Routines are a natural part of life: commuting to work, eating three meals a day, or just grabbing a mid-afternoon coffee as a pick me up. Some routines happen organically, like eating or sleeping, while other routines take more effort, such as working out consistently or journaling every day. These day to day activities can have long term effects, so check in with yourself and evaluate your daily habits!

As you reflect upon your daily activities, there may be one aspect of your day that you skipped over: your skincare routine. We know it can be difficult to incorporate an extensive skincare regimen on a busy day, but taking the extra five to ten minutes in the morning to take care of your skin will have long-lasting benefits. Here are some reasons why we think a skincare routine is essential!

1. Creates mindfulness

Mornings can be quite hectic, but if you allow a few minutes for your skincare routine, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on yourself and be present in the moment. You can take that time to go over how your day is going to look, set goals, or just relax and listen to some music while you get ready.

2. Every skin has different needs

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so be patient and learn what works for you. Every skin type is unique and your products should be personalized to nourish and protect your face. Not to mention, your environment has a huge impact on your skin, so you might need to swap out your products as seasons change. For example, you may need a lighter moisturizer during humid summers and a gentler cleanser to not strip your face of natural oils in dry winters.

3. Saves time and money

By taking good care of your skin daily, you can help prevent hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sunspots, and scarring, which will be more cost-efficient in the long run. Dermatologists, treatments, and procedures are expensive, and you will save yourself time and money by following a basic but complete skincare routine.

4. Builds confidence and self-esteem 

Did you know you that you shed millions of dead skin cells every day from the outermost layer of your skin? Skin can look dull when neglected, but by maintaining a routine where you’re moisturizing and exfoliating, you reveal newer, more radiant skin cells. Not only will your skin be more glowy and dewy, but good skin health is a great way to help boost your confidence, so you can feel fabulous from the inside out.

What Should You Include in Your Skincare Routine?

Now that you have a better understanding of why you should invest in a proper skincare routine, the next question is what products you should start adding into your routine. As mentioned previously, your routine should be personalized to your own lifestyle and skin type, but below are a few items that we find essential, as well as some nice-to-haves for a complete regimen.

• Cleanser

The first step of any skincare routine (for morning and at night) is an effective cleanser to gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup. A good cleanser should clean your skin and pores without stripping your face of its natural oils. If your face feels tight or dry after cleansing, the face wash may not be suitable for your particular skin type.

A gentle cleanser that is great for all skin types is the Kashmere Cleansing Facial Gel. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils, this plush face wash deeply cleanses the skin while providing it with a veil of moisture, leaving your face feeling refreshed and energized.

• Serum

This next step, while not a necessity, is amazing to give your skin an extra boost of moisture and can be particularly helpful for those of you with dry skin. Serums are a phenomenal way to provide your skin with a concentrated amount of powerful ingredients that help play a big role in maintaining healthy skin.

For example, the Kashmere Advanced Youth Activating Elixir is a wonderful serum that helps lock in moisture with humectants like glycerin and niacinamide, which can plump the skin and blur fine lines. You can also use this product at night after cleansing if you want to keep your morning routine more minimalistic!

• Moisturizer

A hydrating moisturizer is an absolute must for any routine! After cleansing, you want a good moisturizer to balance and protect your skin. With a plethora of skincare products on the market, take a look at the label to ensure you are putting quality ingredients on your face. With the Kashmere Glycolic Skin Corrector Moisturizer, you can rest assured that it is formulated with safe and effective ingredients.

With a unique blend of glycolic acid and other natural fruit acids, this lightweight moisturizer helps even skin tone, rough texture, and reduce the appearance of dryness and fine lines while providing your skin with a surge of hydration. This impressive moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily for optimal results.

• Sunscreen

We cannot emphasize the importance of this next step enough! The sun is easily one of the most damaging elements to your skin, so it’s crucial that you apply sunscreen regularly to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays to reduce the risk of skin cancer and signs of aging. You probably already have sunscreen for the body at home, but it’s essential to find a sunscreen that is designed for the face to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Kashmere’s Anti-Aging Whipped SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is created specifically for facial use. It has a light, whipped texture that hydrates the skin while acting as a sunblock with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. To keep your skin protected, remember to reapply throughout the day!

What Will Your Skincare Routine Look Like?

A proper skincare routine can greatly affect your skin, but so do other factors such as sleep, levels of stress, weather, and diet. As mentioned previously, your skin is the largest organ of the body, so take the time to learn what ingredients, products, and habits work best for you. While the skincare routine discussed is more optimal for the morning, don’t forget to remove any makeup and moisturize again when you get ready for bed!