It’s a common saying that if you look good, you feel good about yourself. While this has typically been understood as dressing up, doing your hair, and putting on makeup, I have found this to be true by simply sticking to a skincare routine. With a simple skincare routine, one can improve their appearance as well as their overall confidence!
The first step in a good skincare routine is cleansing. One’s cleanser should not be too intense; remember to shy away from cleansers that are meant to exfoliate or scrub (that is step number two). I gravitate towards fragrance and dye-free cleansers that are more lightweight. If you’re looking for an easier way to cleanse that is quicker and less work, cleansing milk or water on a cotton pad will do just fine.
My favorite step, the second, is exfoliating. Most people use a physical exfoliator, like a scrub, a few times a week. Additionally, I use a liquid exfoliant to help my sensitive skin. I use a 10% AHA/BHA salicylic acid a few times a week to brighten and exfoliate. Exfoliating can get the dirt and bacteria out of your pores, which prevents breakouts. It makes such a huge difference in your skin once you incorporate it into your routine, and it is one of the things that I attribute to boosting my
confidence.
The third step, which some skip, is toner. Toner is meant to balance the pH levels in the skin, which is super important for preventing any kind of flare-ups on your skin. Witch hazel toner is my favorite, but there are plenty of other kinds of toners like rose water or lavender water.
The penultimate step in a good skincare routine is moisturizer. Having dry skin, this step is incredibly important for me. I prefer a water-based moisturizer because it is easier for my skin to absorb. Like cleansers, I prefer my moisturizers to be fragrance-free, since this step goes underneath your SPF, which can get a little stinky.
Finally, it is time to put on some sunscreen. Even in the winter months, it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Many foundations and BB creams have SPF in them, which could be a good replacement. But for those of us who forgo makeup, a nice light layer of SPF can help prevent sun damage, which will keep your skin looking younger when you start to age.
Remember that skincare is preventative care. While you might be glowing right now, you are protecting yourself from skin problems in the future. If you’re looking for skincare product recommendations, I would check Allure’s Best of Beauty. This is a list of the most highly recommended products from beauty professionals and consumers. If all else fails, get some products from highly recommended drug store brands like Cerave. Skincare is important, but it does not have to be expensive.
Josh Steen 
Chloe Rupe 
Grace Nealy