Feel Beautiful with an Easy Basic Skincare Routine

Hello, beautiful souls! Imagine starting each day feeling confident and radiant, with a glowing face that reflects your inner vitality. Your skin deserves care, love, and attention. Taking better care of your skin is an essential step towards overall well-being. Let’s dive into some practical tips to nurture your skin and make it glow like never before.

Quick takes

Cleanse your face in the morning
Wear sunscreen during the day, every day
Cleanse your face at night
Take good care of your health in general

What I do for better skin care

Drink enough water

Water is your skin’s best friend. Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps your skin hydrated, plump, and radiant. I drink a glass of water with each meal, drink half a cup of water each time I drink something else like coffee or juice, drink water as needed when doing physical work, and set a water bottle beside my bed at night.

Wash your face

Dirt, smoke, natural oils, and possibly makeup build up on your skin throughout the day. I just use a warm washcloth in the morning to gently wash the sleep from my face. A few times per day, I might rinse my face again with a splash of warm water to freshen up. At night, I either use a warm washcloth again or use a gentle cleanser, as my face feels a bit grimy from the day, and I need to wash off sunscreen and anything else I might have put on earlier. Do not use the soap you would wash your hands with — it has a higher pH value than your natural skin, so it is too harsh for the more delicate skin on our face.

Use moisturizer day and night

A good moisturizer locks in hydration and provides a protective barrier for your skin.
I use a moisturizer in the morning that is also a full-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, and reapply it as needed throughout the day.
Learn about using separate sunscreen and moisturizer in The Truth About Sunscreen Moisturizers.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion bottle

At night, I use an oil-free moisturizer, without sunscreen, that contains active ingredients to support my skin health. My skin is in-between oily and dry — you will need to choose a moisturizer suited for your skin type.

I’m showing the CeraVe products here, which I like most of the time. You can probably get a generic drug store version for a few dollars less that says something like “Compare to CeraVe…” and it will work the same.

Sun protection

The sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days, and reapplying every few hours. Wearing hats and seeking shade can also help. Friday’s Tip: Many daytime moisturizers include a good sunscreen — just look for the “Drug Facts” on the label!

Wearing sunscreen is one of the best — and easiest — ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.
Dr. Anna Chien
Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthy diet

Your skin reflects what you eat. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and green leafy vegetables, can help combat skin damage and promote a healthy glow.

Adequate sleep

Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your skin the time it needs to rejuvenate. Establish a calming bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

Stress management

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to breakouts and dullness. Practice stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, or even a simple walk in nature. Taking time for yourself is crucial for both your skin and overall health.

FAQs about skin care

There are many different active ingredients you can add to your skincare routine, depending on special concerns such as acne, dark circles, wrinkles, and such. I’ll explain those for you in some other posts.

Not necessarily. Many affordable skincare products contain effective ingredients. It’s more important to focus on the ingredients and how they suit your skin type rather than the price tag. Sometimes, simple and budget-friendly options can be just as effective.

turizing sunscreen on first, and let it absorb into your skin. Note that some sunscreens will gum up into little white balls, or pills, when you use them with some other products, or even if you apply to an unshaven face. You will want to test out some different sunscreens with your makeup to find one that works for you.

My friend rattled off an order of makeup things, and here it is in case it helps you:

Cleanse your face.
Apply moisturizing sunscreen and allow it to absorb.
Use a primer if that’s part of your routine.
Apply your foundation.
Now use concealer, if you’re going to.
Time to set with powder, if that’s your thing.
Finally, apply the rest of your makeup.

Every few hours, it’s recommended you reapply sunscreen. Unless I’m in direct sun and sweating, I might go 3 or 4 hours — just because I forget. But anyway, you could use a sunscreen spray or powder to try not disturbing your makeup when reapplying.

Let’s wrap it up…

Your skin is a reflection of your overall health and well-being. By incorporating these simple yet effective skincare tips into your daily routine, you can achieve a glowing, healthy complexion that boosts your confidence and enhances your quality of life. Remember, taking care of your skin is an act of self-love and an investment in your future. Even if your skin looks flawless right now, I think you should start a regular, basic skincare routine to help keep your radiant looks of beauty and health for years to come.

Fresh Girl Friday