A vigorous skincare routine is essential at any age because skincare is a preventative practice. However, the products you use should be unique to your skin type and concerns.
Skincare routines should be personal. But, there are some tried and true products and ingredients from which most people can benefit. Here are some of the essential steps in a well-rounded skincare routine:
1) Daily Moisturiser
Moisturiser is one of the essential skincare steps. Your skin needs moisture to maintain its supple smoothness. This is especially true for more mature individuals as a person’s skin tends to get dryer with age. Also, people with dry skin tend to develop wrinkles faster.
The Natural Day Moisturiser – Natural Skincare – 50ML by Okana is a great daily moisturiser. It contains potent ingredients like apricot, macadamia oil, and tomato juices that have revitalising benefits and essential nutrients.
The skin absorbs natural products quickly, so with Okana, there is little to no sticky residue leftover like some moisturisers have.
2) Retinol
Retinol, or vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient that speeds up cell turnover. The faster your skin removes dead skin cells and produces new ones, the smoother and more blemish-free your skin will look.
Some people may have a sensitivity to retinol since it’s such a powerful ingredient. When you start using retinol, apply it topically every other day. Once you think your skin can handle it, you can switch to daily use.
3) Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another popular skincare ingredient that works wonders on uneven skin tone/texture, fine lines, scarring, and dullness.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. It aids in the natural regeneration process of your skin and helps to repair damaged cells. It can even enhance the effects of your sunscreen, which you should wear daily.
Start using a vitamin C serum if you are dealing with hyperpigmentation or if you want a brighter complexion.
4) Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, are a type of chemical exfoliant that helps to brighten the skin, promote collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
AHAs are also some of the best ingredients for fighting acne. There are several types of AHAs. These types include glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and citric acid.
AHAs differ from physical exfoliants because they are gentler on the skin. While it doesn’t sound like chemical exfoliants are mild, they aren’t abrasive in the same way that physical exfoliants are.
However, don’t overuse AHAs because they can be an irritant if you have sensitive skin. If you do have sensitive skin alternate between AHA and non-comedogenic products that cater to your skin type.
5) Hyaluronic Acid
The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, and it plays an essential role in your body’s function. Its purpose is to retain water and keep tissues lubricated. While many people take it as a supplement, you can also apply it topically as a humectant.
Humectants draw moisture from their surroundings. It can hold up to 1000x its weight in moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that promotes suppleness, ensures smoothness, reduces dehydration, and protects the skin.
6) Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that many people use to unclog their pores and fight acne.
This skincare ingredient is more prevalent among younger people who have oily skin. It helps them keep excess oil at bay and reduce the number of breakouts they experience. However, you can benefit from salicylic at any age if you deal with clogged pores and blackheads. Look for a cleanser that has at least 2% active salicylic acid if acne and oiliness are your primary concern.
