Opinion: Better skin, better you.
The evolution of skincare is one of our modern day’s great miracles. Cleansers, toners, moisturizers and facial brushes are among the many new advancements made to make skin clearer, healthier and more beautiful.
According to GoodHousekeeping, the best process for cleaning your face starts with cleansing.
Some cleansers are meant for dry or oily skin, and the difference is extremely important. Cleansing may help to exfoliate your face and get rid of the dead skin that simple rinsing won’t get rid of.
Healthline suggests that you should exfoliate your skin three times a week, whether with exfoliating face masks, facial brushes or cleansers. In an article published by the cosmetics company, Biologique Recherche, the author surmises, “Daily facial cleansing removes every last trace of dirt, excess oil, pollution and unwanted skin cells off of your face.”
Most dermatologists recommend washing your face every morning and night, though simply rinsing your face and drying with a clean rag is enough for the morning.
The second step is toner, which soothes, refreshes and layers the skin while closing up pores and preventing in-grown hairs.
The third step is serums. The most effective serums may focus on skin discoloration, zits, hyperpigmentation and anti-aging. Niacinamide acid, EGF(epidermal growth factor) serum, Vitamin C brightening serum, and collagen serum.
The final steps include moisturizing which, like cleansing, can soothe dry, oily, sensitive or wrinkly skin. Many people do not put sunscreen on after moisturizer, but they should. It helps to deflect UV rays and protects against sunburns, breakouts, skin cancers, spots and wrinkles. It is, essentially, the most important step to protect your face.
Other tips include using a different pillowcase every other night or flipping the same pillow over the second night so that you sleep on a clean side every night. Bits of sweat, dirt and oil can get stuck in cases, clothing and face masks, so changing them out often will have a positive effect on your acne. It’s important to note that all the steps listed above should cover the neck as well.
In an article by Kari Molvar for The New York Times, she describes in detail, “The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. ‘Results are only seen through consistent use,’ she explains.”
Patience, diligence and commitment are the most important aspects of rejuvenating your skin, not only for your face but other acne-plagued regions of your body including the back, chest, arms and rear. Skin brushes and lotion are recommended for these areas.
Treating acne will not only make you look better but feel better as well.
A balanced and maintained skincare routine will strengthen your skin, making you more comfortable wearing face masks and going outside. Everyone’s skin is different, so finding the best products for specific skin types is crucial when constructing a routine. Face masks meant to relax and brighten your face are also important not only to lower stress — which worsens many breakouts both of acne and hives — but to brighten your face and leave you healthier and happier.
In the long run, nourishing your skin will help to defy aging consequences such as wrinkles. In order to sustain healthy skin we have to begin a proper skincare routine now, to be a better version of ourselves later.
Megan Cowdell is a freshman opinion columnist studying for a bachelor’s in Communications. She loves music, reading and wants to write books for a living.
megan.cowdell@usu.edu