If you are just starting on your skincare journey in 2024, a good guide that can help you get started can be a great advantage. A great start would be to have a solid foundation in the basics. Nowadays, it can get overwhelming to navigate skincare products as there are a myriad of choices available on the market. There are also a lot of influencers and content creators who promote various skincare products, but how will one know if those will be suitable for you?

Begin with these tips:

Before you buy any skincare products, know your skin type first.

Skin types can be different from person to person, but among the general types are normal, oily, dry, and combination. To know which type you have, wash your face using any gentle cleanser. Warning: Avoid using bar soaps that have harsh ingredients that leave your skin with a “tightening effect” after washing since this can affect determining your skin type.

After washing, leave your face as is for 20–30 minutes without applying any other product. If your face doesn’t have gloss or flaky portions after that, then you have a normal skin type. Otherwise, if your face becomes glossy and oily, then you have an oily skin type, or if you have flaky white patches or become tight, then you have a dry one. However, if you feel like other portions are oily but there is also part of your skin that feels tight, then you have a combination type.

Now that you know your skin type, buy sunscreen.

You cannot call it your skincare routine if you don’t have it because UV rays from the sun can cause a lot of damage to your skin and can result in wrinkles or aging. Without sunscreen, you are prone to irritation and skin cancer. Your skin care journey would have no purpose at all. Although, yes, you cannot get Vitamin D from the sun if you use sunscreen, there are other sources to choose from, such as food supplements and specific types of food. Vitamin D deficiency is not deadly, but skin cancer is, right?

Depending on your skin type, sunscreens also have different textures, so it is important to know your skin type firsthand.

A combination of the first two tips is the backbone of a skincare routine.

You can stop there if you have no other problems with your skin. However, if you have other concerns, such as acne or excessive dryness, oily skin, and dark spots, then invest in a good moisturizer. It is a myth that moisturizers make the skin more oily. No. It keeps the skin barrier more healthy, according to dermatologists. What matters is the type of moisturizer for your respective skin.

If you have other concerns about your skin...

• Proceed to use a serum. Serums treat problems in your skin like acne, dark spots, aging, and uneven skin tone. Take your time researching this.

• If you have a bigger issue with your skin, whether it is swelling of your pimples or severe patches on your skin, please consult an expert dermatologist for your well-being.

This is your sign to begin your glow-up era! Start now and live with healthy skin throughout the year.