Skin Care Tips For Women - All You Need To Know

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Coco Chanel once said, and I quote, “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty”

One too many shades of concealer can make your skin look cakey and flawless for a girl’s night out, but only a dedicated skincare routine handing you the right skincare tips for your skin type can prevent the breakouts and open pores that follow the morning after. Like any other goal, you must incorporate a routine to achieve that flawless, no-makeup look and hold yourself accountable to follow through with it - every single step of it.

Quite frankly, your everyday skincare routine doesn’t even have to be too elaborate. While many beauty bloggers swear by the 10/12-step Korean skincare mantra to achieve great looking skin, in reality, all you need to have healthy skin is a habit-forming attitude.

In case you want to get the glass skin look you can follow the video by Kimdao

Small things, but effective things that will add on each day to bring you that spot-free, glowing skin. Don’t be intimidated by what you see on social media. There's a wave of advances in the field of skincare but none of them is useful if you don't get your basics right.

If you’re a beginner who’s new to the world of skin-care and don’t know just where to begin, mazel tov! You’re in the right place. This blog covers all that you need to know about finding your skin type, various products suitable to each skin type and essential products tips that you’re going to have to incorporate in your routine to achieve your skin goals and beauty hacks

First things first. How to determine your skin type?

Your skin happens to be your body’s largest organ so you'd best be treating it like a regularly-attended-to priority. Before you decide what products to use on your face, you need to know what's most suitable for your skin type. Different skin types have very different (almost contrasting) needs, so without this first step of determining your skin type, you may end up drawing out a routine that’s utterly useless if not detrimental to your skin.

Broadly speaking, your skin type could fall under one of the four categories:

Normal
Dry
Oily
Combination

In order to determine your skin type, you can use one of the two methods:

The first way to test your skin type is to wash it thoroughly using a mild cleanser (nothing too harsh because this might disturb your skin’s natural PH levels). Wait for about 30 minutes and start observing your skin. If you notice an oily texture or a mild shine on your forehead, nose and chin - you most likely have normal or combination skin. Besides these regions, if you find that even your cheek region has turned greasy, you probably have oily skin. Wait for another 30 minutes in case none of the two happen. If your face feels parched, especially when you try to move your facial muscles around - then you have dry skin.

The other and quicker way to do this is by using a blotting paper. Rub a piece of blotting paper across your forehead, nose and chin first. If you notice that the blotting paper is soaked with oil, repeat the procedure on your cheeks. If it gives you the same result, you most definitely have oily skin. If the paper has no oil, you have dry skin. And in case of excess oil only in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), you more likely have combination skin.

Once you’ve established your skin type, you can go ahead and select products that are well-suited to your skin. But before we get into the details of what goes inside your shopping cart, here’s a list of basic things to bear in mind for each skin type:

Skin Care Tips For You Depending On Your Skin Type:

Skin Care Tips For Dry Skin

Dry skin is generally a consequence of either aging, hormonal changes, or extreme weather conditions. It can also be caused as a result of certain ingredients in soaps/cosmetics, long hot showers (apologies to have burst your bubble, but someone had to say it) and even some medications.

What helps:

Shorter baths, preferably with lukewarm water if not cold. Avoid hot showers.
Avoid scrubbing while bathing
Use gentle, mild soaps/cleansers. Nothing too fragrant-y
Dab on a rich moisturizer right after taking a bath
Try not to get the temperature too hot while you’re indoors

Skin Care Tips For Oily Skin

Oily skin too can be caused by many factors, the most popular ones being: hormonal imbalances, puberty, stress or excess humidity. Oily skin is as bad as having dry skin as it leads to frequent breakouts, large pores and blackheads.

What helps:

Wash your face twice a day. (Not more)
Again, it is recommended you use a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing
DO NOT pop/touch/squeeze a pimple. This increases the chances of your acne multiplying by spreading
Use skin care products that have the word “noncomedogenic” in them. In simple terms, these won't clog pores.

Skin Care Tips For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is easily triggered by external factors, so every product you use has to be tested beforehand on a patch so you know exactly what your triggers are and can avoid them.

If you have sensitive skin and are struggling to find a routine that is right for you, follow Anokhee Oza's advice on how to deal with sensitive skin issues with this easy-to-follow skincare routine.

Before drafting your skincare routine, here are 5 non-negotiable rules you MUST follow no matter what skin type you have if you want to look your best:

Sleep for 7-9 hours every day (they call it beauty sleep for a reason)
Use sunblock every time you step out (one that blocks UVA and UVB rays)
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Always take your makeup off before going to bed
Moisturize everyday

Without sticking to these 5 rules, all your efforts and massive bills spent on the best products available would, quite frankly, be in absolute vain.

It is true that you are what you eat. But a more superior truth is that you look like what you eat, too. You’re probably aware either because of being told by a doctor/elderly or by experiencing it yourself, that when you eat a lot of certain food groups such as processed/fried foods, your skin starts to appear lifeless and in some cases also elevates acne. Also eating the right food is good for your mental health.

What to EAT and what to AVOID for healthy-looking skin?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known to be one of the healthiest fats available and does much to prevent any diseases that are associated with ageing.
Organic tomatoes are rich in Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that not only heals but leaves your skin glowing.
Essential fats present in avocados, salmons and nuts help maintain a balance of good oils in your skin.
Green tea is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidising properties and also helps protect collagen (the main protein in your skin)
Vitamin C rich foods such as bell peppers and citrus fruits
Eggs contain biotin, a substance that helps prevent and heal dry skin
Legumes are known to repair damaged skin due to their high levels of protein
Leafy greens like spinach, kale and other greens such as broccoli and brussel sprouts and rich in Vitamin K - a vitamin that helps improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. I guess our mothers had a point when they insisted we ate our greens, didn’t they?
Oatmeal, miso and artichokes (besides being gut-friendly) are rich in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent acne breakouts.
Find out superfoods for glowing skin in the video below!

Skin-wrecker foods that you are better off avoiding

Alcohol causes dehydration that in turn leads to dry, dull-looking skin and in extreme cases, even breakouts or rashes.
Deep-fried food (although tastes amazing) is an absolute no-no for healthy skin. It induces excess oil and also tows with your skin complexion.
Dairy products including cheese, butter, milk, chocolate are known to increase oil secretion that lead to breakouts and blackheads.
Caffeine, much like alcohol, causes dehydration and can lead to dry skin
Sugary treats like doughnuts, cookies and croissants are high-glycemic foods. In simple terms, they’re responsible for early wrinkles and premature ageing. Remember this when you opt for a second serving of that birthday cake.
A majority of people are known to have a low-tolerance towards gluten and they aren’t even aware. So if you’re dealing with inflammation issues and have no idea why - it might be a smart decision to cut down on those white breads and pastas.
Sodas are high in sugar and tend to be bad news for your skin. Try alternating your soda intake with tender coconut or a fruit juice
Whey Protein (although it happens to be a great source of your daily protein requirement) are proven to raise insulin levels and spike acne.

Establishing a skin-care routine (that’s personal to your skin type)

You’ve found out your skin type. You’re fully aware of the best natural skin-care practices to incorporate in your lifestyle according to your skin type. You know the 5 golden rules, and you know how to eat right. So far, so good. Now you can successfully move on to decide the kind of products that are most suitable to you.

6 key steps of a basic skin-care routine: (along with a list of natural products for skincare that are Indian-made and science-backed)

Step 1: Cleanse

It is important to thoroughly cleanse your face by washing it twice a day before applying anything on to it. You’re constantly in contact with a lot of dirt and pollution and you owe it to your skin to use a cleanser mild enough to maintain your skin's pH level yet effective enough to remove pollutants causing clogged pores, dullness and acne. Find out in the video below how to choose the right cleanser and facewash

1. Dr Sheth’s basic brightening daily cleanser

2. Conscious Chemist Ritual Face Cleanser With Matcha Green Tea & Hemp Seed Oil

3. ENN Wipe Out Chlorophyll Facial Cleanser (Most suitable for acne-prone skin)

Step 2: Tone

Toners are used right after cleansing your face and before putting anything on. Although traditionally people preferred to apply toner by saturating a cotton pad and swiping it across their face, beauty experts advise the application of a toner with clean hands. This ensures that you don't lose a lot of product in the process of application.

Note: Although most toners can be used in the morning and at night, those with exfoliating acids should be used only at night.

What do toners do?

Toners happen to be one of the most underrated skincare products out there. Besides removing excess makeup and dirt, they tighten your pores, balance your skin’s pH level and add an extra layer of hydration to your skin.

Different toners serve different purposes, so aim to incorporate one that caters to your needs specifically. While selecting the right toner for your skin, look for either of these ingredients:

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids in case you’re looking for one that helps remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate damaged, dull skin

Hyaluronic acid

Rosewater or green tea if you happen to have sensitive skin since both these ingredients help calm any redness or irritation

Vitamin E and C to prevent aging due to dust and pollution

1. Khadi Natural Herbal Skin Toner Rose Water

2. Dr. Sheth's Gulab And Glycolic Toner

3. ENN Rice There Face Toner

4. Juicy Chemistry 100% Organic Bulgarian Rose Water Mist (For Normal To Oily Skin)

5. Neemli Naturals Witch Hazel & Vetiver Facial Toner

Step 3: Exfoliate (Optional)

Although exfoliating your skin wouldn’t be considered a necessity every single day, (in fact too much exfoliation could prove to reap negative results) it’s good to get rid of dead skin cells by exfoliating your face 1-2 times a week in order to avoid clogged pores and allow your moisturizer to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

You could either choose to exfoliate your face with a scrub or use a liquid chemical exfoliant in case you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. To exfoliate mechanically with a scrub, gently apply some on your face with a finger and rub it in circular motions. Wash this off with cold or lukewarm water in a couple of minutes.

In case of a chemical exfoliant, apply the liquid using a cotton pad or a washcloth but be sure to consult a dermatologist to know which of the two types of exfoliation is best suited for your skin type.

1. Mamaearth CoCo Face Scrub with Coffee & Cocoa for Rich Exfoliation

2. Ilana Organics Energizing Face Scrub Walnut + Plum

3. Pahadi Local Gutti Khal (Apricot Meal) Scrub

Step 4: Moisturize

The one product that doctors recommend for every skin type and one that all beauticians, celebrities and make-up artists swear by is using a moisturizer. Our skin gradually loses its ability to retain moisture as we age, and it's very important to prevent this loss of water by using a suitable moisturizer that hydrates and softens the skin (amongst other things).

How to pick a suitable moisturizer for your skin

Step 5: Protect (SPF)

With the lives we lead, moisturising alone does little to protect our delicate skin from external damage caused by the sun and other pollutants. Enter the last step of your skincare routine: Application of sunblock. The daily application of sunscreen resolves imperfect textures, fine line and wrinkles and is the secret to young-looking skin.

A few things to bear in mind:

i) Pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

ii) Doctors advocate using a sunscreen that contains a combination of both physical (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) and chemical (such as oxybenzone and octinoxate) blocking components. This will protect your skin against both - UVA and UVB rays and won't leave any visible residue.

iii) Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before being exposed to sunlight

iv) Re-apply every two hours

Besides these 5 golden steps, if you wish to go that extra mile to see remarkable results for your skin, incorporating essential oils are a great (and natural) way to elevate your skincare game and take it to a whole new level.

Best essential oils for skincare (based on your skin type)

Essential Oils For Normal Skin

Although normal skin does perfectly well with most essential oils without causing any harm, some suggested oils for this blessed lot are:

1.Rose Oil

The numerous benefits of rose water are already known to most Indian women. Just like rose water, rose oil has the potential to nourish, heal and hydrate your skin and also reverse ageing in the process if used regularly.

2. Ylang Ylang Oil

Not a popular name today, but Ylang Ylang helps moisturise and enhance your already healthy-skin making it one of the most suitable essential oils for ones who fall under the normal skin type category.

Essential Oils For Dry skin

1. Argan Oil

Rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, pure argan oil is a must-have product to incorporate in your daily skincare regime. Not only does this timeless miracle nourish and hydrate your skin, but it also helps you age backwards by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. A combination of vitamin E and fatty acids creates a noticeable difference in your skin almost instantly.

2. Chamomile Oil

Another revitalising harvest for dry skin, chamomile oil (diluted with coconut/jasmine) helps hydrate your skin and is especially recommended for those with rather sensitive skin instead of using it as is.

3. Marula Oil

Rich in essential proteins and omega 3 fatty acids, marula oil is most suitable if you’re suffering from dry skin. It feels light on application while simultaneously providing ample moisture to your skin.

Essential Oils For Acne-prone skin

1. Cedarwood Organic Oil

If you’ve been dealing with stubborn acne for a while now, chances are you’ve been advised to stay away from the application of any kind of oil on your face. Applying oil leads to excess secretion of oil and hence increases acne is a myth you’re going to have to toss into the trash today. Cedarwood oil has an acne-fighting formula that can help you get rid of the most stubborn spots.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Fun Fact: Meghan Markle in a magazine interview once claimed that tea-tree oil was her “little cure-all”. The fact that this miraculous antimicrobial formula fights acne, fungus, dandruff and is royally-approved? There’s a beauty hack that has me sold!

3. Neroli Essential Oil

Another antimicrobial and antifungal wand, neroli essential oil is the safest pick when it comes to acne-prone skin. Besides having anti-oxidising properties, it also has a rich fruity scent that will leave your skin feeling soft and smelling great too!

Essential Oils For Oily Skin

Again, contrary to the popular belief, people with oily skin need sufficient moisturization too. Some oils work wonders to fix oily skin problems, leaving them soft yet non-greasy.

1. Grapefruit Oil

Anything that has the word citrus attached to it is most likely going to benefit you if you have oily skin. Besides working wonders to revitalise dull-looking skin, grapefruit oil also helps heal acne.

2. Organic Orange Oil

Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, sweet orange oil gives your skin a vitamin-C boost making your skin brighten almost instantly. Its light moisture is just about enough to make it perfect for someone with oily skin.

FAQs

1. BB and CC Creams: What's the Difference?

A BB or “blemish balm” cream is a great multi-tasker in the sense that it acts as a moisturiser, foundation and sometimes even a sunscreen - all in one. So it’s a great alternative if you wish to incorporate the benefits of 3 different products in a single bottle or simply don't want the feel of foundation on your face but still want to look good nonetheless.

CC, on the other hand, stands for “colour correcting” and is a product used to address issues such as redness or uneven skin tone. While BB creams are lightweight in texture, CC creams tend to be more cakey and opaque. Although the two are marketed to be very different products serving dissimilar purposes, they’re both pretty much the same.

2. Is Double Cleansing Necessary?

If you want all that gunk and grime completely off your face after a long day’s work, double cleansing works great. As the name suggests, it involves cleansing of your face twice - once with an oil-based cleanser and again with a water-based cleanser. The first one helps take off any makeup, excess oil or dirt from the day and clean your face. The second will cater to your particular skin type and would have ingredients to fight acne, hydrate or exfoliate your skin. (depending on your needs)

3. Does a Cell Phone’s Blue Light Hurt Your Skin?

The long-term exposure to your phone’s blue light can cause skin damage in the form of pigmentation, inflammation or worse - long-term effects like ageing and weakening of the skin.

4. What Is Cleansing Oil?

The whole cleansing oil craze is not unknown to women thanks to social media influencers and all the hype around it. Cleansing oil uses all the “good oils” in your skin to remove the bad ones. The oils present in your skin can be sebum (naturally produced) or ones that come from makeup and other products. After rising if off, the “good oil” takes away the “bad oil” with it. Oil cleansers also contain ample antioxidants and anti-ageing ingredients that amplify the appearance of your skin. The good news is, they can be used by all skin types.

5. How to Keep Your Face Clean Before and After Your Gym Workout?

A gymnasium is a pretty gross place to be at if you take into consideration all the minute details such as combined sweat and germs of hundreds of people(barf). This makes it important to take extra care of your delicate skin to ensure that no harm is caused.

Pre Workout

1. Do not wear makeup to the gym. Makeup mixes with sweat and creates an unwanted pore-clogging situation that you’re better off avoiding.

2. Make sure your hair is tied up and not in your face. Sweat + hair during a workout will only lead to more bad oil clogging the pores on your skin.

Post Workout

1. Wash your face immediately after your workout to remove any sweat residue/bacteria accumulated during the workout. Preferably carry a cleanser to do so. If not, wash your face thoroughly using cold water.

2. Carry toner pads to wipe off any excess oil or dirt from your skin after washing it.

3. Use a gym towel that doesn’t have many nooks for bacteria to hold on to. New brands have emerged with silver induced towels, specifically for people who workout. These towels possess antimicrobial properties that make it fit for reuse.

6. Does a vegan diet benefit my skin?

Veganism is a diet that promotes abstinence from any animal product such as meat, dairy or eggs. Going vegan may be beneficial for your skin for the simple reason that restriction of dairy means lesser breakouts and consumption of foods high in antioxidants such as vegetables and fruits will make your skin more radiant.

7. What are some skin care tips to calm redness?

First off, discontinue every product you’re currently using. (skincare or makeup). Look for lotions with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Licorice extract, Allantoin, Boswellia serrata, Beta-glucan, Centella Asiatica, Salicylic acid and only use these for a while. Stay away from dairy, alcohol and caffeine completely.

8. Why are fragrance-free products best for everyone?

It is a matter of concern to many people (or should be) that manufacturers of skincare products can hide a lot of synthetic chemicals in the name of “fragrance” under ingredients. Thousands of chemicals are being ingested and absorbed every single day due to these cover-ups and have resulted in the most number of adverse skin reactions.

While many fragrances are made to mask the scent of skincare ingredients that don't smell so pleasant, the negative effect of these chemicals outweigh the advantages of natural ingredients. It is hence the best option to select fragrance-free products that your future self will thank you for.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of Girls Buzz have used their best efforts in preparing the article. They make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this article. The information contained in the article is strictly for educational purposes and we do not endorse any product mentioned in the article. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in the article, you are taking full responsibility for your actions.

FAQs

How many actives should you use in your skincare routine?

Ans. Although there is no limit to how many active ingredients you can use in your skincare routine, most dermatologists would recommend & agree that less is more. If you are new to using actives in your skincare, then we would suggest just starting off with one in a day. If you are used to products with actives in your skincare, you can limit to using a maximum of two products with active ingredients at a time and a total of four products with active ingredients in a day.

What are some of the best skincare tips?

Ans. Here are some tips for healthy skin:

Keep yourself hydrated
Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face. Wash your face atleast two times a day
Use less products - Don't over burden your skin by using too many products. Keep your skincare routine minimal & only use products which suit your skin type.
Use sunscreen 365 days of a year, whether you are indoors or outdoors
Eat a healthy and balanced diet with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Your skin will glow if you nourish it right from the inside.
Get enough sleep
If you use makeup brushes, wash them after every use