This is How I Step Up My Skincare Game as a 30-something Skincare Enthusiast
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Time to read 5 min
I began my skincare journey more than a decade ago when I battled severe acne. That was back when there was very little information about skincare readily available on the internet. For me, it was a stressful trial-and-error process that consumed time, money, and most of all, effort.
Fast-forward to today in my thriving thirties, I genuinely feel like I know better compared to my first few years trying out all kinds of skincare products and treatments. However, in contrast to the lack of information I had when I was younger, the present struggle is that there’s just too much beauty and skincare-related information out there that has become quite overwhelming.
This brings me to share my own personal experience in terms of my skincare journey, most particularly on what I do to slow down skin aging and how to make the products I use more effective.
Double Cleansing is NEVER too much
Double cleansing used to be frowned upon by some, because it gives the impression of “over-cleansing”, therefore stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Now, this is merely a misconception and I can attest that double cleansing totally changed my skincare game to new heights and since then, I never looked back.
This isn’t about washing your face twice, it’s using a cleansing oil, micellar water, or cleansing balm for the first cleanse, and using a rinse-off cleansing foam or soap for the second. I wear makeup on a regular basis so I find it very important to do the first step of the cleanse by using a makeup remover. I use either micellar water or cleansing balm to free my pores from makeup and other impurities accumulated from daily outdoor exposure.
Then the second cleanse involves a gentle cleanser to be washed off with water. This will get rid of the remaining dirt that’s been eased by the first cleanse.
Prep your skin for Gentle Exfoliation
We all know we have to exfoliate regularly, but the question is — How do you prep your skin for exfoliation? I went through the mistake of going straight to my skin exfoliator without proper prep and it really dried my skin up.
I remember having this conversation with my dermatologist several years ago and that’s when I began to understand its importance. Prepping your skin prior to exfoliation involves warming and opening your pores up and softening any deep-seated dirt. This can be done by facial steaming and toning.
Having a dedicated facial steamer is ideal because it’s specifically designed to have the right temperature, but if you don’t have one yet, you can just boil water, have it cool down a bit, and use that steam. Steaming will relax your pores and therefore allow the toner and exfoliator to slough off dead skin seamlessly.
“Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize” is a Mantra
Proper moisture is crucial in every skincare routine and this applies most especially as we age. As we enter our 30s, the skin’s natural moisture levels naturally deplete over time and this is exactly why investing in highly effective moisturizers is important.
Incorporating serums and anti-aging creams is one way to level up your routine. Although there’s one thing I have also learned about using multiple skincare products and that is to know the basics of skincare layering. Start with those with the lightest consistency such as serums or essence lotions, then make sure to let each one set for a couple of minutes before applying the next product. It seems tedious, I know, but patience is a virtue! This will take the efficiency level of your skincare products to a whole new level and prevent putting too much weight on your skin.
Invest in Top-tier Beauty Tools and Devices
As technology in the beauty industry continues to progress, many handheld beauty devices can easily be accessed in the market today. Some may see this as a splurge, and maybe it is. But think of it as having your own pampering skincare spa in the comfort of your home! If you invest in such devices of great quality, you are actually saving more money, time, and effort, especially in the long run. It’s convenient and it helps boost the efficiency of the products you’re already using.
I personally like phototherapy devices, wherein you can change the LED settings and choose which light is suitable for your skin needs. Another device worth investing in is an Iontophoresis wand which helps improve product absorption.
Understand the Active Ingredients of the products you use
Skincare is never about quantity, and this is something that took me a long time to fully accept and understand. I used to religiously follow a 13-step skincare routine and it was definitely exhausting! Sure, it actually helped my skin improve a lot but I realized that what a 13-step skincare routine can achieve can also be done with just 4 or 5 steps. The key to optimum effectiveness? Find products that have the active ingredients you need.
This is where I would strongly suggest a visit to your dermatologist because only a professional can thoroughly assess what your skin really needs. Ask questions and acquire reliable information about the ingredients you’re curious about — straight from the expert! This way, you’ll be able to tailor your skincare routine according to what your skin is telling you. Do proper research about the active ingredients and find products that will target your skin concerns.
Note that not all brands and products that claim that they’re “all-natural” are immediately considered compatible for your skin.
How These Tips Changed My Skincare Routine
In a nutshell, it saved me from the tasking hassle of trial and error. Not only that, it saved me time and money as well because I'm able to maximize the efficiency of my skincare routine without shedding loads of money over things I’m not even sure that’ll work!
It also pays to have a great understanding of the specific needs of my skin because this led me to find the right skincare products that contain the right ingredients for me.
Diving into conversations with fellow beauty and skincare enthusiasts also helped me hear firsthand experiences from different people, therefore giving me a different perspective of what I’m actually looking for.
Just remember that skincare is subjective, and each person's skin type greatly vary from one another. So it's important to known your very own skin on a deeper level for your to make the most out of your own skincare routine.
Andrea Centeno
Andrea is a writer and editor working in the field of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle for more than 10 years now. In the small gaps between her career as a writer, she styles and curates clothes for personal fashion clients, teaches young kids English during school breaks, and sits down in her mini craft corner to create jewelry pieces. She also has a small online space at shimmerjjang.com where she randomly talks about her favorite lipsticks and eyeshadows, solo travels, and unending skincare journey.
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