Everyone knows taking care of their skin is paramount, but putting together a routine is not always easy. It takes a concerted effort to protect the health of your skin and see changes.

Your skin is constantly under stress, and no one is getting younger. To protect that youthful glow and prevent wrinkles and breakouts, you need a customized skincare routine that addresses your skin’s unique challenges. This guide will help you choose the best routine to ensure your skin stays healthy and glowing.

Three Main Steps to Skincare

While there are countless skin care products on the market, keeping your approach in its most basic form is all that is necessary. Unless you have multiple skin health issues, you are only going to need the following. You are more likely to stick with a simple routine that is easy to carry out.

1. Cleansing

Cleansing is one of the most important steps to healthy skin and is one no one should skip. Each day, your skin is exposed to harmful environmental chemicals that wreak havoc on its health.

The pores of your skin act as sponges. Removing the toxins from your skin is essential. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to choose the right cleanser.

You need a cleanser that is strong enough to remove contaminants and deep clean without stripping your skin of its vital oils. Creamy cleansers are less drying. You should choose a cleanser based on your skin type. Clarifying cleansers work well for oily, acne-prone skin, while moisturizing cleansers are better for dry, aging skin.

2. Toning

Toning is an essential step in any skincare routine but is also one of the most overlooked. Many people mistakenly believe they do not need toner if their skin is not oily. There are toners for every skin type.

Toners balance your skin and improve its appearance by shrinking pores and even moisturizing, depending on the type you choose. If you have dry skin, choose a moisturizing toner that will even out your skin tone.

Oily skin needs refreshment. Many people choose alcohol-based toners for their oily skin. Although immediately effective in clearing the present oils on your face, these toners end up causing your skin to produce more oil. You should choose a toner with oil-free ingredients, such as peptides or glycolipids.

3. Moisturizing

If you are not moisturizing your face, your skin will not have the hydration it needs. Moisture is essential for healthy skin. Ideally, choose a moisturizer based on your skin type, and it should include ample SPF protection.

Choosing a moisturizer is not as difficult as it may seem. If you have dry skin, pick a cream-based moisturizer. Think thicker.

Oily skin still needs moisture, even though you are producing more oil than necessary. If you have oily skin, choose a lotion-based moisturizer that is lighter and non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means the lotion will not clog your pores and cause blackhead development.

How to Apply Your Skincare Products

You should apply skin care products from the thinnest to the thickest. The proper order of any skincare routine is a cleanser, toner, and then moisturizer. If you choose to use serums, apply these before your moisturizer.

Give Your New Routine Time to Work

No skincare product is going to give you overnight results. It takes consistent application and time to see changes in your skin. You are going to need to stick with skincare products for at least six weeks to see noticeable differences.

Besides the products you put on your face, what you put into your body also affects your skin. Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated are the best things you can do for your skin's health. Start now to protect your skin’s healthy glow.