I don’t have to tell you that New Yorkers are busy. Would it surprise you to learn that many New Yorkers make time to be concerned about skincare? People in New York were the most frequent searchers of terms like “skincare” and “haircare” and “makeup”, according to an article earlier this year in the Mid Hudson News. Now the holidays are upon us, and everyone wants to look their best. If you’re like many women, you may have taken for granted that dewy and radiant skin you previously had without any effort. Staying up late instead of getting that beauty sleep, failing to remove makeup, and skipping the moisturizer or sunscreen are some of the youthful missteps that women admit to. Chances are, you didn’t think much of it until after you noticed some fine lines, dull appearance or loss of elasticity.
If you’ve never had a skincare routine or have been using basic products like soap and water, it’s natural to feel like it might be “too late” to start. Don’t despair, because the truth is, it’s never too late to take better care of your skin. The right skincare routine can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin and address concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation or dryness that may start to appear in your 30s and 40s. While it can seem overwhelming with all of the trends out there, it does not have to be so complicated.
Start with the Basics: Cleansing, Exfoliating and Moisturizing
The key is to take simple manageable steps that work for your lifestyle and skin type. Here’s how you can start taking care of your skin now, no matter how late you think you started.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is you can achieve great results with just a few essential steps: cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. These steps form a foundation of a healthy skincare routine, helping to keep your skin clear, smooth, and hydrated.
What You Didn’t Know About Cleansing
Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine and is essential for removing makeup, dirt, oil and environmental pollutants from your skin. In the double cleanse method, you begin with the oil cleanser and then the second cleanse is with another type, but at least use one cleansing product and do this morning and night. Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is crucial to avoid dryness, irritation, or breakouts. Here are the most common types of cleansers and the skin types that will benefit from each:
Gel cleansers are typically lightweight and have a more refreshing feel. Gel cleansers are great for oily or combination skin because they help to remove excess oil without stripping the skin of natural moisture. They can also be ideal for acne-prone skin, as they often have a deeper cleaning effect that helps clear pores.
Foam cleansers create a rich, bubbly lather and often are designed to deeply cleanse the skin. They are ideal for oily or acne- prone skin types as they help remove excess oil and prevent clogged pores. However, foam cleansers can sometimes be drying, so those with dry or sensitive skin should be cautious and choose a milder, hydrating formula.
Creamy cleansers are typically rich and moisturizing making them perfect for dry, sensitive or mature skin. Cream cleansers help to gently remove makeup and impurities while hydrating the skin, so they don’t strip the skin’s natural oils. They’re recommended for anyone who feels like their skin is tight or irritated after cleansing.
Oil cleansers deserve special attention, especially for dry skin types or those who wear make-up or sunscreen. Oil cleansers break down makeup and oils on the skin’s surface, leaving it soft and hydrated. They are also suitable for oily skin when used as a first cleanse (as part of the double cleansing method) to remove all oil-based impurities. Double cleansing ensures your skin is thoroughly cleansed without being stripped of its natural moisture.
How to Use Your Cleanser
Apply your chosen cleanser to damp skin, gently massaging it in circular motion to loosen dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause irritation or strip skin of its natural moisture.
Exfoliation and Moisturizer
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and giving your skin a smoother, more radiant appearance. As you age, your skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down, which can lead to a dull complexion and clogged pores. Incorporating a gentle exfoliator into your routine, about once or twice a week, can make a huge difference. Chemical exfoliants like AHA (alpha-hydroxy-acids) are effective without the harshness of physical scrubs. They help slough off dead skin and reveal fresher, more youthful skin underneath.
A good moisturizer locks in hydration and keeps your skin looking smooth and plump. Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip this step. Just look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. If your skin is dry, choose a richer moisturizer, ideally containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin for deep hydration.
Daily Sunscreen
Sun protection is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine, especially as you age. Sun damage is a major contributor to premature aging, pigmentation and even skin cancer. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine can dramatically improve the health and appearance of your skin over time.
How to Use Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (preferably SPF 50) every morning, even if you’re staying indoors. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside or sweating.
What to Avoid in Your Skincare Routine
While it’s easy to focus on what you should do, it’s just as important to know what you should never do to protect your skin and get the best results. Avoid these common mistakes and your skin will thank you.
Avoid Washing Your Face with Dirty Hands: Always wash your hands before touching your skin. Dirty hands can transfer bacteria, dirt, and oils onto your skin, leading to breakouts and irritation.
Avoid Using a Towel to Dry your Face: Instead of using a towel to dry your face (which can harbor bacteria and irritate your skin) opt for a clean paper towel or a soft microfiber cloth. Pat your face dry gently instead of rubbing it, to avoid causing unnecessary friction or irritation.
Avoid Using Expired Skin Care Products: Expired products can lose their effectiveness and potentially cause irritation. Always check the expiration date on skincare items, especially on products such as sunscreen or serums. If a product smells off, changes color or has a different texture than usual it’s time to toss it.
Pro Tip: Always use clean fingers when or spatula to dispense products to prevent contamination.
Nighttime is Crucial
At night, your skin is more receptive to repair and regeneration, so your nighttime routine offers a great opportunity for deeper treatment.
Night Creams and Oils: Look for richer creams that contain ingredients like retinol, peptides, or ceramides to help regenerate skin while you sleep. Retinol is particularly effective for fine lines and ceramides help repair skin’s moisture barrier.
Face Oils: If your skin is dry or you want a glowing complexion, consider adding a nourishing face oil to your nighttime routine. Look for oils like rosehip oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil to hydrate, restore and balance your skin overnight.
Specific Concerns
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start adding treatments for specific concerns you want to address, such as fine lines, pigmentation or acne.
Anti-Aging Serums: If you’re noticing fine lines or wrinkles, consider adding an anti-aging serum to your routine. Ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C and peptides are great for boosting collagen production and improving skin texture. If you’re new to retinol, start with a lower concentration to allow your skin to adjust.
Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant helps brighten your skin and even out skin tone, and protect against free radical damage. Use a Vitamin C serum in the morning right after cleansing and before applying sunscreen.
Leveling Up Your Exfoliation: As you continue your routine, consider using a gentle exfoliant more regularly if your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid are great for keeping pores clean and refining texture. Use these sparingly, once or twice a week is enough for most skin types.
Beyond Home Routines
Monthly facials with a licensed professional offer many additional benefits beyond your home routine. A professional can provide personalized advice, perform treatments that you can’t do at home, and address specific concerns. Consider scheduling monthly facials to give your skin a deeper cleanse and boost. Facials often include a combination of professional exfoliation, hydration and targeted treatments like masks or serums that help maintain your skin’s health and radiance. Regular facials can be especially helpful for addressing acne, pigmentation or aging concerns and can provide a level of skin care that’s hard to replicate at home.
At Any Age
Starting a skincare routine for the first time after you’re already noticing signs of aging can feel overwhelming, but it can also be highly rewarding. In fact, some women note benefits such as improved self-confidence, greater appreciation for their physical body, and a sense of wellbeing by habitually engaging in this kind of self-care regimen. You don’t need an extensive or expensive regimen to see improvements- start with your basics of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and adding sunscreen and then build from there. With time and dedication, you can enhance your skin’s health, minimize the signs of aging and feel more confident in your skin.
Be Patient, Stay Consistent
One of the most important things to remember when starting a skincare routine is consistency! The aging process didn’t happen overnight, and the full results of your efforts won’t happen overnight, either. With regular care, you’ll start noticing improvements in your skin’s texture, tone and overall health. Start with what feels manageable, stay committed to your routine and be patient; good things take time.
Julia Payan is a licensed esthetician and founder of Just Be Gold Spa. She is passionate about partnering with clients on their skincare goals to nurture their natural beauty and sharing actionable tips to elevate your beauty routine.
