4 Skincare Tips for Anyone to Kickstart A Basic Routine

The term “skincare routine” can mean different things to different people. For some, it can simply mean washing one’s face with water and a bit of soap and then calling yourself done. For others, it’s putting on a sheet mask once a week — or maybe twice if you’re feeling extra indulgent. And then of course, for the true skin-savvy, it can easily mean a full-blown ritual consisting of multiple steps and endless products.

If you’re new to skincare, though, don’t fret. Each person’s skin has different needs so there’s no need to feel pressured to do exactly what others are doing. That said, it’s normal to feel a bit intimidated especially when faced with all the options and trends in the beauty scene today.

Lucky for you, we’ve listed down some practical skincare tips to help ease you into the world of skincare and help you start your own routine. It all begins with knowing the basic beauty rules. Heed our skincare tips:

The goal of a skincare routine is basically to tune up your complexion so that it looks, feels, and functions at its best. But since no skin is identical, no single routine can work perfectly for everyone. It all boils down to your skin’s specific characteristics: Do you have dry, oily, or well-balanced skin? Are you prone to redness or acne? Are there specific skin issues you’re concerned about?

Your first task is to figure out your skin type in order to determine exactly what your skin needs. If your skin feels tight or appears to be rough and flaky, it’s likely dry. If you have noticeable shine all over your face, particularly on your nose and forehead, then your skin type is oily or combination.

The latter applies if you have an oily T-Zone but the rest of your face is dry. If you’re prone to redness and irritation, then you have sensitive skin. And if you don’t seem to suffer from any of these issues, then your skin type is probably well-balanced.

Once you’ve determined your skin’s general condition, the next step is to create a routine that addresses your skin’s specific needs. To guide you further, here’s a short list of key ingredients to look for in your products depending on your skin type:

Your priority is to maintain your skin’s health and aid in its natural repair. Look for products that are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, and E to fight damage. You should also look for ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin B3 to improve skin tone, glycerin to hydrate, and natural oils to protect the skin barrier. Try POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Facial Foam for a glow-getting cleanse.

When skin lacks moisture, the skin barrier is weakened, making you vulnerable to irritation and premature aging. Give skin extra nourishment with the help of hydrating ingredients such as Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, and natural oils. Try POND'S Bright Miracle Serum Burst Cream, which delivers hydration through potent serum droplets.

Excess sebum on the skin clogs up the pores, upping your risk for inflammation and acne breakouts. Ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, witch hazel, natural clay, and charcoal help control oil and aid in exfoliation. Manage greasiness with a product like POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Pore Clear Facial Scrub, which detoxifies with Clay-BHA.

To soothe and prevent irritation, the key is to choose a mild skin body wash with natural ingredients like Vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and natural plant extracts. Dove Body Wash Sensitive Skin has a hypoallergenic formula that’s perfect for delicate skin.

Don’t feel pressured to use all sorts of products all at once to achieve faster results. It’s best to go slow and steady, focusing on these three basic skincare steps: cleanse, tone, and moisturize.

For cleansing, you can go for a facial foam or a micellar water product for daily use, then supplement with a facial scrub once or twice a week. When it comes to your toner, choose a formula that best addresses your skin’s needs. For example, drier skin types would require more moisturizing variants, while oily or acne-prone types can benefit from those with exfoliating acids. As for your moisturizer, remember that texture matters. Light, serum-like consistencies are ideal for those who want to avoid excess greasiness, while richer formulas are saviors for those with parched, flaky skin. 

Focus on these three steps at first and observe how your skin fares over time.

Newsflash: It’s not called a “routine” for nothing. In order to really see results, you really have to commit to your routine by doing it regularly and consistently. So, it’s important to examine your lifestyle — and your priorities — before putting a regimen in place. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to start with a basic routine as it usually takes just about five minutes in the morning and at night. You can gradually build up your routine later on by adding more products and steps to your lineup.

Truth be told, you don’t necessarily have to see a dermatologist right before you start a skincare regimen. But if you have specific skin issues, like hypersensitivity, or if you have a skin condition (eczema, severe acne, and the like), it would be wise to check in with a board-certified dermatologist for expert guidance.

Excited to kickstart your journey to better skin? Here’s wishing you luck on your beauty adventure! Armed with these skincare tips — and the right products — you’re all set to flaunt your best skin yet. Good luck!