What does a skin care routine include?

There are only three core fixed items in the skin care process: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. All the remaining steps are supplementary items that can be added as needed. There is no universal "standard answer."

A while ago, I helped a girl who was just a freshman in college to condition her skin. She originally had healthy oily skin. After reading the "Ten Steps to Skin Care for a Lady" from a beauty blogger, I saved two months of living expenses and put together a complete set of toner, serum, whitening essence, anti-aging essence, lotion, and facial cream. I also used it every day before going to bed. After applying a hydrating mask, I developed sensitive skin in less than two months. When the temperature dropped and the seasons changed, my cheeks became red and itchy. Later, I cut off all the unnecessary steps, leaving only morning and evening amino acid cleansing, refreshing lotion, and sunscreen when going out. I also changed the mask to a maximum of twice a week. It took more than two months to slowly recover.

When it comes to skin care procedures, one cannot avoid the “minimalist vs. full-step” debate that is currently hotly debated on the Internet. Both sides of the argument are actually valid: those who favor the full-step process are mostly dry skin and mature skin with high tolerance. The skin barrier is healthy and the demand for nutrients is also high. For example, the dry-skinned sister around me who is 35+ has to follow the eight-step skin care process in winter: remover - cleansing - toning - essence - eye cream - lotion - face cream - sunscreen. After using it for five or six years, her skin condition is much tighter than that of her peers.； The slogan of minimalist skin care is king. Most of them have sensitive skin and oily acne-prone skin that have experienced excessive skin care. Their skin barrier is fragile, and excess functional ingredients will burden the skin. Many sisters with sensitive skin can maintain stable skin by only relying on warm water cleansing + repairing cream + sun protection.

To put it bluntly, the skin care process is like a meal. Cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen are the staple foods that can never be missing. Exfoliation, functional essences, and facial masks are all side dishes that can be added based on personal needs. If you have been staying up late recently and have a tight mouth, add salicylic acid after cleansing. Wipe the area with a cotton pad. If it becomes red and hot after being exposed to the sun, replace the ordinary lotion with a repairing essence. Occasionally apply a hydrating mask to slow things down. There is really no need to forcefully pile things on your face. The best process is the one that suits your skin condition.