Super Simple Skincare
How a basic self-care routine can boost your skin health and confidence
Disclaimer: I am not a physician and this isn’t medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physican or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
Good Morning!
Welcome to the Wednesday edition of “Daily Self!” On Wednesdays, I’ll be focusing on a physical self-care topic.
Today’s newsletter includes…
Morning Microdose: A Simple 3-Step Skincare Routine
Myth of the Day: Facial sunscreen is not necessary during cloudy or winter days
Action Item: Take a good look at your current skincare routine and ask yourself if you’re happy with the results
(1) Daily Microdose
A Simple 3-Step Skincare Routine
I never thought I’d have acne as an adult.
My skin was very clear when I was young—even during my teenage years—but as an adult, it was a totally different story. I started taking medication that changed my skin chemistry and caused embarrassing breakouts all the time, especially when I was active (running, hiking, swimming, etc.), traveling, or stressed.
Even though acne made me incredibly self-conscious, I told myself that I didn’t have time to fuss with skincare products. That—hopefully—I wouldn’t have a bad breakout before an important event like a presentation… or a date! I told myself that skincare was just another word for Dial bar soap and water, maybe some Jergens, and a lot of Banana Boat spray sunscreen.
Then one day, my sister said to me, “Would you like some skincare advice? You look like you need it.”
😳
She was right, though. I did.
And perhaps you’re feeling like you do, too. Does your skin seem less vibrant than it used to? Is your confidence affected by the way your skin looks and feels? Or, perhaps you’re just feeling like it’s time to start taking better care of yourself.
No matter what the reason, this simple self-care routine is a great start to improving your skin health…
(1) Cleanse
After you wake up and before you go to bed (yes, TWICE per day), wash your face with a face-specific cleanser that’s made for your skin type. If you’re somewhere it’s not easy to wash your face (like on a backpacking trip), use micellar water on a clean cloth to wipe the dirt and grime off. Note that micellar water can be found unscented or scented. I prefer the scented version because it has a “spa” feel/smell. As far as cleansers go, there are so many options. Personally, I love and trust PanOxyl.
(2) Moisturize
Moisturizing is essential to your skin health and allows you to replenish the outermost layer (aka the barrier) with lipids after stripping away oil and grime. By keeping your skin properly moisturized, you can reduce the chances of skin cracking and infection, as well as counteract premature wrinkles and create a healthy, youthful glow.
I use a light moisturizer from La-Roche Posay in the morning and a heavier cream at night. Note: I do not use a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen. Why? Because I prefer to put my sunscreen on separately as I have more control over the ingredients, and I can use the same moisturizer on my face morning and night if I need to (e.g. if I’m sleeping in a tent).
(3) Protect
Mineral sunscreens offer more protection against UV rays than chemical sunscreens and can be less irritating to the skin. Personally, I prefer tinted mineral sunscreen because it gives my skin a healthy “sun-kissed” look (great for outdoor Instagram photos). I have used this SPF from La-Roche Posay for everyday wear, as well as this all-natural, outdoor-specific SPF from Raw Elements. Here are general guidelines when choosing a sunscreen:
Look for SPF 30+ (blocks ~97% of UV radiation) and broad spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB)
Physical/mineral sunscreen is potentially less irritating to the skin than chemical sunscreen (can identify a physical sunscreen by looking for “zinc oxide” or “titanium oxide” in the ingredients list)
Wait a few minutes after putting on your moisturizer (so that it dries completely) before applying sunscreen
Re-apply every 2 hours (rule of thumb) or follow the instructions on the packaging
After starting this routine and sticking to it for just 2 weeks, I looked like a completely different person. It wasn’t just my face—I also held my head up higher, stood up straighter, and had much more confidence when speaking to others face-to-face.
With that being said, we’re all unique. These are very general, basic steps. Ultimately, you need to do what’s best for your skin and lifestyle. Your dermatologist is the best person to talk to about chronic skin conditions and issues.
(2) Myth of the Day
Facial sunscreen is not necessary during cloudy or winter days.
False! Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate through clouds, which means that even if the sun isn't visible, your skin can still be exposed to harmful UV rays. UV radiation can also pass through windows, so you can get UV exposure indoors, especially if you spend significant time near windows or in a room with a lot of natural light. UVA rays, in particular, can penetrate glass windows and cause damage to the deeper layers of the skin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Wearing facial sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather or if you’re inside vs. outside, is crucial in protecting the skin from sun damage.
ps. Did you know that your computer monitor emits blue light, which is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light that can penetrate deeply into your skin and cause damage over time? To protect your skin from the harmful effects of HEV light from computer screens and other digital devices, use a sunscreen that contains ingredients that help block or absorb this type of light (e.g. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxide — all found in physical sunscreens), which have been shown to provide some protection against HEV light.
Sources:
Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Passeron, T. (2021). Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: practical recommendations from an expert panel. JEADV.
(3) Action Item
Consider your current facial skincare routine today. How does it measure up against the 3-step process described above? If you’re unhappy with how your skin is looking, feeling, or aging, it may be time for a change… or at least different products based on your unique skin type, tone, and condition.
Liked what you read? Stick around and share with a friend. See you tomorrow!