The world of skincare can be intimidating. From double cleansing to skin cycling, many routines seem to come with their own language. For those of us who are busy but still want to care for our skin, there’s no need to decode any TikTok trends. Here are some ways you can practice simple and straightforward skincare, whether you have five minutes or more.
The Absolute Essentials: Your 5-Minute Skincare Routine
Even if you have a jam-packed schedule, your skin shouldn’t go neglected. The fundamental skincare steps you should take each morning and evening are: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Start by washing your skin with a cleansing agent to remove makeup, dirt, and sweat. Then, apply a toner using a cotton ball, pad, or spritzer to refresh your skin. Finally, lock in moisture by applying a cream or gel.
In the morning, your moisturizer should include an SPF of 30 or higher, or you can apply a separate sunscreen if needed. Find out more about the best products for your skin type in our basic skincare guide.
A Step Above: The 10-Minute Skincare Routine
Some days may grant the luxury of an extra five minutes until you have to be out the door or before your head hits the pillow. Take advantage of this time to incorporate some extra steps into your routine based on your skin type. (Here’s how to identify it, if you’re unsure).
For example, if your skin tends to get oily or you wear makeup regularly, you might try double cleansing. This routine simply involves a micellar water or other gentle makeup remover to cleanse the skin before washing it as usual. You could then exfoliate to deeply cleanse your pores and remove excess dead skin cells. Follow up with your usual toner, then apply any additional treatments you might need. Acne treatments like salicylic acid can help clear up any areas prone to breakouts, for example, while retinol is a powerful wrinkle fighter.
When You Have Some Extra Time: The 30-Minute Skincare Routine
If you’re having a night in, dedicate some time to self-care by giving your skin extra TLC. Build on the ten-minute routine by incorporating a specialized treatment such as a mask. Most are designed to be left on for 15 to 20 minutes and contain a special formula of ingredients to alleviate skin woes like dryness, clogged pores, and redness. You could also try a DIY skin fix, such as face icing to temporarily improve your skin tone.
Treatments to Minimize Day-to-Day Maintenance
If you have skin concerns like acne or fine lines, scheduling treatments can be a game-changer for your daily routine. A small investment of your time — such as an hour in the dermatologist’s office — could allow you to cut some steps out of your regular regimen.
For example, laser treatments can improve your skin’s tone and texture, fade acne scars, and diminish pore size, allowing you to scale back on the number of products you use to treat these concerns. Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are the gold standards for tackling fine lines and achieving a more youthful look, delivering more powerful results than any wrinkle cream could.
Find the best skincare routine for your specific needs with the help of Olansky Dermatology. Our award-winning providers offer a range of aesthetic services for all lifestyles and skincare preferences. Set up an appointment online or by calling 404-355-5484.
