The Dos and Don'ts of Basic Skincare

Skincare shouldn’t be a mystery. But because there are so many products out there, it can get a little confusing. Everyone’s skin is different, which means that everyone has different needs. If you have oily skin, what sort of moisturizer should you use? Is toner really that important? What makes your skin flare up? There are so many questions to answer before landing on the perfect routine—which is why we’re here to help you figure it out.

Below, we explore the dos and don’ts of basic skincare, from suncare, to the importance of sleep. Here’s what you must do—and avoid—when it comes to basic skincare. 

1. Do drink water

According to studies, about 60% of your body is made up of water. When you deprive yourself of it and you end up dehydrated, it shows. The epidermis—the outermost layer of the skin—loses its elasticity and smooth texture when it doesn’t contain enough water. Despite this, there’s still no direct correlation between drinking enough water and skin appearance. 

Regardless, your body needs water to function optimally, which means you should always aim for the recommended eight glasses each day. 

2. Don’t skip washing your face

It’s the end of the day. It was a long one, and the last thing you want to do is go through your entire nighttime skincare routine. Washing your face feels daunting because you’re exhausted, and you’re thinking of skipping it altogether. But don’t be tempted: washing your face, especially if you wear make-up, should be done every single day! 

Your skin goes through a lot throughout the day, and your pores get clogged from dirt and oil. Regularly washing your face at the start of the day and at the end of the day is crucial for removing those pore-clogging pollutants. Though washing your face is a good thing, overwashing is not, as it can dry out your skin. 

3. Do use sunscreen

We’ve discussed the importance of sunscreen before, but there’s no such thing as too many reminders when it comes to suncare. 

The sun isn’t only capable of damaging your skin, but overexposure could lead to deadly consequences. Sunscreen will help block out the sun’s UV rays, one of the primary causes of aging skin, and ultimately, decrease your risk of skin cancer. 

Moisturizers now often come with SPF, but be sure to aim for SPF 30 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours. When selecting a sunscreen, choose one that is broad spectrum for UVA and UVB, as well as water-resistant. Read more on the importance of sunscreen here.

4. Don’t forget to moisturize

Moisturizer is skincare 101. It is a crucial element in keeping your skin soft and supple. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, be sure to moisturize and use the right type for your skin.

5. Do get your beauty sleep

Beauty sleep is called as such because seven to eight hours of sleep each night actually helps to repair your body for the next day. When you don’t get enough sleep, your skin could pay the price, leaving you with breakouts, wrinkles, inflammation, eye bags, and more. 

6. Don’t pop your pimples

It can be tempting to poke and prod a pimple, but don’t succumb to temptation! Though it can be satisfying, it can leave you with scabbing or even scarring. As well, picking at a pimple can actually introduce more germs into the area, resulting in more acne. 

7. Do use antioxidants

With age, goes your skin’s elastin. These fibres become looser since your body produces less and less collagen over time, which causes wrinkles to appear. This process is prompted by free radicals that cause cell degeneration. By adding antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, lycopene, and beta-carotene, into your routine you can help fight the appearance of wrinkles.

8. Don’t overexfoliate

Exfoliation is very important for every skin care routine, helping to slough off dead skin cells and allowing for new skin to grow and flourish. But overdoing it can cause irritation and might even lead to damage, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side. It’s important to leave time in between treatments, allowing for your skin to rest. We recommend exfoliating one to three times a week, at most.

9. Do consider your skin type

A skincare routine is useless if it isn’t customized to your skin. Using the wrong products for your skin can actually cause damage, compromising the natural balance of your skin, and potentially leading to breakouts, inflammation, irritation, and premature aging. Do your research, learn about your skin, and be aware that your skin’s needs will change throughout time, between the changing seasons and hormonal changes.

10. Don’t forget to layer in the correct order

Did you know that the order in which you use your skincare products is actually important? Some products won’t be properly absorbed if one ingredient is used before another. We recommend starting with lightweight formulas, and working your way towards heavier creams— thinnest to thickest. After each item, be sure to give your skin some time to absorb the product. In allowing for absorbing time, you can help prevent your products from filling.

Skincare doesn’t have to be confusing or scary, or mysterious, for that matter. By following a few basic rules, even the most undisciplined skincare enthusiast can start building a routine that’s right for their skin. Your skin is the largest organ of your body; why not take proper care of it?