Skin is the largest organ of our body. It is also the most exposed to the elements and the pollution in large cities. It is no wonder that we must take special care of it and keep it healthy. It is not just a matter of beauty. Skin is our only natural barrier from viruses, bacteria and other malicious intruders.

We all think we know how to take care of our skins. We have shelves full of facial masks, creams, serums and whatnot. But they are only effective if they are applied correctly, and in a specific order.

Your Skincare Routine May Need Revision

There is no wonder that you may not have a correct skincare and beauty routine. The internet is full of confusing and contradicting information. From major brands that want to sell their products to Instagram influencers who want to increase their followership, you are exposed to countless advice on how to take care of your skin.

In this article, we will try to give you a simple and effective step by step skincare program you should stick with morning and night. We understand that you have a busy life, so we considered the basic skincare products you may need and which do not take a lot of time to apply.

Without further introductions, here is a complete skincare and beauty routine you should follow in order:

Step 1 – Cleansing

This is the first thing you must do in the morning, as well as in the evening as you prepare to go to sleep. Cleansing is critical for a healthy and good looking skin. Whether you prefer micellar water or other type of cleanser, you must ensure first that it is adapted to your skin type.

There are five types of skin:

• Regular
• Oily
• Dry
• Mixed (regular on the cheeks and oily on the forehead, nose and chin)
• Sensitive.

You must apply the cleanser gently, without rubbing or massaging it too vigorously. In some cases, you need to rinse you face after the application of the cleanser (see the instructions printed on the product).

Step 2 – Toning

The toner is the next product to apply after cleansing. It delivers an extra dose of nutrients to your skin and helps close open pores. Why should you have your pores closed? These pores are likely to accumulate dirt from the pollution in the air and makeup products. In time, the skin develops blackheads.

The key ingredients you should look for in your toner are:

• Vitamin E and C
• Hyaluronic acid
• Rosewater. 

Step 3 – Moisturizing

Now we get to the facial creams. No matter what type of cream you use (anti-aging, hydrating, nourishing) you should apply it only after cleansing and toning your skin. The order of applying facial cream is: first the eye cream, secondly facial cream. 

Since you arrived at this step, don’t forget about your hands. Together with the face, they represent the body parts most exposed to the elements (sun rays, wind, rain and pollution). You should regularly apply a nourishing cream for the hands and nails.

Step 4 – UV Protection

If your facial cream does not contain UV filters, you should consider adding one more product to your skincare routine – a sunscreen. Sunrays (even in winter) damage the skin by speeding up the aging process. Plus, it may trigger the occurrence of melanoma (skin cancer).

Step 5 - Don’t Forget about the Intimate Area

The most sensitive type of skin on your body is around the eyes and in the intimate area. You should not ignore the area down there. If you do not have time for a complete cleansing routine, you can use special Queen V wipes which are pH-balanced and will leave you feeling fresh and clean all day long.

Step 6 – Extra Nutrition

Every once in a while (once per week ideally) you should use a facial mask to boost the nourishing and hydrating effect of your favorite cream. Consider facial masks as supplements for the skin, that strengthen it, maintain it youthful looking and healthy.

The most popular types of facial masks are:

• Clay/mud masks
• Peel-off masks
• Thermal masks (they gradually warm up after application)
• Overnight masks.

Overnight masks are very useful after those very busy days when you did not have time to follow through with this skincare routine. They detoxify, cleanse and nourish the skin at the same time.

Step 7 – Removing Makeup

You may use your regular cleanser to remove makeup or special products for waterproof makeup or for the sensitive skin on your lips and around the eyes. For maximum protection, use this product on organic cotton pads. Organic cotton plantations are not treated with any chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. Also, the harvested cotton is not bleached or subject to other chemical treatments.

And this is the end of your daily skincare routine! Even though it appears lengthy and detailed, once in enters in your routine, you will be done with it within minutes.

Dani Fogel. is a Communication Coordinator at Brandable, based in Los Angeles, CA. She works on the Queen V brand within the company’s Digital and Ecommerce department.