Building a skincare routine can be challenging. There are so many products and options out there, that it’s so easy to get lost in all the information, right? Before your skin screams “enough is enough,” how many skincare products can you use in your routine?
It used to be as simple as cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Women’s skincare regimens, however, have gotten out of hand during the last couple of years. The more the merrier, right? No, hardly ever. Applying three or four moisturizing lotions may speed up the healing process if you have dehydrated skin. But do you use three exfoliants in the same skincare routine, sounds a bit harsh. So, how many products do you actually need in your skincare routine?
The basic steps of the skincare routine
Your everyday behaviors actually have a significant influence on what you see in the mirror, so having great skin is not only a question of genetics. However, there are an overwhelming amount of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect oneself from UV rays, depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you visit. In the end, skin care is only a matter of personal preference. To cut through the noise, bear in mind the basics. To get the most benefit out of a daily skincare regimen, no matter what your skin type, you should start with three simple steps:
- Cleansing — Washing your face.
- Toning — Balancing the skin.
- Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
On top of that, you can add treatments. Accordingly, depending on your skin type and the results you want to see, treatment involves adding serums or creams packed full of helpful skincare elements like vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and others. So, the question is – how many products should be included in these 3 steps and treatment section? There isn’t an exact number. Wouldn’t that be far too simple? The reality is that it doesn’t matter how many skincare products you can use. It depends on how many layers your skin can tolerate.
Build your skincare routine
Skincare routines are among the good things that come to those who wait. Don’t expect results right away; even the greatest skincare products need time to work. It usually takes at least three to four months to determine whether your new routine is truly effective, but if you maintain a consistent, everyday habit, you may probably anticipate some advantages within six to twelve weeks.
The order in which you use each product counts, as does your skin type in determining which items you require in your skincare routine. Your morning routine should differ slightly from your evening routine for the best outcomes. For example, the morning skincare routine is preparation for putting on makeup or dealing with after-sleep puffiness. In the evening you can use heavier products, that will settle through the night.
Cleanser
In order to avoid clogged pores and dull skin, face cleaning should always be the first step in any skincare routine. But be delicate. Try washing your face solely at night and rinsing it off with water in the morning if you have dry or sensitive skin. Look for a foamy or gel cleanser that can effectively remove extra debris and oil from your skin if you have oily skin; chemicals like salicylic acid and niacinamide can help control and eliminate extra oil. However, if you have acne-prone skin, your best choice is to use a mild foamy cleanser containing chemicals like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur to battle acne. Look for a cream or balm recipe with moisturizing components like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils if you have dry skin. Try micellar water, an incredibly mild cleanser with micelles — tiny particles that catch impurities and pull them away without drying your face — if you have sensitive skin.
Toner
Although you don’t need a toner, using one may be a wonderful method to balance pH, refresh skin, and remove any remaining dirt. And if you’re seeking extra skin-boosting qualities that may leave you glowing, modern toners are considerably more advanced than the astringent- and alcohol-based products of the past. They are filled with advantages that can further cleanse and brighten your face.
Serums
If you have several skin concerns, you may use many different serum formulas. A serum designed for your skin concerns can both treat and protect, giving concentrated amounts of powerful components that can address a variety of complexion issues, from wrinkles to dark spots. However, you should carefully study the labels since certain serums work better when used in the morning, while others work best at night.
Eye-cream
Face creams are different from eye creams since they are designed particularly for the sensitive eye region, which ages more quickly than the rest of your face and must therefore be “treated.” A solution for eye treatment is absolutely worth the investment if you’re worried about fine lines, wrinkles, a lack of firmness, dark circles, or undereye bags. Look for niacinamide or vitamin C to reduce dark circles, and use a caffeine-containing product to reduce puffiness. Look for formulations that contain retinol and peptides to treat sagging and wrinkles. Both hyaluronic acid and vitamin K can aid with moisture and dark under-eye circles.
Moisturizer
Face moisturizers are the next in line since they keep your skin moisturized, and supple, and aid to improve its barrier. Choose a lighter moisturizer throughout the day, such as a lotion or gel that will absorb fast and won’t pill beneath makeup, if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Try a cream or other heavier formula if your skin is dryer. In either case, dermatologists advise using moisturizers all year round for all skin types since maintaining proper hydration is essential for maintaining youthful skin. In the evening use night creams, that contain active ingredients that assist with improving the skin beyond adding moisture.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be included in your everyday morning skincare routine. 30 minutes before you go outside, apply a nickel-sized amount of broad-spectrum face sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, covering your neck and the backs of your hands as well. Instead of applying a moisturizer and SPF individually, you may use a daily moisturizer with SPF to reduce the steps in your regimen and make things simpler.
Acne treatments
Apply an acne treatment if you have a blemish right now (or a few). Instead of treating pimples as they appear, use preventative measures for persistent outbreaks. Stick to your routine consistently to keep the pores on your entire face clear because the reason you’re experiencing breakouts is that oil is building. Because it is not advisable to apply makeup over acne after treatment, leave acne remedies for your nighttime skincare routine.
Final thoughts
Even though there is no exact number of how many products you should be using, we advise starting with just a few and then adding if needed or preferred. And keep in mind, skincare takes time, so let your skin get used to products before adding new ones. Too many products at once can cause breaking out and irritation. Just be patient and gentle with your skin.