What to consider before getting into a skincare routine

In the era where most people are getting into skincare routines using various products in the market, you need to consider some factors before beginning this journey. 

Are you considering getting into skincare, or do you already have one that overlooks some paramount factors?

Dr. Aura Melvin, a dermatologist and a clinical aesthetician specialising in skin therapy and beauty, says most people assume that a skincare routine is just about the face, but the skin encompasses the head, trunk, and upper and lower limbs.

She takes us through what one should consider before getting into skincare.

Consult with a dermatologist

Dr. Melvin stresses the importance of consulting with a dermatologist first because they provide a medical aspect on which products to purchase and those to avoid. 

“A dermatologist is going to recommend skin care products best suited for your skin type,” Dr. Melvin says. 

Additionally, setting skin care goals is essential because it informs one’s decision on which products to buy and the steps to take

Identify your skin type

Knowing your skin type informs your decision before purchasing skin care products. 

Dr. Melvin says that people can identify their skin types by noticing their skin behaviours and their reactions to certain routines.

Skin type falls under: oily, normal, dry, and combination skin.

Oily skin is whereby the skin feels shiny and greasy. Normal skin feels hydrated and comfortable but not oily. Dry skin feels tight, scaly, and flaky.

Lastly, combination skin involves the T-zone, which can appear too oily, and the cheeks are either normal or dry, hence making it an oily-dry skin combination and vice versa.

Dr. Melvin says that people can know their skin type through a physical analysis by a dermatologist or by using a skin analysis machine. 

“A skin analysis machine detects things that the physical eyes cannot see like small dark spots, fine lines, UV light damage, and digital light damage,” she says.

Understand your financial capacity

As much as a skin care routine is regarded as high maintenance, you do not have to break the bank. 

Dr. Melvin urges people to consider purchasing skin care products they can afford, noting that a skin care routine should be simple. 

“People should choose a skin care routine that is less strenuous, consistent, and simple,” she says.

Dr. Melvin mentions three basic steps a person requires in a skin routine, noting that if someone wants quality results, they should invest in other products like serums, toners, and facemasks if their financial strength can allow it.

So, which skin care products are essential?

Dr. Melvin advises that people stick to the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. 

A cleanser helps to rid the skin of excess oil and bacteria. Cleansing provides a clear skin, pores, and bacterial-free skin. 

A moisturizer facilitates hydration, preventing the skin from becoming flaky and dry. 

Dr. Melvin notes that most people forget to apply sunscreen, adding that this is a crucial part of a skin care routine as it contains Avobenzone, which helps absorb the sun rays. 

Dr. Melvin says sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays and digital light damage. 

“The popular caution of applying sunscreen indoors is mostly due to people being mostly exposed to digital light indoors,” she notes. 

“With excessive use of digital screens in this era, there is a high rate of getting skin cancer and premature aging.” 

Dr. Melvin recommends people use sunscreen of not less than Spf 30, noting that anything less than that is ineffective.

Maintain a good diet

Water is essential in maintaining healthy skin since it moisturizes and helps to excrete the oxidants that accumulate in the skin. 

Additionally, the dermatologist recommends consuming a lot of vitamins and fruits and using supplements to lessen aging.

“I would advise people to take prescribed supplements like vitamin C, E, A, B3, Hyaluronic acid, Collagen, and Zinc routinely to help maintain a moisturized plump skin, permit the release of excess oxidants, maintain firmness and an even tone, and avoid wrinkles, and fine lines,” she recommends.

She advises those who cannot afford the supplements to maintain a good diet that improves hydration and a brighter complexion. 

Dr. Melvin advises: “Take a lot of fruits like avocado, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, yellow and red peppers, oranges, strawberries, watermelon, and vegetables like broccoli, kale, and managu.”

Beware of your skin's tolerance to skin care products and procedures

Dr. Melvin notes that skin tolerance varies depending on one's skin sensitivity, explaining that consulting a dermatologist is crucial.

“Different skin types respond differently to different products,” she says.

The dermatologist stresses the importance of understanding the ingredients of skin care products, noting that some have dire side effects.

She says there are local and systemic side effects. Local side effects refer to the skin area when one applies the product. 

According to the dermatologist, these side effects have immediate symptoms whereby people may develop itchiness, burning sensation, skin peeling, redness, blistering, swelling, and stinging. 

Dr. Melvin notes that the systemic side effects affect some vital organs in the body, such as the respiratory system, kidney, and liver.

She notes that moisturizers may have chemicals like glycerine, which may be too harsh for the body.

Avoid taking skin care advice or recommendations from non-experts 

Dr. Melvin says that buying skin care products because of a recommendation from a friend is the most misguiding advice.

“The tell a friend to tell a friend lands some people in trouble because they end up buying products that fail to get them the expected results,” she says.

She also cautions people from rushing to buy skin care products recommended by influencers, noting that they should research it first.

 “Just because you witnessed an influencer recommend a certain product to cure acne does not mean the same product will work for you. Other conditions are mistaken for acne like rosacea and allergic dermatitis,” 

“I would not advise people to shop for skin care products they have never used online. Go physically to a dermatologist instead,” Dr. Melvin advises.