A Beginner's Guide

to Starting a Skin
Care Routine

PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY

THOMAS
Abstract

From serums and masks, to night creams and scrubs, the beauty world is a minefield. With
so many different products and advice out there, it is super tricky to figure out what you
need to do for your skin and whether you are doing the right thing.

To help you get your self-care routine, you need to understand so many things related to
your skin and skincare products. By the end of this guide, you will have the beauty-power to
lock down the best skin care routine, fully personalised for your skin.

I. Introduction

To know where and how to start creating a skin care routine, you must understand first what
it means.

A skincare routine is known as a certain number of steps that include cleansing, hydrating,
treating, and protecting.

The purpose is to improve skin appearance, prevent signs of aging, prevent certain skin
issues, and protect the skin by using the right products such as exfoliants, peelings, masks,
cleansers, moisturizers, antioxidants/serums, as well as others depending on your skin type
and condition.

The goal with this guide is that you are able to understand the very basics on how to take
care of your skin, which products to choose and how to choose.

II. Ways to know if your skincare routine is good, bad, or just a waste of
money

Coming up with a skincare routine can feel daunting in the world of 12-step beauty routines
and skin-fluencer social media content.

Sometimes it can feel like your skin just never clears up, regardless of how many expensive
face washes, serums, and jade rollers your buy.

While results aren't instant, there are a few obvious signs you can spot early that will tell you
if your skincare routine is working or actually doing you more harm, according to
dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm.
"It usually takes 3 to 4 months to evaluate whether a skin-care change is working to improve
the overall appearance of the skin," Palm told Well and Good. "It takes a full month for the
top layer of the skin, the epidermis, to turn over. Three to four cycles of this turnover allows
adequate time to demonstrate a qualitative change in the skin."

Your skin is more rough, bumpy, or dull after 1 month

Not all products cause extreme side effects when they aren't working. Small signs can also
indicate a problem with a product.

"The signs that you need to change something in your skin care can also be more subtle –
roughness, bumps, and dullness can be signs that the skin isn't optimally hydrated or
desquamating (turning itself over)," Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a cosmetic dermatologist, told
Insider.

If a month passes and you're noticing these signs, consider parting with the product or
changing your routine.

Very dry or very oily skin after 1 month

A key to healthy skin is maintaining your hydration balance.

According to Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a dermatologist in New Jersey, if your skin is too dry or
extremely oily after a month, your products likely not providing enough moisture and
causing an overproduction of oil or dryness.

You're still having breakouts after 2 months

Generally, certain products might make you break out more initially because they encourage
skin turnover, according to Dr. Sejal Shah.
"Generally it is seen with products that increase cell turnover such as retinoid or hydroxy
acids," Shah told Allure."Because purging is thought to be due to increased cell turnover, it's
really going to bring preexisting microcomedones to the surface and they will turn into
whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and cysts. Usually, it happens in areas that you
usually get breakouts."

But if you get two months into a routine and your acne remains, gets worse, or pops up in
other areas of your face your products are probably not working.

Your skin burns when you apply the product

While certain products like retinoids may subtly sting or tingle when you first start using
them, intense burning or redness could indicate the product is harming your skin.

"Irritated skin can be red, scaly, bumpy and itchy or even painful," Waldorf said. "The skin
may burn or sting when products are applied."

If you feel an intense burn, toss the product immediately.

You're extremely itchy or you have a rash

According to Baxt, if your skin is flakey, itchy, or developing a rash you should stop using
your products immediately and reassess before you do some permanent damage.

A rash could be the first sign of an allergic reaction to a product, which can cause permanent
skin damage over time.

"Allergy to something topical can show up as redness, swelling, blisters, and itch," Waldorf
told Insider.

It's best to go to a dermatologist if you have a rash and are wondering how to proceed.

III. How to take care of your skin with a simple skincare routine

With the likes of the 10-step Korean skincare routine, $200 serums and thousands of
cleansers available, it's difficult to know what we really need (and what we can ignore).

Especially for the minimalists, beauty apprentices and frugal ones among us, the mere idea
of a complicated, expensive skincare routine is enough to make us skip that morning cleanse
altogether (which, as it turns out, may not be that bad).

What we need is a minimalist, no-fuss skincare routine suited to our different skin types.
Let's take out the guess work, fancy serums and overnight masks, and get back to basics.
This guide will give you essential skincare information and suggestions so you feel
comfortable heading into any chemist and finding the right products for your skin type.

What are the different skin types?

Most people fall into five skin types — oily, combination, dry skin, sensitive and normal —
explains Melanie Grant, a skin expert with more than 20 years' experience whose clients
include Lara Worthingon, Jessica Mauboy and Zoe Foster Blake.

Oily skin type is often shiny, has large pores and is prone to blackheads, milia and breakouts.
The upside: oily skin usually ages better as the sebum helps to keep the skin supple and
lubricated.

Combination skin type is oily on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry or normal
across the cheeks. Combination skin can also change from oily to dry or normal depending
on the season and climate.

Dry skin can feel tight, rough or flaky, with visible fine lines around the eyes and forehead,
even after applying moisturiser.

Sensitive skin flushes easily and can often react to skincare with a stinging or burning
sensation, bumps, pustules and erythema.
Normal skin is not oily, dry and rarely breaks out. It usually tolerates most skincare products
and has a smooth, even texture.

Many of us fall into a couple of skin types. It can keep things interesting.

A simple, effective skincare routine

Although ads and beauty gurus suggest otherwise, you don't need to fork out hundreds of
dollars (or much time) to have an effective skincare routine. In fact, "less is more".

"Simple routines are the most successful routines," Ms Grant says. "Skincare really doesn't
need to be complicated."

Both Ms Grant and Saxon Smith, a dermatologist and clinical associate professor, say
skincare is all about protecting your skin.

"Australia has one of the harshest climates in the world, so I'm a firm believer that everyone
can benefit from protecting their skin — from the harsh effects of our sun, as well as
pollution and other environmental aggressors," Ms Grant says.

This means skincare goes beyond cleansers and moisturisers. It's also about using regular sun
protection like sunscreen and hats.

"It's important to support our skin as it goes through various ageing processes, and because
the impact of UV light over our lifetime changes the quality of our skin. This increases our
risk as a community of skin cancer," Dr Smith says.

So, what does a simple, preventative skincare routine look like? Three products: cleanser,
moisturiser and sunscreen. That's it.

As someone who's struggled with acne (and tried countless products that did more damage
than good by stripping my skin), my best advice is to pare down your skincare routine. And
be kind to your face.

Here's a guide on each step.

Cleanser

When shopping for a face cleanser, look for keywords such as "pH balanced", "sulphate-free"
and "soap-free" as these indicate a cleanser is gentle and non-stripping.

Moisturiser

The best moisturiser is one that suits your skin type.

The drier your skin, the thicker or more hydrating the moisturiser you need, Dr Smith
explains. Look for keywords like "nourishing", "hydrating" and "creme/cream".

If you have oily skin look for moisturisers with keywords like "light/lightweight", "non-
greasy" and "oil-free".

"A water-based moisturiser will help to maintain even tone of the skin and stop your skin
from feeling too greasy," Dr Smith says.

With sensitive skin, Ms Grant recommends opting for moisturisers that are free from alcohol
and fragrances.

Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, always select a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB with SPF 30 or

higher, and apply to your face, neck and decolletage.

IV. How to treat skin problems?

There are ways to tackle skin problems without damaging your skin. Just remember the
number one rule of skin care: Don’t pick! Picking at acne, blackheads, scabs, or other skin
problems can cause open wounds or darker skin spots known as hyperpigmentation. Open
wounds can lead to infections, more acne, or scars. The deeper the wound, the more likely
your skin will scar.

Here are some scientifically backed ways to treat problem areas.

Acne

Acne treatment depends on how deep or serious your acne is. Overall skin care is the most
important step in treating acne, but for mild acne you can use nonprescription products
from your local drugstore such as:

 salicylic acid (Stridex maximum strength acne pads)

 benzoyl peroxide (Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 acne medication)

 alpha hydroxy acids

 adapalene

 tea tree oil

Always apply sunscreen after using these products in the morning, since they can cause extra
skin sensitivity.

For immediate, inflamed, and individual pimples, you can also try acne patches or stickers.
These are clear, thick patches that work as spot treatments to help promote blemish healing
and prevent infections. Like blister bandages, acne patches pull out the fluid, sometimes
overnight. It’s best to use these before you sleep as makeup can’t cover them.

Sebaceous filaments

Sebaceous filaments are tiny, cylinder-like tubes in your pores that are whitish yellow. These
are often confused with blackheads, but blackheads are actually a type of acne that’s
oxidized. Sebaceous filaments can make your pores look bigger, and you may be tempted to
remove them by pinching your skin or using pore strips. But these methods may have more
side effects than benefits for your skin, especially if you don’t do them properly.

Overtime, you can also cause:

 irritation

 open pores and infection

 dryness

 redness

 peeling

Topical preparations containing retinol or retinoids can help keep pores clear and clean. You
may also find benefits from massaging your face with mineral or castor oil for one minute.
Another way of removing sebaceous filaments is with an extraction tool. This is a small metal
instrument with a tiny circle at the end.

The safest method is to have an esthetician or dermatologist remove them for you, but you
can also do this at home:

 Start with a clean face and instrument.

 Gently press the circle around the bump to see if the filament comes out. Be careful
as excessive pressure can cause bruising and scarring.

 Treat the area with toner and moisturizer after.

 Always sanitize your instrument with rubbing alcohol before and after use to
prevention infections.

You may also see extra benefits by applying benzoyl peroxide after washing before
extraction.

Blemishes, scars, and hyperpigmentation

Blemishes, scars, and dark spots can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months to heal
and fade. Immediate treatment for scars and blemishes include using makeup and sunscreen
to avoid further sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Other ingredients known to help fade scars include:

 Silicone: Studies show that topical silicone can improve scar thickness, color, and
texture. You can apply silicone gel for eight to 24 hours per day. Look for products
with silicone dioxide listed as an ingredient.

 Honey: Preliminary studies show that honey can heal wounds and scars. You may
want to use honey if you’re looking for home treatment.

 Vitamin C: Look for this ingredient when shopping for creams and moisturizers.
Vitamin C works better when combined with other lightening ingredients like soy and
licorice.

 Niacinamide: Studies showTrusted Source that niacinamide can help reduce

blemishes and dark spots, especially from acne. Topical two percent to five percent
niacinamide is effective for people with lighter skin tones. An affordable option is The
Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, which costs $5.90.

 Retinoic acid: One studyTrusted Source found that acne scars improved in 91.4
percent of people who applied a combination of retinoic acid and glycolic acid. The
 Ordinary also has a product that’s two percent retinoid for $9.80. Use products with
this ingredient only at night.

Look for products with these ingredients and add them to your routine after washing your
face. Don’t forget to always wear sunscreen after application to avoid sun damage and
hyperpigmentation.

V. How to Choose the Skincare Products Best Suited for Your Skin,
According to Dermatologists

An individualized approach is crucial to finding the right skincare products with the right
ingredients for your skin. This takes a little extra time, and yes, it involves reading the
ingredients list, but it’s worth it.

Luckily for you, we talked to dermatologists to make the whole process a little less
intimidating. With some of this information in your back pocket, you can be a more
confident consumer, and hopefully avoid reactive skin disasters when trying out new
products in the future.

1. Know your skin type

According to cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, skin type is the most important
factor in determining what skincare products will work best for you. “There are no bad
products necessarily, but sometimes people with different skin types use the wrong product
for their type of skin,” Dr. Green says.
You might have guessed it already, but those with acne-prone and sensitive skin need to be
the most cautious with different ingredients in their skincare products. To all the oily skin
types out there, you’re actually the winners here: Oily skin can handle a wider range of
ingredients that can sometimes trigger breakouts or irritation to other skin types.

These are the ingredients Dr. Green suggests for different skin types:

For oily skin: Look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid or salicylic acid),
benzoyl peroxide, and hyaluronic acid. “These ingredients are effective at controlling excess
sebum production while hyaluronic acid will produce hydration only in areas needed,” Dr.
Green says.

For dry skin: Look for products containing shea butter and lactic acid. “These ingredients
provide hydration and mild exfoliation to keep dry skin looking radiant,” Dr. Green says.

For sensitive skin: Look for products containing aloe vera, oatmeal, and shea butter. “They’re
good moisturizers and they usually don’t break anyone out,” Dr. Green says.

If you’re not 100 percent sure what skin type you have, it’s worth a trip to the dermatologist
to confirm. Once you understand your skin type, you can start selecting your products with a
little more precision.

2. Don’t buy into the hype

“Packaging and popularity are sometimes easy traps that we fall into and shouldn’t hold too
much weight or value into what we select for what’s good for our skin,” Dr. David says. If
you’re going to buy a product based off a friend or influencer’s recommendation, you
shouldn’t just pay attention to how good their skin looks now, but instead what type of skin
they were dealing with to start out. That will give you a more reliable indicator for how well
the product will work for you.

In the past few years, cult-favorites like the St. Ives Apricot Scrub and multiple Mario
Badescu creams have faced lawsuits from consumers who experienced some pretty serious
adverse reactions. No need to panic if some of these products are sitting in your cosmetics
drawer at home—this doesn’t mean they’re bad for everyone. But the backlash around
some of these popular skincare brands and products can serve as a reminder that just
because something gets the popularity vote doesn’t mean that it’s popular for the right
reasons, or that it’s the right product for you.

Checking the ingredients list is still the best way to go, no matter how many positive reviews
or stars the product has online.

3. Natural doesn’t always mean better

Familiar words in the ingredients list can be comforting to see, but it doesn’t always indicate
the safest route to take. For example, Dr. David explains that poison ivy is a natural oil, but
it’s not one that you would want to rub all over your skin. “I have patients come in pretty
frequently with reactions to natural essential oils, so again, it’s one of those things where
everyone is unique and you need to do what’s best for yourself uniquely,” Dr. David says.

She also warns that seeing the terms natural and organic on a product label is sometimes
more of a marketing trick than anything else. Because those terms aren’t regulated and
there aren’t specific industry standards for them, they can offer empty promises.
Additionally, sometimes a product will be labeled as natural in reference to only one or two
of the ingredients on the list.

4. Pay attention to the order of ingredients

Once you know what primary ingredients you’re looking to avoid or go after, you’ll want to
pay attention to where they fall on the ingredients list. As a good rule of thumb, Dr. David
recommends looking at the first five ingredients, since that will often account for about 80
percent of the product’s makeup.

Ingredients will be listed in order of highest to lowest concentration, so if there’s a

problematic or potentially irritating ingredient among the first five listed, you’ll want to steer
clear of that product. Similarly, if you’re seeking out a product for specific ingredients, but
those ingredients are listed at the end, then that product isn’t worth your money. With such
a small percentage in the overall product, you won’t experience the benefits of the
ingredients at the end of the list.

5. Don’t fear the long ingredients list

When it comes to the food we put in our body, we’re often taught to look for a shorter,
more familiar ingredients list. While a more abbreviated list can be easier to decipher, it
won’t always cut it in terms of what you’re looking to get out of your skincare products.

When you’re looking for anti-aging properties or investing in medical-grade skincare

products, the ingredients list will naturally get a bit longer. And Dr. David says that shouldn’t
deter you. Instead, call in for a little bit of backup—either from a dermatologist or
technology—to help determine if the product is a good choice for you.

6. Use your resources

You don’t have to be a walking dictionary in order to pick out skincare products with the
right ingredients. Make things a little easier on yourself by taking advantage of online
resources. Dr. David suggests two online databases for ingredient and product research:
EWG’s Skin Deep database and CosDNA.
The EWG Skin Deep database is just one sector of their online services. The Environmental
Working Group is a nonprofit organization geared toward research and education
surrounding environmental and human health issues. In the Skin Deep database, skincare
products are rated and scored by a number of factors, from manufacturing practices to
potential health hazards.

CosDNA is more of a no-frills database, but it dives even deeper into the ingredients in a
product, detailing their individual functions and safety score.

7. Always do a patch test

A patch test is smart practice in your process of product elimination. (Plus, it’s a great excuse
to make a trip to Ulta or Sephora without spending a bunch of money.) Time to take
advantage of those tester products.

A patch test can help determine if certain products or ingredients will cause allergic
reactions, irritate your skin, or clog your pores. “I think the take-home message is: If it’s
making your skin worse or irritating your skin in any way, stop using it, it’s not the right
product for you,” Dr. Green says

Testing all your ingredients before committing to them takes a little more time at first, but it
can save you a whole lot of money and grief in the end.8

8. Ingredients to avoid

Fragrance/parfum

Added fragrances have a high prevalence of causing skin allergies and irritation, and it’s
especially important to avoid them if you have sensitive skin.
Sulfates

Sulfates are cleansing agents often found in body washes and shampoo. They strip the hair
and skin of its natural oil and can, in turn, cause irritation.

Parabens

Parabens are commonly placed in products as a chemical preservative to prevent bacterial

growth. They’re known to be what Dr. David and other industry experts call estrogen
mimickers and they can have a harmful effect over time by throwing off hormonal balance.
Dr. David and Dr. Green both caution that this can be especially problematic for young
children and those at risk of breast cancer.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers

It’s rare to see formaldehyde in an ingredient list anymore since it’s classified as a known
carcinogen. But Dr. David explains that it’s often replaced with differently named chemicals
(quanterium-15, DMDM hydantoin, diazolinge urea, imidazolidinge urea) that release
formaldehyde over time to act as preservatives. Dr. David says it’s not confirmed whether or
not these ingredients are harmful in this capacity, but it’s worth looking out for them as
potential allergens.

9. Ingredients to seek out

Glycerin

Dr. David calls this ingredient the backbone of moisturizing products.

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Both ingredients are important moisturizing agents that are naturally found in the skin. Dr.
David says she prefers hyaluronic acid in the serum form, while she looks for glycerins and
ceramides in lotions and creams.

L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Vitamin C, specifically the l-ascorbic acid form, is an antioxidant that works to reverse
damage from UV radiation and stimulate collagen production.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Vitamin E offers similar properties as Vitamin C and works best when the two are combined
as a skincare power duo.

Retinol
Retinol is a key ingredient to seek out in products for your nighttime routine. It works to
turnover skin cells and stimulate collagen.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

This ingredient is great for controlling oil while also hydrating the skin and evening out skin
tone.

VI. What Are the Essential Skin Care Products?

Beauty stems from healthy and naturally glowing skin. Well-nourished skin always attracts
attention and makes you carry off any style with confidence. However, women are often in a
dilemma when it comes to choosing the right products for their skin-care routine.

Since the market is flooded with a variety of cosmetics, you need to be aware of the ones
that are essential for great-looking skin. You should not just pick up anything that fits your
budget or is being advertised heavily.

Most renowned skin clinics in Melbourne suggest keeping the skin hydrated and using the
essential skincare products that lend radiance to your persona. You must include them in
your daily beauty regimen to look your best always. Let us have a look at these
quintessential products.
1. Cleanser

The first step towards achieving beautiful skin is to keep it clean and devoid of dirt and
pollutants. Also, you must remove all the layers of makeup to let the skin breathe and unclog
the pores at the end of the day.

This is the reason why cleansers need to be a vital part of your toiletries kit. It helps in
removing the night creams in the morning and the impurities hiding on your face after you
come back from outside.

There are a variety of cleansers available in the market. You should choose the one that fits
the needs of your skin type. People with dry skin should opt for the creamy or milky lotions
that do not cause excessive dryness.

If you have oily or normal skin, then you can go for the foaming face cleansers. For those of
you who wear makeup for long hours and use waterproof eyeliners and mascaras, using an
oil-based cleanser will be helpful in removing every bit of the cosmetics. You should not use
cleansing wipes too frequently as they can lead to skin troubles.

2. Toner

Toning is as critical as cleansing. It helps in balancing the pH level of the skin, which keeps
acne and breakouts at bay by reducing oiliness.

Toning is effective in creating smoothness and prepares the skin for moisturising, which
follows toning in the three-step cleansing, toning and moisturising procedure. It is also
beneficial in removing any leftover makeup and tightening of the skin.

People whose skin is prone to breakouts or those who have oily skin should buy the toners
which consist of hyaluronic. If you havenormal skin, then youcan opt for a toner with green
tea extracts while those of you with dry skin should buy the toners which have essential oils.

3. Moisturiser

Moisturising is necessary for all skin types and keeps it hydrated. Dry skin can lead to
flakiness and even lead to early wrinkles. You must get a moisturiser that does not let the
skin dry up in the prevailing weather conditions.

For those who have oily skin must opt for a non-comedogenic formula so that it does not
cause acne. For those who have dry skin which becomes flaky during winters, you must try
the lotion-based moisturisers that will hydrate your skin adequately.

4. Sunscreen
 Melbournians need to apply sunscreen as it aids in UV protection and safeguards you from
skin cancer. Since melanoma is common in the state, it is essential to apply sunscreen of SPF
30 or more. The strong UVA and UVB radiations can also lead to wrinkles, skin
discolouration, dark spots, dryness,and sunburns.

If you love to spend the summertime on the beach or outdoors, then make sure that you
have applied a liberal amount of sunscreen and keep reapplying it after every few hours. You
can apply after moisturising your skin and do it at least 30 minutes before going out.

5. Exfoliator

Exfoliation is vital to remove the impurities and dead skin cells.It unclogs the pores that get
filled with dirt and grime and cause blackheads and breakouts. However, it should not be
done everyday as it can make the skin dry and strip it off the essential oils. You must
exfoliate once a week to remove the pollutants and keep it healthy and radiant.

6. Serum

Women who are aiming to look younger and reduce the appearance of fine lines should add
a serum to their skincare routine. They are helpful in avoiding pigmentation and
enlargement of pores.

They are also advantageous in brightening and rejuvenating ageing skin. You should apply
the serum at night after cleansing to make it work wonders on your skin while you sleep.

7. Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes is sensitive and is susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles because it is
thinner. Thus, you need to pay special attention to this area. Also, it has a lower number of
oil glands which makes it even more significant to keep it hydrated. Eye creams filled with
antioxidants are helpful in avoiding the appearance of wrinkles.

If you already have crow’s feet around the eyes, then look for an eye cream that has retinol
and hyaluronic acid. If you are suffering from puffy eyes, then find a product which has
caffeine and those who are fed up with dark circles need to buy a cream with brighteners.

VII. How Maintaining a Skin-Care Routine Is Good for Your Mental Health?

What you need right now in the COVID-19 era is a pandemic skin-care self-care plan. Simply
put, it’s committing to and following a routine that will benefit the health of your body’s
largest organ (that’s your skin, notes Berkeley Wellness) and deliver the bonus of providing
the structure and pampering that benefits your psychological well-being.
“Caring for my skin is one of the first steps in my self-care routine,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a
board-certified dermatologist with Montgomery Dermatology in King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania.

Yes, she’s a dermatologist, so naturally she’s skin-focused, but there’s good reason for the
dermal attention. “The reality is that our skin in so many ways is a ‘check engine light’ for our
internal health. When skin looks and feels good, we tend to feel better about ourselves,” she
says.

Here are five powerful reasons why.

1. A Skin-Care Routine Provides Stability in Your Day That Benefits Your Mental Health

“One of the bigger things we’re experiencing right now is the transition from being out and
about to home all the time. What happens during that change is that you lose the structure
and routine of your day. Those routines include healthy eating habits, exercise, journaling,
and skin care,” says Matt Traube, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and a
psychodermatologist. Those routines are critical for your overall health, in both body and
mind. In a study published in June 2018 in the Lancet Psychiatry, researchers found that
people who have less consistent routines throughout the active parts of their day were more
likely to suffer from major depressive and bipolar disorders, mood problems, loneliness, and
less happiness.

These routines feel good and act as a comforting force in your life, providing an anchor to
your day and serving as a point of stability in your week, says Traube. On a small scale, you
may even feel like you’ve accomplished something. “I think that especially now, because of
COVID-19, it’s vitally important to maintain some routines during the week, otherwise one
day begins to blend into the other. Now, in particular, is a fantastic time to reap the benefit
of these habits,” he says.

2. Focusing on Doing Something Nice for Yourself Helps Stop a Worry Spiral

You might find that certain times of the day can trigger intrusive thoughts, but you can break
the negative thoughts with self-care. “Patients who experience anxiety and depression often
report that their condition is exacerbated 30 minutes to one hour before bed. This is when
they have more idle time, which increases worry for a lot of people,” says Traube. It’s when
you’re engaged in an activity, including washing, toning, and moisturizing your face that you
can get out of your head and focus on what you’re doing. (This goes for any activity that
keeps you busy, like working on a new project, cooking dinner, or walking your dog around
the neighborhood.)

3. Pampering Skin on a Regular Basis Triggers a Cascade of Chemicals in Your Brain to

Boost Your Mood

Create a routine that feels good and includes products that you enjoy using. For example,
don’t underestimate the impact of gently massaging skin with a warm washcloth to cleanse,
taking extra time to smooth a silky moisturizer on your face, or applying a mask. You can
even turn this into an evening event like Melanie Moreno, head of aesthetics at Mario
Tricoci in Chicago, does: “Caring for my skin during quarantine has definitely given me
something to look forward to. My significant other and I like to set the mood when we do at-
home facials by lighting some candles, having a glass of wine, and playing some relaxing
tunes while we let our mask sit,” she says.

4. Skin Care Provides a Chance to Bond With Loved Ones — and That’s a Boon to Mental
Health

Moreno and her partner are onto something with their mask routine. In general, spending
this concentrated time with loved ones pursuing hobbies and enjoyable activities is linked to
greater levels of happiness, according to a study published in May 2018 in the journal
Psychological Science. In a time when it may feel as if you’re too close for comfort with the
other members of your household, you can carve out meaningful time together that will
bolster your sense of personal satisfaction and family bond.

5. Caring for Your Skin Is an Act of Kindness That Sends a Powerful Message

Right now, the world is a stressful place. So it might feel tempting to watch TV late into the
night and then roll into bed without so much as splashing your face with water — you’re just
too tired. But what if, instead, you focused on taking care of yourself in this small way.

Why Self-Care, Including When It Comes to Your Skin, Is So Important Now

There are numerous ways to practice self-care, but focusing your efforts on improving skin
health pays off for your mental and emotional health, too — and that’s critical in the time of
COVID-19. “I find that there is a direct correlation between my skin-care routine and my
mood,” says Moreno. “Taking the time to nurture my skin affects my mind and body. It
boosts my confidence and gives me a sense of control over how my day will go.”

VIII. Conclusion

The health of your skin is the most important style statement, so make sure that it is devoid
of any problems. Use the essential skincare products recommended by well-known skin
clinics in Melbourne to keep it soft, smooth, and supple.

IX. References:

Ways to know if your skincare routine is good, bad, or just a waste of money| insider. Retrieved 4
Dec, 2020, from

https://www.insider.com/signs-your-skincare-routine-is-good-bad-waste-of-money-2020-8

How to take care of your skin with a simple skincare routine| abc. Retrieved 4 Dec, 2020, from

https://www.abc.net.au/life/how-to-take-care-of-your-skin-5-simple-skincare-routines/10194624

A Guide to Taking Care of Your Skin| healthline. Retrieved 4 Dec, 2020, from

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-types-care#specific-care

How to Choose the Skincare Products Best Suited for Your Skin, According to Dermatologists|
realsimple. Retrieved 4 Dec, 2020, from

https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/how-to-choose-skin-care-products

What Are the Essential Skin Care Products?| freshskincanvas. Retrieved 4 Dec, 2020, from

https://www.freshskincanvas.com.au/what-are-the-essential-skin-care-products/

Reasons Maintaining a Skin-Care Routine Is Good for Your Mental Health| everydayhealth. Retrieved
4 Dec, 2020, from

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/5-reasons-maintaining-a-skin-care-routine-is-good-
for-your-mental-health/