What we need to do every day is skincare, so what steps must be taken for skincare? What are the characteristics that need to be scientifically designed skincare plans for different skin types? First, you need to determine your skin type.
(1) Dry skin
Low moisture content in the stratum corneum, dull appearance, fine wrinkles, dryness and flaking, poor sun resistance, sensitive to external stimuli, and prone to wrinkles.
(2) Neutral skin
It belongs to the ideal skin type, with a suitable sebum and moisture content in the stratum corneum. The skin surface is smooth, dry, moderately greasy, elastic, sun resistant, and insensitive to external stimuli.
(3) Oily skin
sebum secretion is high, the appearance is greasy, shiny, and easy to adhere to dust, the hair is also oily, the pores are large, the skin tone is often darker, but the elasticity is good, it is not easy to wrinkle, and it has strong resistance to external stimuli. Prone to skin diseases such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis.
(4) Mixed skin
It has the characteristics of both dry and oily skin. The forehead and nose secrete a lot of sebum, which is oily, while other areas have normal or dry skin.
(V) Sensitive Skin
The skin is relatively sensitive to external stimuli, such as cold, sun exposure, cosmetics, etc., which can easily cause irritation, such as redness, papules, burning pain, or itching.
Once you have determined your skin type, the next step is the three-step process of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
（1） Cleaning
You can clean it once a day in the morning and once in the evening. It is recommended to use clean water for morning cleansing. If there is a lot of oil, cosmetics, sunscreen, etc., facial cleansing products can be used. Use a mild facial cleanser, with a dosage of 1-2g (the size of soybeans to fava beans) each time, focusing on the T-zone of the face. Gently apply it in a circular motion with your fingers, allowing it to fully emulsify before gently washing off with warm water. Then, use a towel soaked in water to scrub. Don't deliberately pursue washing until there is no oil on your face, as it can easily lead to excessive cleaning. Excessive and frequent cleaning or use of cleansing products can damage the skin barrier.
（2） Moisturizing
Are moisturizing and hydrating the same thing? No, hydration directly replenishes moisture to the skin, but this water may evaporate. The purpose of moisturizing is to reduce water evaporation. Keeping the skin in an ideal moisture state can maintain a good skin barrier and enable it to perform its normal physiological functions. Therefore, it is not significant to just wipe water or spray water on the face, but also use lotion or face cream to lock in moisture.
Oily skin can be cleaned moderately, first use water containing oil control ingredients, and then apply emulsion or gel when the toner is not dry.
For dry skin, you can choose emulsion in the morning and evening. For extremely dry skin, you can even apply gel or emulsion first, then paste or cream.
Sensitive skin can choose products with skin barrier repair function, which are rich in lipids for repairing and forming membranes, as well as anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients for accelerating recovery.
（3） Sunscreen
There is a universal ABC principle for sun protection internationally, which is Avoid, Block, and Cream.
1. Avoid exposure to sunlight: Avoid going out during the peak period of UVB (ultraviolet) radiation (10-16pm). When going out, try to walk in a cool place. But it should be noted that. Ultraviolet rays can be reflected by sand, concrete, glass, and snow, requiring high-intensity sun protection.
2. Physical obstruction: Hats, scarves/veils, sunglasses, etc. should be prepared. If prolonged exposure to sunlight is required, it is recommended to fully equip oneself.
3. Sunscreen: Choose the appropriate sunscreen according to the season and region. It is recommended to choose compound preparations with sun protection and antioxidant effects as sunscreen agents, which can enhance the sun protection effect.
When sweating or swimming, choose a waterproof sunscreen, and it is recommended to reapply it every 2 hours. Sunscreen with SPF>30 and PA+++should be used throughout the year for individuals with significant photoaging and photodermatitis.
The road ahead is long and arduous, and skincare is a lengthy process that requires us to approach it scientifically and adjust it according to our own conditions and specific circumstances.