How to Start a Skincare Routine - Zafra
on June 12, 2023

How to Start a Skincare Routine

The truth is that each skin-care routine is as unique and individual as the person following it. However, we know that it has also gotten a little more intimidating and confusing for a beginner to get started on even the most basic routine. Fret not, we're your skincare buddies. As you begin your skin-care quest, we hope that we can help you find the right products fitted for your skin's special needs rather than simply following the hype. 
Determine your skin type 
 
Everyone has a different skin type, requiring specific ingredients and products, and avoiding others. Your skin may be classified into one of these: Oily, which looks shiny due to an overproduction of oil; Dry, which may feel flakey and tight in some areas; sensitive, which easily turns red and irritated; and combination, which has both oily and flakey areas. 
You can easily determine your skin type by observing your skin throughout the day. Does it look shiny and oily by lunchtime, or dry and flakey in the morning? As you begin to understand which skin type you have, you may also begin to understand which products and ingredients will work best for you. For instance, oily skin types may require more mattifying ingredients, as opposed to dry skin types that need thick and rich moisturizers.
Keep it simple 
Because you're only beginning a skincare routine, we recommend that you don't try to overwhelm it with too much products in one go. You can simply start with a basic three-step routine—cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. From here, you can add or modify products according to you skin type and skin needs. Like if you’re specifically struggling with acne, you should definitely consider adding a spot treatment. 
How to choose your skincare products 
Cleanser: 
Removing the dirt, oil, and bacteria that you come in contact with throughout the day, a cleaner is absolutely critical to your routine. It will keep your skin fresh and will prep it so that it can receive all the maximum benefits of the other products in your routine. If you have oily skin, choose foaming cleansers that remove excess oil and pore-clogging bacteria, and if your skin is on the drier area, look for hydrating cleansers to help restore your skin's moisture barrier. Our favorite cleansers include the ACURE Seriously Soothing Facial Cream and the ALBA BOTANICA: Natural Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash. 

Moisturizer: 
A moisturizer serves to replenish the water it loses throughout the day. It is filled with ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid which can help keep your skin stay soft and supple. You're now probably thinking--what if you have oily or combination skin? Wouldn't moisturizing add to the oil buildup? No, this is still a necessary step for you. The lack of moisturizing can drive your skin to produce more oil, which can then lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Look for natural and organic moisturizers like the DERMA E: Vitamin C Concentrated Serum. 
Sunscreen: 
Many of us find sunscreen only necessary during beach trips of long exposure to the sun. However, the truth is that everyone needs it every day, regardless of the destination or the weather. In addition to reducing your skin cancer risk, you’ll also be preventing dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Make sure the formula contains board-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to ensure you’re as protected as possible, like the ALBA BOTANICA: Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33.
Ready to get started with an easy skincare routine?