“Filters are great, but great skin is better”

While walking on the street, have you ever come across a person who seems to have walked right out of a beauty commercial? Yes, the one with flawless, Greek Goddess skin. Generally, what follows after such an encounter is an episode of self-loathing and gene cursing. But you need to stop beating yourself up. Every skin type, last we checked, is beautiful. The difference really lies in the health of the skin and how well is it tended to. For most, it is the result of well-researched, arduous skin-care routines followed religiously since many moons.

If you are an amateur, the magical world of skin-care can be akin to being lost in Narnia - you have no clue what is happening. But, with the right guidance and unwavering determination, you can achieve that healthy skin you have always dreamed about. To make the process simple, we have compiled the ultimate guide to skin-care for a beginner.

Irrespective of your age and gender, your skin needs love and attention. It’s absurd that despite being the largest part of our body, we tend to ignore the unique needs of our skin. Remember, it is important to view skin-care as a necessity rather than a luxury.

The first step to skin-care is to identify your skin type. Depending on your skin’s production of oil or sebum, you can have dry, oily, combination, or normal skin. Once that is out of the way, the next step is to establish a routine. The secret to good skin-care lies in the art of mastering CTM: Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer.

STEP 1: CLEANSE

Every morning, when you wake up from your beauty sleep, feeling fresh and relaxed, your skin is bearing the brunt of dust and oil that it has absorbed all night from your pillow and hair. Therefore, it is very important to cleanse your face thoroughly when you wake up. Use a mild, perfume-free cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Make sure to check the back of the cleanser for a list of ingredients and if it begins to feel like reading a chemistry journal, ditch it immediately.

Cleanse your skin once in the morning, and once in the evening, to ensure that it is free of any dust, sweat, or pollution. Think of it like this: before painting, you need a clean surface. Similarly, you need clean skin before you can apply any other product on it. Just cleaning your skin regularly will make a huge difference in your skin.

STEP 2: TONER

Most people hear the word toner, and immediately picture a tingling, stringent liquid which will make their skin irritable. However, this is just another addition to the list of skin-care myths. A toner is used to return the pH balance of the skin and restore its glow. The 21st-century toner, unlike its 80’s counterpart, is more like a boost of nutrients, helping your skin absorb other products more efficiently.

There are various toners for diverse skin problems. Choosing the correct toner as per your skin type is very important. Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Green Tea are some of the superhero ingredients in toners. Once you have cleansed your skin, and before you apply a moisturizer, pour a few drops of toner on clean hands and gently dab it all over your face and neck. Unlike cleansing, toners need to be used once a day, preferably at night. But make a conscious effort to include this step in your skin-care routine. You love a toned body, imagine what toned skin would look like.

STEP 3: MOISTURIZE

A good old moisturizer is the best solution for that soft, supple, baby-like skin. Once you have completed the C and the T, move forward to moisturizing your skin. However, good things come in moderation. Diving into a pool of moisturizer will do you more harm than good. Therefore, you must apply a pea-sized quantity of moisturizer to your face and neck. Choose an oil-free, perfume-free moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and use it at least twice a day.

The key function of a moisturizer is to hydrate your skin. The right moisturizer will restore the loss of water from the outer layers of your skin. Finding a good moisturizer can be tiresome, but once you find that perfect one, never let it go, okay?

So, you might never switch to filters again because your natural skin will be healthier and better. The key to skin-care is to not get attached. If a product is not working for your skin even after a significant time, change it and switch to something more suitable for your skin needs.

And once you have mastered these steps, you will be on your path to perfect, flawless skin. However, it is important to remember that all skin types are beautiful. There is no defined meaning of what perfect skin is and as long as you are satisfied with the way your skin looks and feels. You do not need to fret about making drastic changes and achieving unrealistic goals. Capiche?