Opening Thoughts

Today I want to talk about skincare with everyone. As a former skincare novice, I completely understand that overwhelming feeling when faced with countless skincare products. I remember when I first started skincare, looking at all those bottles and jars at counters and in livestreams, I was completely lost, having no idea what to buy or how to use them.

Once, I impulsively bought products that others recommended, which left my face in a mess. My skin became red and itchy, with lots of small pimples - I couldn't bear to show my face. After numerous trials and learning experiences, I finally figured out a skincare routine that works for me. Today I want to share my experience with everyone, hoping to help others who are confused like I was avoid making the same mistakes.

The Foundation of Skincare

When it comes to skincare, many people's first reaction is: buy expensive products! Buy luxury brands! This thinking is actually very one-sided. I've seen many ladies using all luxury skincare products but their skin condition remains unsatisfactory. On the contrary, some who use affordable products have skin so hydrated you could squeeze water from it.

Why is this? Because the most important aspect of skincare isn't how expensive the products are, but having a scientific and reasonable care routine. Just like we need to build a foundation starting from elementary school, skincare also needs to start with the most basic steps. Only with a solid foundation can subsequent care be twice as effective with half the effort.

My skincare insight is: rather than blindly pursuing high-end products, it's better to get the basics right first. A suitable basic care routine can solve 80% of skin problems. The remaining 20% can then be improved with functional products.

Step One: Cleansing

Speaking of the first step in skincare, it must be cleansing! Many people might think washing your face isn't anything special - just apply some facial cleanser and you're done, right? That's completely wrong! If you don't choose the right cleansing product, all subsequent care will be wasted.

I personally went through a "cleansing hell" period. Back then, I thought my face was oily, so I used very strong facial cleansers. My face felt super clean after washing, but it would become even oilier after a while. Later I learned that cleansing too thoroughly had stripped away the skin's natural protective barrier, causing it to frantically produce oil to protect itself.

So choosing cleansing products really varies from person to person. Those with oily and combination skin can choose foam cleansers, like CeraVe's foaming cleanser which works particularly well. It gently removes excess oil while containing ceramides that repair the skin barrier. After using it for a while, I clearly felt my skin wasn't getting oily as easily.

Those with dry and sensitive skin should choose gentler products. La Roche-Posay's gentle hydrating cleanser is very suitable - its formula is especially gentle, free from fragrances and dyes, and maintains skin moisture while cleansing. After use, your face won't feel tight, but rather comfortable.

As for makeup removal, I strongly recommend Farmacy's cleansing balm. It has a balm texture that turns into oil when it meets water, easily dissolving all kinds of makeup and sunscreen. Most amazingly, although it's an oil-based makeup remover, it leaves no sticky feeling afterwards, and actually makes skin feel soft and tender.

When cleansing, pay attention to water temperature - don't use water that's too hot. I made this mistake before, thinking hot water cleaned better, but it made my skin very sensitive. Now I wash my face with warm water, around body temperature is fine.

Another important detail is cleansing time. Many people like to wash for a long time, thinking it cleans better. Actually, face washing should be controlled to about one minute - cleaning for too long will damage the skin. Now I just use my fingertips to gently massage in circles, especially giving the oil-prone T-zone a few extra circles.

The Art of Toning

After cleansing, many people might directly apply lotion or cream. Actually, doing this means missing an important step: toning. The most common toning product is toner.

Speaking of toners, I know many people think: "Isn't this just expensive water?" I used to think so too, until I tried COSRX's AHA/BHA toner and changed my mind. This toner contains gentle fruit acids and salicylic acid that help remove dead skin and improve pore issues. Most importantly, it can adjust the skin's pH level, preparing it for subsequent skincare steps.

The method of using toner is also particular. Don't wipe it on with cotton pads, as that wastes a lot of product. I pour the toner into my palms and then gently pat it onto my face. This not only saves product but also promotes absorption through the patting motion. Remember to apply the next product while the skin is still slightly damp - this will improve absorption.

Some might ask: Should I use toner in the morning? My advice is yes, but you can choose gentler products. For example, toners containing rose water or mint ingredients can give your skin a refreshing start.

Essential Serums

Speaking of serums, these are the "hardcore players" in skincare. Many people think serums are optional, but this thinking is particularly wrong. Serums usually have higher concentrations than other skincare products and can better improve specific skin issues.

Take Vitamin C serum for example - it not only brightens skin tone but also provides antioxidant benefits and helps fade acne marks. I've tried many Vitamin C products and finally settled on OLEHENRIKSEN's Truth Serum. It has a moderate Vitamin C concentration that's suitable for beginners, absorbs particularly quickly, and doesn't feel sticky. After using it for about a month, I clearly noticed my skin becoming brighter, and even my colleagues said my complexion looked better.

However, when using Vitamin C serum, it's best to use it at night and definitely maintain good sun protection. This is because Vitamin C can be broken down by sunlight and increases skin sensitivity to UV rays. I always use it after washing my face at night and make sure to apply sunscreen the next morning.

Besides Vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid serum is also many people's favorite. It can supplement skin moisture and improve fine lines. But note that hyaluronic acid serum is best used immediately after toner for optimal absorption. Also, use some pressure when massaging it in to help the product better penetrate the skin.

The Art of Face Masks

Many people particularly like using face masks, thinking they make skin especially hydrated. But face masks actually require careful consideration - using them wrongly can have the opposite effect.

First is the duration of mask application. Many people like to leave them on for a long time, thinking this will give better results. Actually, leaving masks on too long can have reverse effects because once the mask sheet dries, it will reabsorb moisture from the skin. Generally speaking, 15-20 minutes is enough for mask application.

Then there's mask selection. Different types of masks should be used at different times. For example, cleansing masks are best used after washing your face because pores are open then, giving better cleansing effects. Hydrating masks are best used after serum to lock in the nutritious ingredients.

I particularly like Mediheal's ampoule masks - their masks contain lots of essence and absorb well. After use, there's usually plenty of essence left, which I apply to my neck and hands so it doesn't go to waste.

Another tip is that you can gently massage with a mask brush while wearing the mask. This not only promotes absorption but also helps the mask adhere better to your face. However, be gentle with the pressure to avoid tearing the mask.

The Most Important Part

When it comes to skincare, hydration is absolutely crucial. I often see people saying they have oily skin so they don't need hydration - this thinking is really dangerous. Actually, oily skin needs hydration even more, because skin often produces oil due to lack of water.

For those with oily skin, I especially recommend Glow Recipe's water cream. Its texture is particularly light, melts into water immediately, and doesn't feel greasy at all. Plus it contains hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, providing excellent hydration. After using it for a while, you'll find your skin doesn't get oily as easily.

For dry skin types, you need to choose more nourishing products. Drunk Elephant's protein cream is very suitable - it contains six different types of growth factors that deeply nourish the skin. Although the texture is quite rich, it doesn't feel heavy when spread out, and the hydrating effect lasts for a long time.

Combination skin care is the most troublesome because you need to cater to different areas' needs. My suggestion is to use a zone-specific approach. Use lighter products on the T-zone and more nourishing products on the cheeks. This way each area gets the most suitable care.

The application method for moisturizing products is also important. Many people like to apply products directly to their face, which isn't ideal. The correct method is to first spread the product evenly in your palms, warm it up, then gently massage it onto your face. This not only makes the product easier to absorb but also promotes blood circulation.

Essential Sun Protection

Finally, let's talk about sun protection, absolutely the most important step in skincare. Many people think sunscreen is only needed in summer, but this is a misconception. Even on cloudy days or indoors, UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass to reach your skin.

I currently really like Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair sunscreen. It not only provides sun protection but also covers blemishes, perfect for lazy people. Plus it contains tiger grass extract which soothes the skin, making it safe even for sensitive skin.

Besides choosing the right product, application method is also important. Many people apply too little - actually, sunscreen should be applied using the "two-finger method," meaning using an amount as long as your index and middle fingers. Also, reapply every 2-3 hours, especially during outdoor activities.

Another detail is the order of sunscreen application. Many people like to apply sunscreen before foundation, but this affects the sunscreen's effectiveness. The correct order is: skincare products—sunscreen—foundation. This ensures the sunscreen forms a complete protective film.

Friendly Reminder

Reading this far, you might think skincare is complicated. Actually, don't worry - the most important thing in skincare is persistence, not perfection in one go. You can completely start with the most basic three steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Once these three steps become a habit, slowly add other steps.

Another important point is to regularly observe your skin condition. The same product might have different effects in different seasons and conditions. If you find a product doesn't suit you, change it promptly. Don't force yourself to finish a product just because it's expensive - this only benefits the product while compromising your face.

The ultimate purpose of skincare is to make yourself more confident. When your skin condition improves, your whole aura will be different. Now when I look in the mirror, I'm amazed by my skin condition every day - it's really a great feeling.

I hope this article helps everyone establish correct skincare concepts and find suitable skincare methods. Remember, skincare isn't something achieved overnight - it requires patience and persistence. As long as your method is right and you stick with it, you can definitely achieve your ideal skin.

So, what are your current skincare steps? Have you found any particularly effective steps? Welcome to share your skincare experiences in the comments section. Let's learn from each other and progress together on our skincare journey!