Skin Care Basics

I don't know why, but I'm addicted to skin care. I've always wanted a flawless skin.

I'd like to share my skin care experience. There were ups and downs, and I know which products work great on me.

I used to have a clear skin, but when I hit puberty, my skin became oily, and I began to have acne. I have a combination-oily skin, and I only used Cetaphil at that time.

I learned about astringent when I was in high school, but I never really used it because my mom told me it would ruin my skin. There is a common misconception about that, though. Using toners or moisturizers during your teen years won't damage your skin, just be mindful of the ingredients that your product contain.

Listed below are some of the basic skin care routine/rules that I've learned:

USE a facial cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have an oily skin, a foaming cleanser is good. If you have dry skin, use a milk cleanser or a hydrating cleanser. For sensitive skin, I recommend Cetaphil. If you are afraid to try new products, make sure to ask some people with the same skin type as yours on what works on them best. I like using dermatologist tested products because it gives me more assurance that they are safe and effective.

DO NOT use facial scrubs as a skin cleanser. Facial scrubs must be used once or twice a week only, as it is slightly harsh to the skin. Some are good, though, but most scrubs out there have beads that are too big and abrasive to the skin.

DO use facial exfoliants. Either AHA or BHA depends on your skin type. I personally don't use such product as of now because it's not widely available in the Philippines, but I do know that exfoliants deeply cleanse the skin, unclog the pores, and removes dead skin cells.

USE a toner if needed. It balances the ph level on your skin and removes excess dirt. It also prepares the skin for moisturizer. It depends on your skin type whether or not a toner will work well on you. Typically, toners would work best for a person with an oily skin.

AVOID alcohol as it may dry your skin.  My first toner/astringent was Eskinol, the pimple fighting one and it contains alcohol. I like using it when I have a pimple because it instantly dries it up, but it also dries up the skin.

I moved to Ponds Flawless White Toner, and sadly, it also contains alcohol. But it does not sting the face that much compared to Eskinol.

Lastly, I used the Celeteque Toner. It also deeply cleanses the skin and does not dry it out. It slightly hydrates the skin, and I highly recommend this product.

                    

USE an eye cream. I'm no expert on this, but I am certain that it is important. It is recommended to start using eye cream on your early twenties. I'm only 19, but I occasionally use an eye cream that's all natural from GIGA. Eye creams prevent and lessen your puffiness or under eye bags, and sometimes prevent wrinkles. Usually, eye creams are used at night. But there are eye creams out in the market that has SPF and is used every morning.

USE a sunscreen! Always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 40. SPF means Sun Protecting Factor. People claim that the higher the SPF, the longer the "protecting factor" it has. The SPF on your foundation might not be sufficient to protect you from the sun rays, so it is a must to invest on a good sunscreen. Make sure it blocks both UVA and UVB rays as well.

USE a skin serum if you want to complete your skin care regimen. It has concentrated ingredients that feed the skin with essential vitamins it needs. Skin serums may have a different purpose compared to others, so it's best to find a perfect one for your needs. 

USE a bb cream or cc cream if you do not want or need to wear fancy makeup when going out. Either to school, or a mall, bb creams or cc creams are enough to supply you all the skin care benefits you need. Find a good one first. Bb creams are a good step to the makeup world.

I like using Etude House Cotton Fit BB cream since it slightly has a powdery finish and it has SPF 30, with a light coverage, and many other benefits.

USE face masks when needed. I love using Etude House face masks because they are very hydrating, and it relaxes my skin. I use face masks once or twice a month, just to feed my skin with special nutrients.

DO NOT wear makeup every day for extended hours. Let's face it; no matter how much we love them, we must let our skin breathe. Allow at least once or twice a week not wearing makeup, and you will experience fewer breakouts. The chemicals might also be bad for your skin. It really boils down to how your skin condition is, and how your skin reacts.

DO read the ingredients of every makeup or skin care that you will buy. Avoid carcinogenic ingredients such as toluene, phthalate, formaldehyde, and the like. Others claim it is a hoax, but better be safe than sorry. Also, know what you are allergic to. Test a product before using it daily to assure yourself that it is safe.

DO eat right. Avoid too many sweets or sodium, eat fruits and vegetables enriched with vitamins, exercise daily, and maintain a clean environment! Take vitamin E as a supplement if you really want to make your skin glow.

DO NOT use skin bleachers. As we all know, bleaching is bad because it's way too harsh and may contain harmful ingredients that may only make your skin struggle.

These are some of the most basic skin care tips that I personally live by. Everyone has a different skin type, with different needs and different skin condition, so everything I said on this post may or may not work on you. Only you can tell what routine truly fits you, as it is only a matter of trial and experience.