The first thing that comes to my mind when someone says skin care is a cabinet full of tubes and bottles and hours in front of the mirror.

More products and steps in our daily skincare regimen means better skin. Have we fallen prey to the marketing gimmicks and assume expensive products are most effective? Almost all of us have been there. Haven’t we?

The market is flooded with so many options and can be so confusing for the average consumer. I am a person with sensitive and acne prone skin. It has taken me lots of trial and error, visits to dermatologists and spending hours online desperately looking for the answer to perfect skin to realize that one does not need many products/ steps for the perfect skin. 

According to dermatologists your skincare routine should contain these 3 types of skin care products. There are many other products which can help but they are supplementary and can be excluded if needed. 

1. Cleanser

Cleanser removes dirt, oil and bacteria off your skin. Remember the skin on your face is more sensitive compared to the skin on your body. So do not use the shower gel or bar of body soap on your face. 

Here are characteristics of the perfect cleanser for your face. 

• It should not dry your skin up or strip your skin of moisture – If the cleanser dries up your skin completely you know it is not the right one for your skin. 
• It should balance the oil on the skin
• it is a process of trial and error

What kind of cleanser should you buy?

Gel and bar-based cleansers are best for oily skin and cream-based ones are best for normal to dry skin. Look for cleansers with Ceramides, Vitamin C, Salicylic acid (for oily-acne prone skin) and glycerin (for dry or sensitive skin).

How to cleanse your face?

Splash water on your face and spread the cleanser with the tips of your fingers all over your face. Massage it into your skin in circular motions. Do this for not more than 2 minutes. Wash your face. Pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Moisturizer

Your skin loves moisture or water. Moisturizers help keep your cells healthy and protect your skin from irritation. They also prevent the loss of moisture/ water from the skin.

Here are the characteristics of the perfect moisturizer.

• Look for the term “non-comedogenic” on the packaging.  Comedogenic moisturizers clog pores and can cause acne.
• Look for ingredients that keep your skin happy– They include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea and propylene glycol, Lanolin, plant butters and oils and ceramides.
• For oily-acne prone skin – Look for water-based moisturizers which absorb into the skin easily and does not feel greasy. 
• For dry and sensitive skin – Look for oil-based moisturizers 

Many people assume that oily skin does not need any moisturizer. This is wrong. Remember…. the skin loves water/ moisture. When you do not moisturize it and leave it bone dry the skin will react. It will produce more oil to balance the dryness on the skin. More oil = clogged pores = Acne 

How to moisturize your face?

• Cleanse your face and pat dry. Leave some water on your face. 
• Take some moisturizer in your palm
• Place dots all over your face and massage the moisturizer into your skin gently.
• Make sure you do this within 5 to 7 mins out of the shower or washing your face. This will help the skin absorb it better.  

3. Sunscreen

UV Rays from the sun can get absorbed into your skin and cause damage. The damage becomes evident over time in the form of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, scars, premature wrinkles and sagging skin. 

Did you know you should wear sunscreen even when gloomy, in front of the laptop while working from home and while stepping out during the day? You don’t have to wear it only when you are not in a dark room. 

I, like most of you associated sunscreen only with a beach holiday.  I used sunscreen only when it was sunny while I stepped outside the house. 

 Yes. Over 80% of UV Rays are still absorbed by your skin even on gloomy days. The light from your laptop also has the potential to damage your skin. It is important to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 whether you are in a closed office space/ home during the day or outside. 

 What to look for in a sunscreen?

• Look for ingredients like zinc oxide, avobenzone, titanium dioxide and sulizobenzone. These ingredients are effective in blocking UV A and UV B rays. 
• I am sure a lot of you are concerned that sunscreen leaves this thick white film on the skin.  Can sometimes feel heavy on the skin.  Look for tinted sunscreens, BB creams with SPF creams which feel light on the skin to use every day,

How to apply sunscreen?

• Squeeze some sunscreen onto your palm. 
• Place dots of it all over your face. 
• Spread it over your face to form this thin uniform film. 
• Re-apply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours.
• Make sure you wash off the sunscreen with a good cleanser before bed. Never leave it on overnight. 

Additional products which can make your skin better. 

4. Serum – Serums are easily absorbed into the skin. They contain active ingredients in large quantities.  They help reduce acne, acne scars, and manage skin wrinkles. Look for serums which contain Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid and Lactic acid.

5. Spot treatment products for active acne and acne scars – They help fight acne, acne causing bacteria and control oil production. Look for ingredients like Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid to help treat the acne and fight acne causing bacteria. 

6. Chemical exfoliants – They help remove dead skin cells to reveal soft smooth skin. Retinoids, Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic acids to help renew your skin. Avoid scrubs/ physical exfoliants as they can damage the skin.

7. Micellar water to remove makeup – Helps remove make up, dirt, oil and also clears out pores. Micellar water is more effective than olive oil, coconut oil and soap alone to remove make-up. 

Another fabulous product you need to make a part of your skincare routine is &Me Anti-Acne Skin Drink! It removes toxins from inside, balances oil production due to hormone changes and gives you acne free glowing face naturally. Take the #30DayChallenge and see for yourself.