Remember, as children when we saw our mums and grandmas use only a single tub of cold cream and still have perfect skin? Cut to current times where we scrounge every nook and cranny for all the serums, essences, and face creams for clear, glowing skin. While we love an elaborate, indulgent, and pampering skincare routine, the solution to getting glowing skin lies in plain sight – simplicity. It’s part of the reason why our predecessors’ skin thrived. Following basic steps, using gentle formulations, and the right ingredients help maintain the skin’s pH balance and strengthen the natural moisture barrier. Whether you’re a beginner or a self-dubbed guru, nothing quite beats the ultimate 3-step routine for getting radiant, glowing, and clear skin.
The Holy Trinity
Cleanser
Cleanser is a no-brainer step in any skincare routine whether it’s to get a healthy glow, pigmentation-free skin, or clear complexion. The range of cleansers available in today’s skincare market are all gentle and formulated specifically for our delicate facial skin. While you may get away with using any cleanser, it helps to choose a face wash that matches your skin type to get the best out of your skin-cleansing step. Another sub-category of cleanser is double-cleansing, which makes use of a makeup remover as the first step. If you wear makeup and sunscreen regularly, this step is important before using a face wash. It breaks down heavy, water-resistant makeup so that the face wash can easily slough off any remaining traces of makeup from the pores.
Nykaa Recommends:
What we love: This new launch from Nivea is a dream face wash for those who have oily and acne-prone skin. It’s packed with niacinamide and salicylic acid to control excess oil production, soothe inflammation, unclog pores, and reduce breakouts.
What we love: If you have a compromised skin barrier due to dry, sensitive skin, this soap-free face wash is an ideal choice as it gently cleanses the skin without being stripping. It uses micellar technology to remove impurities and excess sebum while leaving your skin feeling hydrated.
Moisturiser
There may be an abundance of serums and toners, but using a moisturiser alone is the greatest thing you can do for the skin. On the surface, it gives you soft, supple skin, but what’s not evident to the naked eye is that regular use of moisturiser boosts collagen, improves skin’s elasticity, strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and delays signs of ageing. New-age moisturisers also come with ample ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol that nourish the skin from within. Hence, a serum is not a strict requisite unless you want a concentrated treatment for prolonged skin concerns like acne scars, dehydration or sun damage. Here too, choosing a moisturiser as per skin type matters. Rich moisturisers that provide intense moisture and healing are better suited to those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. People with oily, acne-prone skin should choose oil-free, gel-based moisturisers for lightweight hydration.
Nykaa Recommends:
What we love: The one-and-done aspect of this moisturiser makes both your A.M. and P.M. skincare routine swift and effective. It has vitamin C which is perfect to layer under sunscreen for added sun protection and a healthy glow. It has 99% pure niacinamide to reduce dark spots and regulate oil production.
What we love: Sometimes, when the skin feels compromised, flaky, and dry, all we want is a rich, fuss-free moisturiser to heal and soothe the skin. That’s why the Nourishing Skin Cream from Himalaya checks all the boxes. It has aloe vera and winter cherry to deeply moisturise and calm the skin. Plus it’s super pocket-friendly!
Sunscreen
We love the sun for boosting our vitamin D levels but its harmful UVA and UB rays are the ultimate culprits for many of our skin concerns. UVA rays are responsible for gradual skin damage like premature signs of ageing, enhanced appearance of acne scars, sun spots, and melasma. UVB rays immediately damage the top layer of skin with nasty sunburns and redness. Aside from this disadvantage, skipping sunscreen makes our skin hyper-photosensitive, owing to other skincare products. Therefore, layering a healthy amount of sunblock during the daytime ensures radiant, glowing skin that’s blemish-free.
Nykaa Recommends:
What we love: If you don’t like the greasy finish of sunscreen or want to avoid tugging and pulling at your sensitive skin, this water-based sunscreen from ISDIN will fulfil your sun protection goals. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a white cast. It also acts as a great hydrating makeup base and won’t sting the eyes.
What we love: An oil-controlling, mattifying sunscreen is all an oily skin type could ask for. The Innisfree No Sebum Sunscreen gives the skin a hydrated matte base while keeping excess sebum at bay. It also has a slight pink tint to give your skin a colour-corrected glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a toner?
- What is SPF in skincare?
- When to use vitamin C serum?
- What are the 5 basics of skin care?
Toners were originally formulated with alcohol and other astringent properties to remove excess oil and tighten pores. However, the usage of toners has evolved with time. Current toners in the skincare market target multiple concerns. While it can hydrate and nourish your skin, you can find similar ingredients in a moisturiser for soft, supple skin to simplify your skincare routine.
SPF refers to the Sun Protection Factor in sunscreen. It mainly protects you from UVB rays that give your skin sunburns. The ideal amount of SPF in sunscreen is SPF 30 or 50 to give your elongated sun protection.
Vitamin C serum is a great add-on to your cleanse-moisturise-protect routine. It can applied both during the day and night. It’s a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, reduces sun damage, fades hyperpigmentation, and gives your skin a healthy glow. Remember to wear sunscreen after applying vitamin C serum during the daytime.
Though we’ve shed light on the three most important skincare steps which are cleansing, moisturising, and protecting, a wholesome skincare routine can also include serums and toners for concentrated treatment against hyperpigmentation, signs of ageing and a boost of hydration. Here’s the correct order:
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Toner
Step 3: Serum
Step 4: Moisturiser
Step 5: Sunscreen (only A.M.)
If you’re a beginner overwhelmed with the sheer number of skincare steps or a beauty enthusiast who wants to start their skincare journey over again, bookmark this guide now to get radiant, glowing skin in quick, simple and effective steps.
