A daily skincare routine helps you maintain your overall skin health, and improves upon specific skin conditions such as acne, scarring and dark spots. However, before you start working on your skincare routine, it is important to know about the type of skin you have so that you can begin with the right routine. This can be done by checking the amount of sebum in your skin, which is a waxy, oily liquid that comes out from your pores. Follow these steps:
• Wash your face and pat it dry, and wait for half an hour.
• Gently press oil blotting paper or tissue on your face. Press the paper on different areas of your skin, such as cheeks and forehead.
• Hold the sheet to the light to see how transparent the paper is.
Based on the below results, you can find out about the type of skin you have:
• If the blotting paper is not transparent, you have dry skin.
• If the paper is soaked through, you have oily skin.
• If the blotting paper has different levels of absorption on different areas of your face, you have a combination of dry and oily skin.
• If the paper is not too oily and has no flaky skin, you have normal skin.
Four steps of skincare routine
To have a skincare routine that works for you, follow the below four key steps:
Cleansing: Choose a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin tight after washing. Also, avoid washing for a squeaky-clean feeling as you run the risk of washing away the natural oils of your skin that keep it hydrated.
Serums: Serums contain growth factors that should be applied on the skin in the morning, under sunscreen.
Moisturizer: Use lightweight and gel-based moisturizer that doesn’t block your pores. Sunscreen based moisturizers may be more beneficial for dry skins.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before heading outdoors as it takes a while for it to activate. Contrary to popular belief, darker skin tones need more protection from sun as hyperpigmentation is harder to correct.
Doing a patch test is important
If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before trying a new product. Apply a small amount of the product on your skin in a discreet area, such as on your inner arm and inside of your wrist. Wait for 48 hours to see if there is any reaction, and check the test area four days after the application to see if there is any delayed reaction or allergic reaction, such as redness, itchiness, bumps or small bumps. Beauty care products providers warn against the DIY (do it yourself) hacks such as using lemon juice, garlic, baking soda or toothpaste. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause dark spots to appear on your skin after exposure to the sun. Garlic can cause eczema, watery blisters, skin allergies and inflammation. Baking soda has a pH value level of 8, it can decrease water content in your skin and make it dry. Although toothpaste may kill germs, it can irritate your skin.
Treatments for scars, acnes and eczema
If you are suffering from acne, non-prescription drugs such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid, tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide may be used. Take care to apply sunscreen after using the products as these can make your skin extra sensitive. You can also try acne patches or stickers. These clear thick patches work as spot treatments to help promote blemish healing and prevent infections. Acne patches pull out the fluid, and should be used before you sleep. Blemishes can take a few weeks to six months to heal and fade. Treatments for scars and blemishes include using sunscreen to prevent further damage from the sun and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C may be used in combination with lightening ingredients such as soy and licorice. Topical silicone can also improve scar thickness, color and texture.
Choosing the health insurance plan that provides you true value
To get more information on healthcare products, medications, and health insurances, you can visit PrudentRx program and PrudentRx FAQs where you will get answers to most of your general queries and concerns. PrudentRx drug list has detailed information about various drugs that are prescribed by the doctors, including their ingredients, uses and benefits. You will also be provided options to get your medications at affordable and low prices, and also the best health insurance plans that would work for you.
