My Science-Based Skincare Routine (easy 4 step method)
Welcome to my minimalist skincare routine:
- Cleanser.
- Moisturiser.
- Sunscreen.
- Retinol.
Just these 4 essentials. That’s it.
Now we all want clearer, smoother, more youthful looking skin. And as someone who has struggled with acne in the past, skincare was pretty daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are so many skin products out there and you’ve probably seen adverts about LED therapy, charcoal cleansers and super expensive face masks.
And while I’m sure those things have their place, you can still achieve clearer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin without breaking the bank.
So if you’re tired of conflicting information, cluttered bathroom counters and you want a simple but effective approach, you’re in the right place.
Let's explore my minimalistic skincare regimen based on science.
It’s all about prevention and maintenance, ensuring your skin stays healthy and vibrant over time.
If you want to know which products and why I use them then scroll to the bottom.
My aim is to save you time and money.
(Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned)
So the first thing to do is to figure out what your skin type is so that you can get products based on your skin type.
Most people typically have either normal, dry, sensitive, oily or a combination skin type and it’s based on the amount of sebum or oil your skin produces.
What you need to do is with a gentle cleanser, wash your face and then pat it dry. Wait 30 mins then look in the mirror.
- If your skin looks flaky and feels tight, its probably dry skin.
- If your skin is bright and shiny all over, you probably have oily skin.
- If the shine is mainly in your T-zone (so that's your forehead and nose), and the rest of your face is dry or normal, you probably have combination skin.
- If your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you likely have normal skin.
- And if your skin is itchy, red or inflamed then your skin is probably sensitive.
Ok so now that you know your skin type, you can choose the right type of products for your skin.
Now the first thing you need is a cleanser.
You use it twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening.
Get one based on your skin type
So why do you need a cleanser?
Throughout your day your skin is peppered with bacteria, viruses, pollutants and the point of a cleanser is to remove dirt, debris and dead skin cells from your skin without removing natural skin oils.
The one I use is CeraVe hydrating cleanser.
It has ceramides which are basically fats found in skin cells and they’re important for retaining your skin's moisture. Think of them as the glue that holds our skin cells together.
Use a gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol. I’d recommend one that contains hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance your body produces and it’s the key molecule involved in skin moisture.
How do I cleanse?
- Wet your face with warm-ish water.
- Use your fingers to massage the cleanser in for approximately 30 seconds to a minute.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft face towel.
The second step in your skincare routine is moisturising your skin.
Again do this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Remember our skin acts as barrier between our body and the external environment. It keeps bacteria, allergens and debris out while locking moisture in.
But when our skin loses moisture and becomes dry, this barrier weakens which can lead to inflamed, red, itchy skin. This can make your skin it more susceptible to infections, acne and blackheads.
Moisturising helps to hydrate your skin, seal in moisture, and maintain your skin’s protective barrier.
A small amount does the trick and it’s best done on clean and slightly damp skin.
The next thing you need is sunscreen.
This is probably the best anti-ageing thing you can use for your skin.
When you’re exposed to the sun without protection, your skin gets bombarded by UV radiation which causes photoageing. The sun’s UV radiation mutates the DNA in our skin cells, causing dark spots, wrinkles, and sunburn over time.
In some cases these mutations can result in skin cancer, which is essentially an abnormal growth of skin cells when they multiply uncontrollably.
To protect your skin, apply it every morning.
It creates a physical barrier that helps prevent DNA mutations from sun exposure.
Now an SPF between 30 and 50 is ideal. Below 30, the protection isn’t great, and above SPF 50, it can cause itching or skin allergies for some people.
Also go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, because both types can damage your skin.
And this goes without saying, if you’re in the sun don’t forget to reapply often.
What I do is I use a facial moisturiser that contains SPF - this saves me time.
Apply it generously.
And if you incorporate the next step, sunscreen becomes even more important.
The 4th step is to use a retinoid at nighttime.
If there’s one ingredient all skincare experts can agree on, it’s retinoids.
Retinoids are an umbrella term to describe a class of chemicals derived from or related to vitamin A.
Retinoids include retinols, the alcohol form.
Retinal, the aldehyde form and then you have the retinoic acid form.
Importantly, not all retinoids are made equal.
Retinoic acid is the form that is biologically active and binds to the retinoid receptors in your skin. It doesn’t have to go through any conversions to work on your skin so it’s the most potent and effective form.
They were initially used for acne treatments over 50 years ago but then we discovered that the active ingredient can treat a variety of skin conditions.
Retinoids work by enhancing the skin’s natural renewal process which is called cell turnover. This process is basically responsible for exfoliating the skin and maintaining its smoothness and radiance. And as we age, this renewal process slows down.
Retinoids help maintain and accelerate skin cell turnover, improving skin texture and tone and making aging skin look more youthful.
The other main function retinoids have is they support the skin’s essential structural components, like collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin firmness. As we age and our skin suffers UV damage, collagen fibres decline, leading to saggy and older-looking skin.
Retinoids promote the growth of collagen and elastic fibres, reducing wrinkles and restoring a youthful appearance.
Now, retinoids come in different strengths and the best thing to do is to consult a doctor to recommend the best one and strength for your skin type.
One thing to consider is that when you start using retinoids, your skin may feel sensitive, peel, or become dry.
This is pretty common and it’s known as "skin purging" and the symptoms usually settle within a couple of weeks which can be off putting but it's worth it trust me.
One increasingly popular one is called adapalene, which is a third generation retinoid.
It’s similar to the more well known tretinoin which is what I use, but it’s chemically more stable which basically means it won’t lose it’s potentness if exposed to the sun and it’s just as effective for treating acne.
It’s also got more tolerated side effects.
Use a pea-sized amount in the evening. After it dries and settles, you can apply your moisturiser to prevent dryness.
Ok so just to quickly summarise.
Find out your skin type and tailor products to it.
Use a Cleanser because it helps remove excess oils and impurities from your skin.
Moisturise twice a day because it rehydrates skin, it replaces natural fats, and it keeps the skin barrier intact.
Use a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen because it provides daily protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Incorporate a Retinoid which Reduces wrinkles, evens out pigmentation, and accelerates skin cell regeneration.
Another important thing to mention is that your skin is only going to be as healthy as you are. A perfect skincare routine can’t replace getting enough sleep, eating a decent diet, and taking care of your mental health.
Consistency is crucial. Your daily habits significantly impact your skin's health, so...
- Make sure to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Make sure you get enough restful sleep each night.
- Manage your stress levels because cortisol, the main stress hormone, increases sebum production and inflammation.
- Change your sheets and towels every week to minimise the impact bacteria has on your skin.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body hydrated.
- Don’t forget to clean your phone screen and laptop as well there is so much bacteria on them and we tend to touch our faces more than we think.
- And lastly, stop smoking because this damages your skin and accelerates ageing.
Hope this helps.
A quote from a great
Have a good day mate,
Z
Connect with me
https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorZobir
https://twitter.com/DoctorZobir/