Optimal skin is the ultimate goal for many people. Discovering what optimal skin means and how to accomplish it involves lifestyle changes, makeup tips, and a skincare routine. Reviewing these components allows focus on addressing skin needs to feel great inside and out.
Optimal skin means having a complexion that glows and is smooth in color, tone, and texture. It has no spots, blemishes, or marks. Achieving optimal skin requires good genetics, a healthy lifestyle, good skincare habits, and sometimes cosmetic procedures. Optimal skin is not achievable for everyone, but everyone’s skin improves in appearance and health by caring for their skin.
Essential Steps of a Skin Care Routine
Here are some essential steps for a skincare routine for flawless skin. They include
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Applying serum
- Moisturizing
- Sun protection
Cleansing
Skin cleansing is essential to maintain skin that looks and feels healthy. It removes build-up, boosts hydration, and maintains clear skin. Facial cleansing removes oil, dirt, and other unwanted debris, such as dead skin cells, viruses, pollutants, and bacteria.
It helps maintain proper hydration and manage pH levels, enabling sufficient product and water retention. Under the skin, tiny glands produce oil that protects the skin from outside danger. They use hair follicles as a pathway to reach the skin’s surface. Excessive build-up causes blockage that traps dead skin cells, sweat, and oil. Proper cleansing clears debris from the pores and allows the oil to reach the skin’s surface.
Toning
A toner is a water-based product that removes leftover dead skin cells, dirt, and makeup after cleansing and before using moisturizer or serum. It helps close pores and brighten the skin. There are astringent toners and balancing toners. The function of a toner is to prepare the skin for creams and serums applied after cleansing. Balancing toner soothes and hydrates the skin. It calms skin irritation and moisturizes skin to help it achieve its slightly acidic pH to function and look its best. An astringent toner exfoliates the skin and improves its texture.
Applying Serum
Face serums add high concentrations of beneficial nutrients and moisture to the skin. There are formulas for individual skincare needs. If you want to amp up your skincare routine with something more powerful than a moisturizer or cleanser, a face serum nourishes, protects, and hydrates skin. Use after cleansing and before you moisturize. Benefits include
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Soothes sensitive skin
- Improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Protects the skin from free radicals and damage in the future
- Potentially provides more visible results
- Feels light on the skin
Moisturizing
Daily moisturizing is another essential step for healthy skin. Regularly using a moisturizer is part of any good skincare routine. Some moisturizers are better than others. Choose a moisturizer with plenty of vitamins and an SPF of 15. Vitamins A and B5 build moisture levels and increase firmness.
Fight skin damage and help protect new skin with Vitamins C and E. SPF 15 PABA-free sunscreens prevent premature wrinkles and lines. Use a moisturizer after an exfoliation, shave, or bath. Moisturizers reduce skin problems and conceal blemishes.
Sun Protection
Some sun exposure is necessary for producing Vitamin D, which helps calcium absorption for healthier, stronger bones. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays causes damage to the immune system, eyes, and skin. Cancer is also a possibility.
Excessive UV light exposure and sunburn lead to premature skin aging. The best way to protect against the sun’s damaging effects is to protect the skin and limit exposure. Apply a generous amount of water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
Best Products on the Market
The products on this list are recommendations by multiple researchers. Some are for a specific purpose or type of skin.
EltaMD offers excellent cleansing with a pleasant scent and rich lather. It is not a recommendation for dry skin.
Cetaphil appears on many lists of recommendations. It is versatile for numerous types of skin.
Bioderma cleanses and tones without leaving a residue or drying skin.
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser is an excellent product for oil skin.
LaRoche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is another product best for oily skin.
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser is best for dry skin.
Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser is a recommendation for mature skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a cleanser for balancing the skin barrier.
Two sunscreen products that appear on multiple lists of recommendations are Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen and Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum.
Tips and Advice for Optimal Results
Everyone has unique skincare needs. There are a few basic skincare techniques and products that help improve skin. They include using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Also, drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet. Experts suggest exfoliating once a week. There are external factors affecting skin health, such as stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. Consult a dermatologist about professional skincare treatments.
