hydration, few ingredients can rival the power of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid provides an instant surge of hydration, making it ideal for both day and night use. In the morning, it creates a smooth canvas for make-up application, while at night, it replenishes moisture lost throughout the day, promoting skin repair and rejuvenation during sleep.
Vitamin C serum
Credit: Ron Lach
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which can be found in many foods. However, vitamin C serums are a true game-changer. If you notice your skin is dull and does not glow, this ingredient will kick it back to life in just a few days.
A serum with this ingredient will help you fight free radical damage, which is more and more common as we age. Moreover, it brightens the complexion and fades dark spots or hyperpigmentation, making skin tones even.
While this product is recommended for nighttime use, vitamin C can be part of your morning routine, giving your skin the necessary protection. However, if you choose to do this, never forget to wear sunscreen to avoid getting dark spots on your face.
Hyaluronic eye-cream
Credit: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA
Regardless of your age, the skin around your eyes will benefit from this product. You might be wondering why there is a specific product for that area. No, the answer is not just the market trying to sell stuff to you.
The skin around our eyes is thinner and, therefore, more prone to damage. Consequently, it easily gets wrinkled, and that is usually where our first expression lines appear. There is nothing wrong with it, we should all embrace them. However, keeping the area hydrated and massaged will help us slow down a natural process and make our eyes look brighter and refreshed.
Retinol cream
Credit: cottonbro studio
Retinol is recommended for people over 30 years old. If that is your case and you haven’t incorporated retinol into your routine, this is your sign to check with your dermatologist and start using it!
Retinol is a powerful acid derived from vitamin A. In a few words, using it is just like turning back the clock on aging. Again, aging is not bad; the key is to age fresh and healthy, and retinol is a great way to do so. Incorporating a night retinol cream accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and fades fine lines.
Just remember: don't use it in the morning, and by all means, apply sunscreen to avoid getting spots!
Lip balm
Credit: Antoni Shkraba
Just like the eye cream, lip balms will help us tackle a specific area that needs special care. Our lips are constantly exposed to all kinds of grease, oil, and liquids. They can get damaged by the wind and the sun, they are quite fragile, and it is not uncommon to have dry, chapped lips.
The good thing about lip balm is that you can apply it throughout the day, as much as you deem necessary. Moreover, they come in all shapes and sizes, with different colors and flavors.
Keep one in your purse or pocket to ensure your lips stay soft and smooth all day long.
Sunscreen
Credit: National Cancer Institute
This is the last product because it should be the last step in a full skincare routine. However, this is simply the most important one. No routine, no product, and no ingredient will be of any good if you don’t keep your skin protected from sun damage. Using the most luxurious cream and no sunscreen is throwing away your money.
Sunscreens now come in different formats and for all types of skins. For the first application, a face cream sunscreen is the best. But don’t forget to reapply it every two or three hours, depending on how exposed your skin is to the sun (and even blue light from screens). To reapply, you can either use a spray or a bar, which are more practical to carry around.
