Don’t start on your make-up when you haven’t tended to your skin first! I remember a friend once telling me that the way to pretty skin is to make it first on your list of priorities in the morning. She even introduced me to a 15-minute skincare routine which I religiously follow till date. For me, it’s now become a beauty habit that I happily recommend to all my friends. I love it because it gets done in minutes and leaves my skin feeling smooth, supple and soft! Give this 15-minute skincare routine a shot and you’ll give your skin a boost of hydration in no time (Take that flaky, dry skin!)
1. Drink A Tall Glass Of Cold Water
The first thing you need to do as soon as you wake up is to gulp down a tall glass of cold water. It will not only wake you up instantly but will keep your skin hydrated too. Also ladies, did you know that water plumps skin cells? This reduces any early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. By flushing out the impurities and toxins in your system, drinking water gives you clearer complexion.
2. Wash Your Face!
Before using a skin cleanser, consider your skin type first. Do you have dry, oily, sensitive or combination skin? If you’re unsure, consult your dermatologist. After drinking water, cleanse your face with plain water first. This step is crucial because it gets rid of dust, oil and pollutants. Apply the cleansing product on your skin and make sure you massage your skin in circular motions. After a minute or two, wash your face with plain water and pat your face dry using a cotton towel.
3. Get Exfoliating Already
You don’t have to exfoliate every day, instead do it twice a week. Include it in your cleansing ritual and you’ll keep those pesky blackheads at bay. A gentle exfoliator will clear your skin up by giving it a smooth and radiant appearance.
4. Apply Some Eye Cream
We think the eye cream is an underrated beauty product that deserves more credit. Include it in your skincare routine to prevent getting panda eyes. Since the layer of skin around your eyes is fairly thin and delicate, a good eye cream will protect it. Just after cleansing, dab a bit of the product with your ring finger under your eyes and across the brow bone, and you’re good to go!
5. Don’t Forget To Moisturise
I’m guilty of not moisturising my skin enough. Last year, I paid the price when my skin started to itch and peel away. I still have the marks and it makes me feel slightly self-conscious when I wear sleeveless tops and halter necks. After that incident, I never miss a day of moisturising. You should do it too as its main job is to provide a protective layer on your skin, lock in moisture and prevent skin from drying out. Apply it to damp skin and we bet your skin will look clearer and happier.
6. Put On A Sheet Mask If Time Permits
If you have time to spare, slap on a sheet mask and pamper your skin! If you don’t have a clue what face masks are, we’ll tell you! They’re face-shaped sheet fabrics that are soaked in a nutrient-rich solution known as a serum. There’s a variety of them out there and most of them are inexpensive and come in adorable packaging for an instant complexion boost.
7. Sunscreen For The Win
The last step of your skincare routine is to apply sunscreen lotion. If you don’t use one already, you must be aware of the consequences. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and skin cancer. Hence, before you step out of your house, please apply a generous amount of sunscreen. (Your skin will thank you for it.)
POPxo Recommends:
1. Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser (Rs 375)
2. Khadi Natural Rose, Apricot & Walnut Herbal Exfoliating Facial Scrub With Shea Butter (Rs 312)
3. Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturiser (Rs 304)
4. DearPacker Home Remedy Mask – Coconut (Rs 80)
5. Nivea Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50 (Rs 324)
Images: Shutterstock, Pexels