Create A Basic Skincare Routine For Under 50$
Introduction
Skincare is an essential part of selfcare. However, there is no denying that taking care of your skin can be very expensive. From cleansers, to toners to even skincare tools, all of these can be very overwhelming and a lot of the time, unnecessary. This is why you need a basic skincare routine. Here is a guide to help you decide what products you actually need, why you may need them, and affordable recommendations for all skin types.
What is a Basic Skincare Routine?
A basic skincare routine is one that contains the three essential steps that your skin needs to function as well as it can. These steps are: Cleanse, Moisturize, Sunscreen (during the day).
Cleansing typically entails removing makeup, dirt and grime, etc., from the skin. There is the need to replenish your skin with nutrients once it has been cleansed, hence the importance of a good moisturizer. Sunscreen is also essential during the day to protect the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause photoaging and skin cell damage.
It is important that the ingredients in these steps are basic and will be suitable for daily use. You should be looking for skin identical, soothing, calming, replenishing and non stripping ingredients in your products. Ingredients like ceramides, aloe, panthenol, allantoin, etc. Avoid products that contain ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, etc. especially in high concentrates as they may be too harsh for daily use.
How to Decide if a Basic Skincare Routine is for you
Not everybody will have great skin by just sticking to a basic skincare routine. The fact is that many people struggle with acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and other skin issues that may not significantly improve by simply following a basic skincare routine. On the other end of the spectrum are people who should have a basic skincare routine.
If you fall into this category of persons, you may want to consider a basic skincare routine (at least for a few months before exploring other steps in your routine).
1. You’re completely new to skincare
Skincare can be very overwhelming if you’re just starting out. Retinols, AHAs, BHAs, Toners, Ampoules, Essence, Double Cleansing, Slugging, Masks, etc. There are so many products in the market claiming to do different things at different price points that it all can really seem overwhelming. It is important for a skincare beginner to stick to the basics because the basics are what is actually important for maintaining your skin’s health.
It is also always better to start slow and create a basic skincare routine that you can fall back on if you have reactions to any skincare ingredient later on. You can adopt this basic skincare routine for about two to four weeks or more if you wish, before introducing other steps in your routine.
2. You don’t have any issues that you want to target within your skin
Some people don’t have any skincare concerns. These people may want to stick to a basic routine to avoid introducing any irritating ingredient since they have almost perfect skin. If you do have any skincare concerns, it is pertinent that you target those concerns with ingredients that can help them.
3. You have a damaged skin barrier
If you have a damaged skin barrier, you may want to consider cutting back on actives and sticking to the basics. While concentrated serums and toners that contain skin identical ingredients can be very helpful to heal and maintain skin barrier function, it is not necessary especially if your skin barrier is damaged due to specific ingredients overuse.
It is important that you take the time to heal your skin barrier before introducing new steps into your routine again.
4. You don’t have too much time and/or money to invest in skincare
Extra steps in your routine means extra time and extra money. If you are currently on a budget considering how expensive skin care can be, you can always stick to the basics. Also, if you’re the kind of person that just wants to do the bare minimum- take care of your skin. This is the perfect way to do it!
You may need to choose products based on your skin type and conditions.
5. You are Pregnant
Pregnancy is a reason to stay far away from overdoing it with skincare. There are quite a few ingredients you should avoid while pregnant anyway, and there is a huge tendency for sensitivity while pregnant. It is easier to stick to a basic skincare routine while pregnant especially if you have reactive or sensitive skin.
Product Recommendations for a Basic Skincare Routine
Here are some product recommendations based on personal experience, research and positive reviews that are great for all skin types.
Cleanser Recommendations
Moisturizers Recommendations
A full review of the Etude House Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion is here.
Sunscreen Recommendations
Conclusion
Even if you have several steps in your routine, you still need these basics. No routine is complete without these three essential steps. It is very attainable to build the right routine for you without breaking the bank!