It’s not hoarding if its skincare.’ No Susan, it actually is if you have no clue what you’re doing. Many of us are just rolling through life on bottles of moisturiser and the occasional turmeric paste, and it’s a good life – we’re happy. But when one of those pesky endorsements with skin acids show up, we can’t help but wonder if they are onto something.

Over the years, skincare has evolved from being more than a fad to becoming essential. And if we look past the publicity and at the transformations of real people with real skin issues, the hype is suddenly understandable. And no, it doesn’t matter who you are, if you have skin, you need skincare.

Skincare, at its core, is a long term investment for many. If you want to get aboard that train, it is essential to understand what choices there are because if you know enough, you can try  DIY versions or even figure out ways to not spend your entire rent money on these products.

Let’s start with the basics – Daytime and Night-time. It is essential to have two different routines for the AM & PM because as preached by several dermatologists, both practices serve different functions. Your morning routine will help protect and lock your skin from the germ festivities that lay ahead of you while your night routine allows your skin to recover from any vicious attacks you couldn’t dodge during the day. But not to worry, because, for the most part, the products are pretty recurring.

Cleanser – Cleansers, like the name, suggest, help cleanse your face. At night, sweat and oil expelling pores can make your face dirty. Using a low-PH cleanser in your morning skincare routine helps to deep clean properly without causing redness.

The cleanser is also an essential first step in the night routine. It helps get rid of dirt, makeup and dead skin cells that might accumulate during the day. It is not mandatory to use separate cleansers but if you like to splurge, get one cleansers that suit your skin type and conditions.

Toner – A toner is a watery liquid that plumps your skin. It sweeps away any impurities and helps the skin absorb future products better. A smart way to enjoy its full potential is by pressing it gently with your hands within a minute or two of cleansing. Include this in your AM and PM routine.
Tip: Fresh cucumber juice also makes for a great alternative if you’re looking for a more homespun option.

Moisturiser – The Holy Grail. You can never have enough hydration and moisturisers aim to do that. You could invest in different creams for the day and night if you wish to. Day creams are lighter, and many even have inbuilt sunscreens, whereas night creams are thicker and contain nourishing ingredients to help repair your skin while you sleep. Either way, a thin layer works well, especially if you have dry skin.

Sunscreen – If you decide to use only one product every day, it has got to be sunscreen. Horrendously overlooked by many, sunscreen not only protects you from the crazy UV rays but also helps maintain an even skin tone. Two quarter-sized dollops should be enough for your face and neck.

Hydrate – Drink. A. Lot. Of. Water. While hydration adds water to the skin, moisturiser adds oil. The skin just starts to look better if you’re well hydrated.

These products are the primary portions of a well-balanced skincare routine. But, if you’re still not convinced that you’re doing enough, there are a few other products that deserve your attention:

Eye Cream – These are lightweight creams specifically designed for the area around your eyes to target issues such as puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. But for many people, they work better as preventative creams rather than instant fixes. Of course, for us, ice cubes and cucumber slices are more fun when dealing with puffiness.

Serum – The age-old puzzle. Serums are little magical vials containing small molecules of active ingredients that penetrate your skin to target wrinkles, dull skin, acne, dehydration, or make it healthier. They try to protect the skin from any long-term damage. Thank the pollution or dirty phone screens.

Applying serum on freshly-toned skin will help you make the most of it. Vitamin C serums can be lifesaving if your skin can support.

Retinoid – Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Not only does it help keep skin cells younger and plumper but also treats acne and clogged pores. Since it can cause a bit of dryness, sandwiching it between two applications of moisturiser at night helps.

People try and test all their lives to get the perfect skincare routine (we are not exaggerating). But knowing your basics is vital. Always get professional help before using heavy skincare products to avoid damage. Now that you know the rules of skincare feel free to play around with customised routines. Until then, check out our pre-loved strategy.