How To Build A Skincare Routine That Works?

Are you trying to create and follow a simple and beneficial skincare routine based on your skin type and its specific needs? If you’re wondering where to start and how many skincare products to splurge on, it's important to know what to choose and what to avoid.

It’s also important to know how each product will essentially help you achieve beautiful, glowing and blemish-free skin. Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix says, “Abhyanga and Udvartana, along with Nasya and Gandusha are traditional ways of keeping the skin healthy and glowing.”

Scroll down to know how to build and follow a personalized skincare routine depending on your skin type, including natural and holistic Ayurvedic skincare tips.

What Is A Good Skincare Routine?

Before we begin creating a personalized skincare routine for your skin type, the thumb rule is to always keep it simple and uncomplicated. Always start with the basic steps and gradually expand once you get comfortable with the basics.

A good and effective skincare routine always involves three basic steps, in the same order, as mentioned below:

How To Build A Good Skincare Routine

Building a good skincare routine is important for maintaining good skin health. While all skincare routines will have the below-mentioned steps, choose products based on your skin type.

What You Need

• Cleanser
• Serum
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

The entire process of cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen, serum can take up to 20-25 minutes approximately.

Step 1: Cleanse

Use a gentle cleanser and cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and then in the evening. This will keep your face free of dirt and oil secretion. Avoid products with fragrances and choose one that suits your skin type. Use oil-removing cleanser for oily skin, a mild product for dry skin and a balancing cleanser for combination skin.

Step 2: Apply a Serum

Facial serums brings many benefits, however, do choose as per your skin type. A serum with hyaluronic acid protects oily skin from acne breakouts and hydrates dry skin. Replenish the lost moisture on combination skin with products containing niacinamide and sebocytine. Use gentle exfoliating products with ingredients like farnesol and salicylic acid for acne prone skin.

Step 3: Moisturize

Choose fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizers as per your skin type and for your specific skin issues. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin from free radical damage, maintain the skin barrier and restore its moisture level. Use a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin, a thick creamy formulation for dry skin and gel based for combination skin. Alcohol-free moisturizers work well for acne-prone skin.

Step 4: Protect

Your skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Choose a suitable sunscreen with SPF30 or above. You can opt between mineral and chemical-based sunscreens. Once you select, use it irrespective of the weather.

Important Note:

Before you create and follow a customized skincare regime, we strongly recommend you to consult a knowledgeable dermatologist or Ayurvedic doctor. This will help you better understand the ingredients and products suitable for your skin type and specific needs.

How To Test Your Skin Type At Home?

Before you plan and create your skincare routine, you must first and foremost know your skin type. Never follow any skincare regime without knowing your skin type, as it will not show you the desired effects and results.

You can do a simple physical test at your home to understand your skin type. This test measures the natural sebum production in your skin. Sebum is a natural oily, waxy secretion from your skin pores. The natural amount which your skin secretes finally determines whether your skin is:

• Combination
• Normal
• Oily or
• Dry

You must do the home test with a clean and dry face as it is the correct approach to understanding your skin type. The steps involve the following.

1. Cleanse your face with a mild facial cleanser and gently dry it with a soft towel.

2. Wait for half an hour before performing the test.

3. Take a blotting tissue or paper and gently apply it onto your face. Keep pressing the blotting tissue on various parts of your face, such as your chin, cheeks, nose and forehead.

4. Now, hold the blotting tissue facing a light source to determine the transparency of the tissue.

If the blotting tissue isn’t transparent, then you have a dry skin type. If the blotting tissue becomes transparent in and around the T-Zone area (involving your nose and forehead), then you have a combination/normal skin type. Lastly, if the tissue becomes completely transparent, then you have an oily skin type.

Apart from the skin types mentioned above, some of you may also have sensitive skin type, which can’t be determined by the sebum home test. You can determine whether you have sensitive skin type by:

A. Susceptibility to skin allergies

B. Checking whether your skin easily turns red

C. Observing whether your skin is able to protect itself from various external factors like sunlight and pollutants

D. Checking how it reacts to the application of skincare products

How To Take Care Of Your Skin According To Your Skin Type?

Once you know your skin type and any other specific concern which you might have, such as acne-prone or sensitive skin, you can begin with a skincare regime. You can consult a dermatologist or Ayurvedic practitioner who may guide and help you to create a personalized, daily skincare routine for best results.

A. Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

You will easily recognize whether you have oily skin type, without the need for a physical test. Oily skin is known by excessive sebum production, especially in and around the T-zone location. Additionally, it is susceptible to acne breakouts. If you have oily skin type, then you should consider using skincare products which are non-comedogenic as well as minimize using oil-based products.

Step 1: Cleansing With Oil-Removal Cleanser

When it comes to face cleansers, always look for skin ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients have acne-fighting properties, which aid in clearing the skin pores and preventing any new acne breakout.

Step 2: Treating With Facial Serum

When you are using a face cleanser with acne-fighting properties, you must ensure that you’re not using such facial products excessively, as they tend to dry out your skin. Avoid using heavy, creamy moisturizers to nourish your skin; instead opt for a facial serum which contains hyaluronic acid. This doesn’t cause any acne breakout.

Step 3: Moisturizing With Oil-Free Moisturizer

After the application of a facial serum, you may apply a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer to deeply nourish your skin. This keeps your skin hydrated and supple. Always opt for formulations which are non-comedogenic and don't clog the skin pores.

B. Best Skin-Care Routine For Dry Skin

You have dry skin when your skin usually feels tight and you experience cracks and dry patches. You must avoid using skincare products which are harsh and chemical-laden. Choose moisturizing and nourishing products which help in soothing and hydrating your skin.

Step 1: Cleansing With A Mild Cleanser

Always use a mild facial cleanser which doesn’t strip away the natural oils from your skin. The natural oils are essential for dry skin type. You can try using a milk-based cleanser which gently cleans your face without leaving it dry and tight.

Step 2: Treating With Hydrating Facial Serum

While choosing facial serums for your dry skin, always opt for a mild serum containing hyaluronic acid for hydration. It is important to retain and maintain the moisture content in your skin to prevent dryness.

Step 3: Moisturizing With Hydrating Moisturizer

After applying a facial serum, follow it up with a hydrating moisturizer. People with dry skin type should use a thick, creamy moisturizer which enhances the natural moisture level in the skin and protects it from environmental factors.

C. Best Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

Combination skin type is considered difficult to manage among all skin types, as it has both oily and dry skin types. In combination skin type, dry skin is observed on the forehead and cheeks, whereas oily skin is observed in and around the T-zone. If you have combination skin, then you must aim at controlling the sebum production, which eventually helps in preventing acne breakouts.

Step 1: Cleansing With A Balancing Cleanser

You will need a facial cleanser which will help you fight the acne-causing bacteria. However, the formulation shouldn’t leave your skin excessively dry after use. Choose a facial cleanser which balances the sebum production in your skin to maintain hydration. Cleansers containing AHAs help in minimizing oil secretion and unclogging skin pores, without stripping away essential oils from your skin.

Step 2: Treating With A Hydrating Facial Product

Once you remove dirt and excess oil from your skin’s surface, you should focus on replenishing the lost moisture into the skin. Products containing niacinamide and sebocytine help in regulating oil production and secretion as well as reducing the formation of open pores, giving you a clear and radiant skin.

Step 3: Moisturizing With Gel-Based Moisturizer

Similar to oily skin type, you should consider hydrating your skin with lightweight moisturizers. Avoid the use of heavy creams and oils for hydrating your skin. Opt for gel-based formulations as they are quickly absorbed into your skin without congesting skin pores or feeling heavy.

D. Best Skincare Routine For Acne Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin type, then your skincare regime should revolve around preventing and managing acne breakouts. Always remember to choose non-comedogenic skincare products which don’t clog your skin pores. Additionally, use exfoliating products to remove dead skin cells which tend to accumulate on your skin. These also help in keeping your acne breakouts under control.

Step 1: Cleansing With Acne-Fighting Cleanser

It is extremely important to choose a good facial cleanser as it helps you prevent new acne breakouts and manage acne which is already existing. Opt for products which contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which unclogs your skin pores and keeps it clear.

Step 2: Treating With Exfoliating Facial Product

It is recommended to use products which will gently exfoliate your skin as well as unclog congested pores for clear, glowing, and even skin. Ingredients such as farnesol and salicylic acid clear congestion in the skin pores and minimize excessive oil secretion.

Step 3: Moisturizing With Alcohol-Free Moisturizer

Never skip using a moisturizer in your daily skincare regime, even when you have acne-prone skin type. Your skin will require hydration and nourishment after using robust ingredients for fighting acne as they can cause excessive dryness. Choose alcohol and oil-free moisturizers which are light in weight as these don’t clog skin pores, and deeply nourish your skin.

Important Note:

If you have severe acne breakouts with no respite after considering other treatment options, then you can consult a dermatologist regarding LED light therapy for treating and managing acne. The blue LED rays help in eliminating acne causing bacteria and minimizes existing and new breakouts from spreading and forming, respectively.

Ayurvedic Skincare Tips For Radiant & Beautiful Skin

The 5000 years of proven science and wisdom of Ayurveda focuses on the key point that true beauty lies within you. This is why the holistic approach of Ayurveda in skin care emphasizes on balancing and supporting your complete system, including your digestive tract, as well as managing the three doshas and prakriti in you.

A. Practice Abhyanga – Ayurvedic Self Massage

The ancient practice of oil massage done by self or a therapist is well-known in the field of Ayurveda. It helps in detoxifying the skin from within and supports the repair and maintenance of overall skin health. Abhyanga offers you a host of benefits including improving blood circulation, hydrating and replenishing all tissues, maintaining the nervous system, cleansing sweat glands, and most importantly, nourishing and soothing the skin.

The ancient self-massage technique helps in reinforcing the spiritual, emotional, and energy levels of conscious awareness effortlessly. Additionally, it helps in managing emotional disorders and stress levels efficiently and reduces their adverse impact on the skin health.

The Ayurvedic herbal oils [4] used in Abhyanga include:

1. Almond Oil:

It is considered as an amazing emollient for irritated, flaky, and dry skin.

2. Coconut Oil:

It is a natural hydrating and nourishing oil for sensitive and dry skin.

3. Sesame Oil:

It repairs skin which has been damaged due to adverse UV A & B rays, which are easily absorbed by the skin.

4. Nalpamaradi Oil:

It is a popular skin de-tanning treatment in Ayurveda which helps in treating sun-damaged skin and repairing pigmentation.

B. Use Natural Ingredients To Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliation is an important step in the skincare routine. Here dead cells accumulated on your skin’s surface are eliminated with the help of a scrubbing agent. You will reap the benefit of exfoliation, irrespective of your skin type, as it helps in the removal of accumulated dead cells which cause dull, fatigued skin. Before you begin exfoliation, consider a few factors such as your skin type, the type of face scrub you choose, and how frequently you should exfoliate.

In Ayurveda, the traditional practice of exfoliation is performed with the help of ubtans. These are natural and safe as they contain ingredients such as chickpea flour and oatmeal which are gentle on your skin. You can use Ayurvedic scrubs regularly for exfoliating your skin; however, while using other types of scrubs, use them 1-2 times a week as per the instructions.

Unlike the chemical-based, cosmetic scrubs which contain microbeads, face scrubs made from natural ingredients [5] are safe and mild. Chickpea flour, oatmeal, and almonds are commonly used in herbal facial scrubs. These help exfoliate your skin and make it look clear, radiant and beautiful.

Vedix Tip: Always use natural and herbal facial scrubs for exfoliating your skin as they are mild and safe. Chemical-based facial scrubs contain microbeads which may cause abrasions and tears in your skin while scrubbing and exfoliating.

C. Nourish Your Skin With Essential Oils

In today’s skincare and beauty industry, face serums and oils have gained immense popularity as an addition or alternative to facial creams. You can try using facial oils for deep nourishment and hydration. These are made from Ayurvedic herbs and are safe, mild and natural. Here are few renowned Ayurvedic herbal formulations which you may consider using as facial oils for glowing skin:

1. Kumkumadi Oil:

This most-popular Ayurvedic oil [6] is recommended for sun damaged, pigmented and dull skin. The herbal oil helps your skin to look radiant, youthful and beautiful.

2. Neem Oil:

Enriched with antioxidants, this herbal oil is used for treating various types of skin ailments. The antibacterial property of neem oil helps in treating skin concerns such as abrasions, hyper-pigmentation, rashes, and acne.

Unlike cosmetic facial serums and oils, Ayurvedic herbal oils can be used externally for the entire body. These herbal oils include de-tanning and brightening herbal oils.

D. Use Ayurvedic Face Packs

In the Ayurvedic skincare approach, you can use commonly available ingredients in your kitchen to prepare traditional face packs for glowing and clear skin. One of the most commonly used ingredients is Bengal gram, or chickpea flour. For preparing a traditional face pack for clear skin, you can add a little amount of turmeric in chickpea flour and form a thick paste by adding rose water, lime juice or milk. It not only exfoliates your skin, but also brightens your complexion.

According to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, different types of face packs and skin care regimes are recommended, depending on your skin type and dosha.

1. Face Pack For Vata Dosha

Ingredients:

• 1/4th cup of cold milk, yogurt, or rose water
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour

How To Use:

• Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl to form a thick paste.
• Apply the face pack on your face and neck.
• Leave it to dry for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.
• Apply an oil-based skin moisturizer such as sesame oil.
• Repeat the steps twice or thrice in a week.

2. Face Mask For Pitta Dosha

Ingredients:

• Cotton balls
• Rose water
• 1/2 cup of freshly extracted, pure aloe vera gel

How To Use:

• Cleanse you face with a cotton ball dipped in rose water to remove any skin impurities.
• Apply the aloe vera gel evenly on your face and neck.
• Leave it to dry for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.
• Apply a mild skin moisturizer like geranium oil.

3. Face Pack For Kapha Dosha

Ingredients:

• Multani mitti
• Rose water

How To Use:

• Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl to form a thick paste.
• Apply the face pack on your face and neck.
• Allow it to dry for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
• Gently pat dry your face and neck.
• Repeat the steps once or twice in a week.

4. Face Pack For All Doshas

Ingredients:

• Few drops of essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons of almond flour
• 2 teaspoons of oat flour

How To Use:

• Add all the powdered ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Add a few drops of essential oil and mix all the powdered ingredients to form a thick paste.
• Apply the thick paste on your face and neck.
• Allow it to dry for 19 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

E. Other Ayurvedic Medications For Skin Care

1. Madhuyashti

Also known as Licorice or Maduka, it helps to minimize dark spots and blemishes on your skin. You can prevent sunburn and dark spots from exposure to extreme UV A & B rays by including licorice tea in your daily diet. Additionally, you can use a decoction made with licorice root as an effective sunscreen lotion to protect and prevent suntan and sunburn.

You can prepare a simple anti-tanning and sunburn face pack by mixing fresh turmeric, cucumber and licorice tea, which helps in treating and healing sun damaged skin.

2.Manjistha

In Ayurveda, Manjistha is renowned for its blood purifying properties. A Rasayan (rejuvenation), and a Varnya (beautifying) herb, it is commonly used in various skincare treatments and therapies since ancient times.

3. Padmaka

The powdered form of the Ayurvedic herb is used as a lepa (herbal paste) to enhance the skin tone and appearance. The presence of essential elements such as copper, zinc, and iron in different concentrations, makes Padmaka a beneficial herb for your skin. While controlling acne breakouts, it also helps retain the moisture content in your skin.

4. Nagkesar

The Ayurvedic herb, also popularly known as Tung, offers you a host of benefits including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. When applied on a regular basis, Nagkesar imparts a natural glowing and blemish-free complexion. The herbal oil extracted from its flower is renowned as a powerful antibacterial agent, which makes it a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare routines.

F. Ayurvedic Skincare Diet

As mentioned earlier in the Ayurvedic approach to skincare, a healthy diet leads to a natural, glowing complexion from within. As the popular adage goes, “what you eat truly reflects on your skin”, holds true in this case. Here are few foods and dietary habits which you must consider including in your daily diet for a radiant and healthy skin:

1. Green Tea:

It is renowned for providing protection to your skin from the early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. Enriched with catechins, green tea helps in maintaining and improving your skin.

2. Yogurt:

Most of the commonly occurring skin concerns rise due to stomach ailments. By including yogurt in your daily diet, you can easily combat stomach ailments as well as improve your gut health.

3. Fruits:

Include seasonal fruits in your daily diet. This provides your skin with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which immensely benefit your skin health.

4. Green Leafy Vegetables:

A powerhouse of essential nutrients and antioxidants, green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and broccoli are beneficial for your skin health.

5. Tomatoes:

Due to the presence of antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes are considered to be extremely beneficial for your skin. It improves your skin complexion and minimizes sun damage from free radicals.

Vedix Tip: It is important to follow healthy dietary habits for a glowing, radiant and healthy skin. Strictly avoid processed, sugar and fat based foods which aggravate your skin concerns.

7 Skin Care Tips You Must Follow

1. Say No To Oily & Spicy Foods

If you desire to have healthy and glowing skin, then you must strictly avoid sour, oily, and spicy foods. These foods may upset your stomach, which deteriorates your overall health, including the health of your skin. Additionally, these foods cause an imbalance in your pitta dosha, which leads to eruptions and breakouts in your skin.

Follow a light diet that includes easily digestible items such as oatmeal, chickpea flour, corn, khichdi, moong dal, seasonal fruits, steamed salad, pumpkin, squash, and steamed or cooked fresh vegetables.

2. Avoid Beverages Which Aggravate Your Pitta Dosha

It is understandable that you must have your cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea; however, try and reduce your daily intake of beverages. Alcohol and coffee are known evils which aggravate acidity and pitta dosha. Instead, opt for herbal teas which pacify the pitta dosha.

3. Keep Your Skin Dry

Try to keep your skin dry and moisturized to avoid any fungal infections, especially on your feet and skin folds. Wet skin can lead to fungal and bacterial infections.

4. Wheatgrass For Healthy Skin

Wheatgrass is considered as an excellent tonic for your skin. It helps in protecting your skin from any skin concerns and also boosts your immune system. When you have a healthy immune system, it reflects on your skin which imparts a natural glow and radiance. It also helps in purifying blood as it contains antioxidants.

5. Drink Plenty Of Water

Always try to drink around 8 to 10 glasses of plain water daily, for healthy skin. This helps to hydrate and nourish your skin, and flushes out toxins from your system.

6. Always Eat Fresh

Your daily diet should include only fresh foods and not processed foods. This helps you to maintain a good health and immune system. Avoid eating junk food altogether.

7. Never Use Any Alcohol-Based Skincare Products

Avoid using any alcohol-based skincare product, as it dries and irritates your skin. Alternatively, use a mild and herbal skincare product to maintain and improve your skin health.

The Last Word

To summarize, your skincare regime is unique to you, which addresses your specific needs and concerns. We now understand the various elements involved in a good skincare regime and their individual roles. It is equally important to manage your stress levels and gut health, along with using the right skincare products for your skin type.

By following a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can prepare and follow your personalized skincare routine based on Ayurvedic herbs which are absolutely essential for your skin.

Know Your Dosha Now