Starting a Basic Skincare Routine: Why You Should Begin NOW

     True confession: I used to have terrible skincare habits.

Most of my 20s were spent sleeping in makeup, or halfheartedly removing it with a cheap makeup wipe. I only used my generic face wash in the shower, and I avoided moisturizer at all costs. (My face was already an oil slick, and I didn’t want to add to the problem, right?)

For all those years, I also had a terrible complexion. Yet, somehow, I was still skeptical of following a skincare routine.

There are many excuses to procrastinate on caring for your skin, and I know them all :

• You’re still young! There’s time to worry about skincare later.
• You’re overwhelmed with thousands of products, formulas, and brands. You don’t know what your skin needs, or how to choose.
• You’ve tried random skincare products here and there, but they never seemed to help.

Does any of this sound familiar?

20-something me used all three of these excuses. I was young, clueless, and certain that skincare couldn’t help my acne-prone complexion. (Also stubborn, so good luck convincing me otherwise.)

 

 Unfortunately, I wasn’t right. The real list should have looked more like this :

• Start skincare early! The longer you wait, the more problems you’ll see down the road.
• You don’t have to be an expert to find products that suit your unique skin.
• Once you have the right skincare, it can transform your complexion from the inside out.

Skincare doesn’t have to be confusing. With just a few easy tips, you can build a simple, effective routine tailored to your skincare needs.

Why Proper Skincare Is Important

Many of us don’t realize the true importance of a skincare routine. It’s about so much more than a clean face! There are a whole host of skin benefits to be found in the right products.

1. Treating Blemishes: If you have acne-prone skin, you’ve probably tried big-name acne-fighting brands (and you’ve probably been disappointed by them). But you don’t have to live with breakouts! Natural skincare ingredients can help heal your acne by:

• Balancing oil production
• Removing dead skin cells
• Calming inflammation
• Fighting harmful bacteria
• Minimizing acne scars

2. Anti-aging: On average, wrinkles take off around your 40s, but you can start developing fine lines and crow’s feet as early as your 20s! Nourishing your skin with wholesome skincare products can help stave off the effects of aging by:

• Preventing photoaging from sun exposure
• Defending against environmental pollutants
• Boosting collagen production

3. UV Protection: Using sunscreens or SPF products can protect your skin from sun damage. Not only does this help against the previously mentioned photoaging, but UV protection also defends your complexion by:

• Lowering your risk of skin cancer
• Preventing dark marks and hyperpigmentation

Can’t face your dark marks anymore? Help them fade away with Averr Aglow’s Luminous Complexion Toner

When to Start Taking Care of Your Skin

For best results, incorporate skin-positive products as early as possible. The sooner you start a healthy routine, the better protection you can provide your skin, the faster you can vanish any developing blemishes, and the longer you can postpone signs of aging.

Worried it may already be too late? No such thing. Your body wants to heal itself. With the right skincare support, you can help it recover from issues like scarring, dry patches, and acne flare-ups.

Even complexions stressed by age or sun damage will work to repair themselves once the stress is relieved. Skincare can be that de-stressor for you, protecting and reinforcing your skin so it can focus on healing.

But why wait for skin issues to appear before you start treating them? It’s as the old saying goes: prevention is better than cure.

Whether or not you’re already seeing wrinkles, scars, or the beginnings of a new breakout, don’t wait. Start nourishing your skin pronto!

How to Start a Skincare Routine

The first step to starting a skincare routine? Just decide to do it! Commit to treating your skin (and yourself) with love and respect. Skincare can be an excellent form of self-care.

Once you’ve committed, then it’s all about choosing the right products.

1. Begin With the Basics

Fortunately, you don’t have to jump in with 15 new products. Start with the 3 most important steps:

• Cleanse: Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine. Your cleanser should help protect your skin from impurities and harmful bacteria while penetrating deep to keep pores clear. Our Radiant Cleansing Nectar is a great example. It’s gentle enough for any skin type but strong enough to remove oil, dirt, and even makeup. Meanwhile, it nourishes your skin with natural ingredients like vitamin-rich hawthorn berries and soothing manuka oil.
• Moisturize: After cleansing, follow with a good moisturizer — no matter your skin type. For dry skin, moisturizing helps revitalize your complexion and prevent premature wrinkles. For oily skin, moisturizing helps balance your oil production and create a dewy glow. Either way, our Flawless Nourishment Cream is a perfect choice! Its intensely hydrating formula suits any skin type. Rosehip and camellia help prevent fine lines, while nutrients from pumpkin seed oil help balance and even out your complexion.
• Defend: Last but not least, defend your precious skin from UV and environmental damage. Wear an SPF product anytime you go outside, even if it’s cloudy. Ideally, use a water-based sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

 

2. Add Products to Meet Your Needs

Once you settle into your new skincare habit, you can start to branch out. Consider adding products and steps that complement your base routine.

• Exfoliate: Exfoliation can be the key to many skin issues. A good exfoliant will help clear clogged pores, buff away dull skin, and build collagen for a younger look. Even if you’re using a product like our Radiant Cleansing Nectar, which provides mild daily exfoliation, you may want to add another exfoliating product to your routine. But don’t overdo it with damaging chemicals and microbeads — once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliant is enough. Our Illuminating Essence Face Mask strikes the perfect balance with volcanic ash and silica, smoothing your skin for a natural, healthy glow.
• Detoxify: If you suffer from chronic blemishes, a little detox is exactly what you need. Whether you have little whiteheads or massive cysts, treating topical symptoms will only get you so far. Instead, address the root of the problem with a purifying product like our Clear Skin Elixir. This overnight mask penetrates deep with French pink clay and fossilized coral to help heal blemishes and prevent new breakouts before they start.
• Soothe: Are redness and inflammation the bane of your complexion? Add a soothing element to your skincare routine. Skip options with synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances, which can further irritate your sensitive skin. Instead, try a soft mist like our Clarifying Hydration Dew. It lightly deposits rosewater and cucumber to calm and relieve inflammation. Plus, the Dew has a secret superpower: a quick spritz can boost the effects of other skincare products!
• Balance: Adding a toner to your arsenal is one of the best ways to level up your complexion. Toners can help even out skin tone, fade dark marks, and minimize pores. They can also help your moisturizer balance out oiliness. Our Luminous Complexion Toner does all this and more, combining regenerative comfrey with superfruit Kakadu plum (the world’s richest natural source of vitamin C).

 

Be selective. Evaluate your skin’s unique needs and add the products that will give the most value back to your complexion.

(Pro tip: As you build out your routine, it can start to feel complicated again. When in doubt, apply products from thinnest to thickest. For example, use a light toner before a dense, creamy moisturizer.)

3. Keep It Simple

When selecting steps for your routine, beware of skincare that is all flash and no substance.

Don’t get sucked in by “cutting-edge” formulations or super-niche products that only target one skin problem at a time. This is a fast way to waste money.

Keep it simple with products that prioritize natural, effective ingredients, treat multiple skin issues, and are safe for every skin type.

Bonus points if the products are already designed to work together. Sourcing your routine from a single skincare line is one way to ensure that all of the ingredients work together. That way, you’ll receive the best possible effects!

4. Be Consistent

Forming new habits may be one of the hardest parts of building your routine! Try not to skip your AM or PM skincare steps, even if you’re feeling tired and unmotivated. You’ll see better results if you use your products consistently.

Also, allow your complexion time to benefit from the products you’ve chosen. Skin takes time to adjust, and switching routines too quickly is counterproductive. Give yourself at least 6 to 8 weeks to notice changes.

 

And that’s it! Start small, build your perfect routine over time, and commit to following it. You’ll be amazed at the difference good skincare can make!