Kickstart Your Skincare Journey

Hey there, skincare newbie! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to freshen up your routine, this easy guide is here to help you achieve that radiant glow. Ready to get your skin in tip-top shape? Let’s dive in!

Why Skincare is Important

Skincare isn’t just about looking good; it’s about keeping your largest organ (yep, your skin!) healthy and happy. Your skin shields you from environmental baddies like UV rays and pollution. A good routine can help fend off acne, dryness, and wrinkles while making you glow… literally.

The Basic Routine

For beginners, a simple three-step routine is all you need: cleanse, tone or serum, and moisturize. Starting with basic products helps you figure out what your skin loves or doesn’t. If you’re unsure about your skin type, be sure to check out our previous post on How to Accurately Determine Your Skin Type for Perfect Skincare. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Step 1. Cleanse

First up, cleansing. It’s like giving your face a fresh start each day by washing away dirt, oil, and makeup.
Recommended Product: Simple Wash or Cerave Face washes.
How to Use: Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply the cleanser, and gently massage it in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.

For beginners, it’s wise to steer clear of cleansers with active ingredients as your only option. If you’re starting with just one cleanser, choose one without actives—unless it’s been prescribed by your doctor, of course.

Step 2. Tone or Treat

Toning balances your skin’s pH and preps it for the next steps. Or, use a serum to tackle specific concerns. You can use either or both, it depends on your concerns.

The beginner friendly toners we recommended  are:

• Anua Heartleaf Toner
• Skin1004 Centella Toning Toner
• CeRaVe Hydrating Toner

Recommended Serums: 

For Acne: Serums with salicylic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid. Use in the mornings, starting twice a week.

For Brightening Dull Skin: Serums with Vitamin C, azelaic acid, or alpha arbutin. Apply in the mornings and follow with sunscreen.

The Ordinary Serums are great. For Vit C, we strongly recommend the Timeless SkinCare Vitamin C serum

How to Use: After cleansing, apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face. For serum, dispense a few drops onto your fingertips and pat it into your skin.

Step 3. Moisturise

Next, lock in that moisture!

To choose a moisturizer: Consider your skin type—dry, oily, or combination.

For Oily Skin: Go for lightweight gels like Cosrx Snail Mucin or LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast Gel.
For Dry Skin: Opt for thicker formulas like LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast Balm.
For Combination Skin: Use lighter products on oily areas (usually the T-zone) and thicker ones on dry areas. Or try lightweight oils like Bio-Oil.

How to Use: Apply the moisturizer evenly across your face and neck, gently massaging it in until fully absorbed.

Apply Sunscreen in your Morning Routine.

Last but definitely not least, sunscreen is a must for your morning routine! It’s your shield against those pesky UV rays and helps keep wrinkles at bay. Place strings of the product on two fingers and apply.

Recommended Products:

• Skin1004 Cica Sun Centella: Soothing and protective with Centella Asiatica.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios: High broad-spectrum protection, great for sensitive skin.
• For Makeup Lovers: Try sunsticks or powder sunscreens for easy reapplication without messing up your look.

This basic routine is your foundation for fabulous skin. As you get to know your skin better, you can start adding more products for specific needs like anti-aging, acne, or achieving that glass-skin glow.

Remember, skincare is a personal journey. Listen to your skin and tweak your routine as needed. Want to know more about figuring out your skin type? Remember to check out our article on how to determine your skin type.

Ready to start your skincare journey? If you’re in Cameroon, you can grab these recommended products through our partners at the online store. Discover the right products to transform your skincare routine today!

By starting with these simple steps and incorporating sunscreen, you’ll set the stage for more advanced skincare practices in the future. Happy skincare journey!