Skin care routine includes

The core framework of the skin care process is the three steps of "cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection." On this basis, functional steps can be flexibly added based on skin type, skin care needs, and the environment. There is no "standard process" that is universally applicable.

A while ago, I helped my best friend with oily skin organize the dressing table. Her countertop was piled up like a small skin care product exhibition: four bottles of serum, whitening essence, anti-aging essence, and repairing essence were placed, as well as secondary cleansing water, lotion, facial cream, and sleeping mask. A set of procedures. I have to apply seven or eight layers when I walk down, but I end up with a dull face and a closed mouth. On the contrary, my mother, whose face is so dry in winter, applies an amino acid cleanser + moisturizing cream + sunscreen every day, and only adds an anti-aging essence when she thinks of it every now and then. Her skin condition is much more stable than hers.

Many people always think that skin care should start with washing your face, but everyone in the industry knows that sun protection is the highest priority link in the entire process. There are quite a lot of differences between the different schools of sun protection: minimalist skin care enthusiasts and people with sensitive skin mostly give priority to hard sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, a mask, and a parasol when going out, and do not apply sunscreen if you can, so as to reduce the burden on the skin. ； For daily commuters, I prefer SPF30 PA+++, a low-cost commuting sunscreen. No makeup remover is required, facial cleanser can wash it off and it won’t cause acne. ； If you go to the beach or spend a long time outdoors, you only need to use SPF50+ high-power waterproof sunscreen together with a hard sunscreen. I don't bother to put on sunscreen when I go out in spring and autumn. I just put on a fisherman's hat and don't get any tan. In summer, I'm afraid of suffocating my neck, so I put sunscreen on my face and cover my neck with ice sleeves. It doesn't matter how comfortable I am.

Let’s talk about the cleansing process, which is the most common mistake for everyone. Don’t believe in the nonsense that “you have to wash your face until it feels like washing a plate before it’s clean.” In the past two years, I followed the trend and used pure soap-based cleansers for half a month. My normal skin was directly washed into sensitive skin that turns red during the seasons. It took me half a year to recover. Nowadays, the choice of cleansing completely depends on your skin type: oily skin produces a lot of oil in summer. You can use amino acid compound and a small amount of soap base cleanser at night. Just rinse your face with warm water in the morning. Don't over-cleanse and damage the skin barrier. ； For those with dry and sensitive skin, use mild pure amino acid cleansing in the morning and evening. Even if you are too lazy to cleanse your face in the morning in winter, you can just wipe your face with a warm towel. The highly controversial secondary cleansing water and facial cleansing instrument can be used occasionally to remove surface oil when the oily skin is very oily. Don't touch it if you have sensitive skin. You are just looking for trouble for yourself.

Some people may ask, what are the waters, essences, lotions, and creams mentioned on the Internet? They are essentially moisturizing products, but their texture and occlusive properties are different. This part is also controversial: the minimalist skin care party believes that only using a cream that suits you is enough for moisturizing. Applying too many layers will increase the burden on the skin. ； Fans of functional skin care will add the functional essences they need before moisturizing, such as whitening, anti-aging, and repairing essences. As long as the skin can tolerate it and does not suffer from acne, it is totally fine. I have normal skin. In spring and autumn, I just use water and cream. In winter, if it’s too dry, I’ll add a repair essence. In summer, if I’m oily, I’ll replace cream with lotion. There are no fixed rules.

Oh, by the way, there is another point that has been quarreling for several years: should the skin care steps be done in the order of "water-essence-milk-cream"? One group says that you must apply according to the molecules from small to large, otherwise the large molecule cream will clog the pores first, and the subsequent essence will not be absorbed at all. ； The other side is the view of many dermatologists, who say that as long as there are no incompatible products, the order is not that important at all. I have friends with dry skin who are accustomed to applying facial cream first to lock in moisture, and then apply essence to replenish nutrients. After using it for several years, their skin is fine and no problems have been seen.

As for exfoliation, facial mask, acid application, and introduction, they are all additional items and are not required at all. I exfoliate with low-concentration fruit acid once every half a month and apply a moisturizing mask once a week. I feel that my skin is in good condition. ； But my colleague with sensitive skin does not exfoliate once a year, and only applies a medical cold compress on the face mask when the season changes and the skin becomes red, and the skin condition is not stable.

To put it bluntly, there is never any standard answer to skin care that must be followed. Once the core three steps have been stepped on, the rest will be as comfortable as you want. After all, your face grows on your own body. You know better than anyone whether it is suitable for you and comfortable or not~