4 Fundamental Steps for Gorgeous, Bright, and Youthful Skin

tkayinquiry
Jun 11, 2020
5 min read

With all the information out in the universe on how to achieve beautiful skin, it can get confusing for anyone on what exactly to use and which steps to follow. There will be YouTubers showing extravagant 15 step skincare routines and then there will be bloggers with the minimal skincare routine. So, what works? What do you really need to start doing to make sure you are taking good care of your skin, to keep it looking bright, clean, and youthful for as long as possible.

Upon my years and years of research on skincare and seeking the advice of trusted dermatologists I've come to the conclusion that there are 4 essential steps that everyone needs to be doing in order to prevent premature ageing, sun exposure, and to just keep their skin looking at it's best. Now with that being said, that doesn't mean you shouldn't include more than just 4 steps in your skincare routine, it's just to highlight the four fundamental steps that everyone should be doing at some point once they've hit their late 20's or so. This could be the bare minimal but essential 4 step routine if we must name it. And if you are a skincare fanatic like myself, then don't stop including your lotions and potions (your serums and oils) and your masks as needed, just be sure your regime includes these four steps as well!

So, without further ado, presenting the 4 Fundamental steps: *cue the drum roll*

Sunscreen

This is a step I had a hard time making a part of my daily routine but I knew I was wasting my money and energy on all the other steps in my routine if I am not wearing sunscreen daily. There isn't a single product out there that'll protect your skin more than sunscreen will. Not only does it protect your skin from the harmful UV rays and sun exposure but it also prevents premature wrinkles. Sunscreen is the gold in your skincare regime. And it's a simple and effortless product to add. Being a woman of color, growing up I always had a love/hate relationship with sunscreen. Though at the time it felt more of a hate & hate relationship. I hated how it left my skin feeling all greasy, I hated the white cast, and I hated how it just wouldn't blend in. So, when I realized not too many years ago that I have to bite the bullet and incorporate sunscreen into my morning routine, I was on the hunt to find the perfect one. Something that wouldn't leave that horrible white cast behind and also something that wouldn't clog my pores and make me breakout. Little did I know I'd find such an amazing sunscreen that it would exceed all my expectations. Yes, I found a sunscreen that's not only super light, blends into nothing, and goes on invisible, but it literally feels like you put nothing on your face! My prayers were answered! I don't think I'll ever try a new sunscreen again because this one is more than everything I could've wanted in a sunblock, the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, SPF 40. My oh my, when I first tried on this product at Sephora I thought maybe I didn't get enough on my face and that's why I couldn't feel it. After vigorously applying more than the required amount, I still couldn't feel it on my face! It would just disappear, poof! It has a smooth consistency, almost a primer like feel and I swear it leaves your skin feeling and looking smoother. It's too good to be true. If you are on the market for a new sunscreen to add to your daily morning routine, I highly suggest this one. You absolutely will not regret it.

Vitamin C

Out of the many serums out there, one that's super important to have in your regime would be a good Vitamin C serum. This is a product you can invest in if you would like to because the results of a great Vitamin C serum go a long way. Having Vitamin C in your skincare regime is important because over time from using one your skin will get noticeably brighter than it would with any other skin serums. It gives you instantaneously that dewy, glowing, plump skin. And who doesn't want that? Using a Vitamin C serum regularly will prevent your skin from getting dull especially the older you get as this is common with ageing. So, if you want your skin to be looking bright and alive for a long time, get yourself a good Vitamin C serum!

Retinoid

Retinoids are chemically derived from Vitamin A and help prevent wrinkles and even acne by increasing the skin cell turnover rate and by unclogging blocked pores. This is another magical step to have in your skincare routine provided you are in your 20's and are following up in the morning with SPF! My suggestion would be to start off with a small amount. The Ordinary has a retinoid serum that's pretty mild. It is a great product to introduce Retinoid in your skincare routine. If you have dry skin I'd suggest starting with using it every other night, following up with a good oil-free moisturizer and not skipping the SPF the following morning. Over time, once your skin adjusts to this ingredient you will notice the overall appearance of your skin is smoother, even, and your pores may also appear smaller.

Moisturizer

Last but not least, moisturizer! I can not believe there was a time I thought I didn't need a moisturizer because of how oily my skin was. But let me tell you if you aren't already aware, everyone needs a good moisturizer for their face and must use it in the morning and at night. If you incorporate retinoid into your skin it is especially crucial to have a super hydrating moisturizer so your skin doesn't dry out. Or if you have combination to oily skin, gel moisturizer are great at hydrating your skin without it feeling and looking greasy. I will leave some of my favourite moisturizer recommendations down below, from drugstore to prestigious brands, something for everyone!

There you have it, the secret is out. The four fundamental steps to a good skincare routine if you are in your 20's are SPF, Retinoid, Vitamin C, and Moisturizer. Or if you aren't in your 20's and are already keen about taking care of your skin then don't ever forget your SPF and Moisturizer!

That's all for today, until next time...

T Kay