Around a year back, I had a really bad cystic acne that just made me look horrible, and even when they cleared up I’d be left with the red marks and scars. Every day a new acne would pop up, so I decided to go see a doctor – was prescribed antibiotics for 2 weeks and topical ointments for the day and night application. And a few months down the line the difference was dramatic. No more painful spots covering the side of my face. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t done it sooner!

Things still weren’t perfect – my skin was dehydrated, prone to flakey patches when makeup on. It was high time that I sorted out my skincare routine. And the key word here is routine, a good skin care routine is so important- helps remove excess oil, keeps pores clear, helps speed healing of existing acne or blemishes, and the result is glowing clear skin.

I will here share with you everyday skin care routine to maintain a healthy and clear skin. The best part? No need to buy expensive products. Use what you have been using -what suits you.

Your Daily Skin Care Routine

Cleansing: Clean skin is a happy skin! So, always cleanse your face after you wake up and before you go to bed to help get rid of any excess dirt, oil, and makeup. Apply a gentle cleanser with your fingertips or a cleansing brush. To make sure your face is totally clean and clear, remove your makeup first, then wash your face with your cleanser. I use ClarisonicMia2  cleansing brush with Clinique sonic facial soap– it works wonder on my face. Don’t scrub your face. Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water, then pat dry. Rinsing your face with cold water won’t tighten your pores. And using hot water, though it may feel good, can dehydrate skin -making it dry.

Toning: After cleansing, apply an alcohol-free toner with a cotton ball all over your face. Toner helps in balancing your skin and minimizes the appearance of pores. You can also apply a home-made toner on your face, such as cucumber juice and rose water, which helps maintain the pH balance.

Moisturizing: Hydrating your skin is an important step in maintaining the overall health of your face regardless of your skin type. Apply a good moisturizer twice daily.

We all know the importance of nighttime skincare, but a morning routine is just as crucial. Nighttime skincare aims to address skin issues before the regenerative process of sleep begins, but daytime skincare is all about protection and preservation.

Apply a good sunscreen, during the day – Look for a sunscreen that gives broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30. Wear it every day, even if it’s not sunny and even if it’s cold. Reapply every 2 hours when out in the sun

At night repeat the cleansing, toning process and apply a good Night cream – the goal is to repair damage from the day’s pollution, sun, and stress, as well as to hydrate since you lose more water from your skin during sleep.

Your weekly skincare routine

Exfoliation: It is as important as cleansing and moisturizing as there is so much to gain from doing so – helps in removal of dry/dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, increases blood circulation, minimizes pores which in turn helps you to achieve healthy and glowing skin.

Steaming: Steam for as long as your skin can sustain (approximately 5 minutes) and then gently wipe the face with a facial tissue. This step works wonders for oily skin. Massage your face using an ice cube (in circular motions), thereafter, to tighten the pores and bring back the skin temperature to normal.

Face Mask: Facial mask, one of the easiest ways to get healthy and supple skin within a few minutes. Face mask can help you to get – clearer skin and more refined pores, evens skin tone, fresher looking skin and many more benefits. You can use a face mask once a week, or you can use it more than that depending on your skin and your skin care concerns.

Masks are applied to the cleansed face for 10 to 15 minutes, although the duration can be shorter or longer; some hydrating masks can also be used as an intensive overnight treatment.

Things to keep inhabit:

Always clean your face before and after workouts.

Don’t over wash or over exfoliate

Use a clean cloth every time you dry your face to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Incorporate oil into your routine. Gently massage onto skin and wipe away with a soft washcloth soaked in warm water

Apply products to your face in a soft, circular pattern starting from your neck and slowly moving upward.

Use products religiously and don’t change beauty products too frequently.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat healthy.