In my early twenties, I was blissfully ignorant of my skin’s mortality, because there were definitely things I should have been doing to my face that would've prevented damage in my later years. Guys, there truly are things that every adult needs in their skincare routine. An effective beauty routine isn’t just important to keep pimples away, it’s also important in terms of premature aging and hyper-pigmentation. As most of us know already, it’s much easier to prevent damage than it is to fix it. But with all the exquisitely packaged products on the shelves offering promises of a better face, it’s hard to know what we need and what’s an elaborate marketing ploy to make us spend money on something we don’t need.
Chances are, you have a pretty good idea of what you need to keep youthful, clear skin for as long as possible. Personally, I spend enough of my hard-earned cash on things I don’t actually need outside of my beauty regimen: Do I need another pair of Keds? No, the answer is always no. Do I need six shades off red lipstick? Nope, but it sure feels like it. Figuring out what you actually need for your face will free up some time and cash to spend on those non-essentials that you can’t resist.
These are seven things that every adult needs in their beauty routine to keep their future selves positively glowing.
1. An Antioxidant Packed Toner
The answer to “Do I need a toner?” is always yes. Applying a toner packed with antioxidants and vitamin C will have age-defying qualities that you need even if you are currently wrinkle free. Not liking the prices you see? You can use freshly brewed green tea and lemon juice or make your own rose water to get an effective and cheap DIY facial toner. If I do say so myself, the best and most effective products I make are toners.
2. A Post-Bathing Body Oil
No one is too oily to use body oily, not even me, queen of oily skin. Using a body oil right after a shower or bath, while your skin is still wet, can help you retain moisture throughout the day and avoid dry skin. This habit, which you can keep for life, will help your skin look hydrated. If you are prone to body acne and oily skin, try a light oil that your skin can absorb easier like camellia oil or jojoba oil.
3. A Petroleum-Free Moisturizer
It’s great that you're keeping your face moisturized, because the more hydrated your face is the less prone to wrinkles you will be in the future. Mineral oil and other petroleum-based products keeps your skin moisturized when applied, but it does little to no good for your future skin. According Livestrong, mineral oil actually smothers the skin and leaves it unable to absorb other vitamins and nutrients your skin needs to be healthy and strong.
4. A Gentle Exfoliate
Dull complexions, damaged skin, and acne may seem like hard problems to tackle… until you get with the right exfoliate. Weekly exfoliation is a must-have for all adults in order to make way for new skin cells and gently remove dead skin.
5. Water
Water may seem like a no-brainer when you think about skin essentials, but it’s something that most of us are not getting enough of for our skin. Not only is drinking water a way to alleviate overall puffiness of our skin, but applying water to your skin is the best way to keep it hydrated. Rinse your face with water for at least 60 seconds before you apply your cleanser. If your skin is often dehydrated, a water-based facial mist can be used throughout the day.
6. UV Protection
It doesn’t matter where you live or what time of year it is, you need to protect your skin from the sun daily. Not only is UV protection key to avoiding hyper-pigmentation and premature aging, it also can act as a preventative measure against life-altering skin conditions.
Images: Kristin Collins Jackson
