How to Build A Skincare Routine

April 23, 2024 by Tejal K

While it is imperative to follow a good skincare routine, this alone is not the solution to looking and feeling good. Great skincare results from a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and a safe skincare regimen. According to Ayurveda, one’s lifestyle and health impact holistic wellbeing, and true beauty indeed comes from within. This is why Ayurvedic skincare focuses on the importance of eating pure and nutrient-rich food while also highlighting the need for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

As you become accustomed to understanding what your skin needs, be it topical skincare formulations or a change in diet, you’ll be able to approach your skincare and beauty regimen in a much more comprehensive manner. Below, we have jotted down the key elements of charting out a perfect skincare routine for yourself.

The Building Blocks of a Good Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine should consist of the following skincare steps:

Cleansing: To remove all the dirt and impurities.
Toning: To hydrate and tighten the pores.
Moisturising and Nourishing: To soften the skin and lock moisture.

The basic idea of a skincare routine is to polish your imperfections and make you the best version of yourself with easy-going, non-complicated formulas. The goal of this CTM methodology is to take care of your skin, tweaking the standard routine—adding a few products here, removing a few products there—according to how it reacts when the weather changes.

A friendly suggestion is to go natural. Consider trying an all-natural CTM ritual by Forest Essentials, incorporating the Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Neem and Saffron, Shudhi Skin Clarifying Facial Spray, and Eladi Day Cream with SPF 30. These are gentle, effective formulas that reveal a radiant glow.

What Makes for the Best Skincare Routine?

It’s very important to remember that there is no magical product that can immediately fix your skin’s elasticity and glow. Ayurveda speaks of flawless skin that takes and deserves time—slowly and steadily is how you win the race, or in this case, achieve the perfect skin.

With ample skincare products available on the market, it is important to take note of a few pointers while choosing them. Many brands promise quick fixes with their skincare offerings—remember, do not give in to the temptation of instant solutions to a problem. Harsh chemicals used in these products can do more harm than good, which might be detrimental to your skin in the long run. Organic skincare products derived from nature are painstakingly made with minimal side effects. That means they won’t harm your skin with inflammation or a rash. Results come with daily, consistent, and routine-based usage, and products need to be used for at least two to three weeks before you start seeing a visible difference. In rare cases, if a side-effect should occur, like a breakout or patchy redness, discontinue using that product.

Consumers have now become more aware and conscious of the kind of products they are putting on their skin. We recommend opting for products that are natural, have not been tested on animals, and are kind to the environment.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Choosing the right skincare products can be quite challenging. The first step is understanding your skin type to tailor a routine that best suits your needs. The five skin types are normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. You can identify your skin type by conducting a simple test at home. If this does not help you identify your skin type, we recommend performing a patch test to ensure the products you choose are suitable and effective for your skin.

Please also consider external factors like climate, hormones, and age, all of which can alter your skin type over time. Common mistakes include using products that are too harsh for sensitive skin or too moisturising for oily skin, leading to increased sensitivity or breakouts. To avoid such pitfalls, select products designed for your skin type and adjust your skincare routine as needed to respond to changes in your environment or life stage. Regularly updating your skincare approach can help you maintain healthy and attractive skin regardless of age or external conditions.

Cleansers for a Blank Canvas

Washing your face at least twice a day to remove all the environmental stressors such as dust, dirt, and grime should be the most basic step of your face care routine. This helps in building a strong foundation for the rest of your skincare routine. Forest Essentials’ Ayurvedic facial cleansers are low-foaming and made without parabens, SLS/SLES, and petrochemicals. They also help in balancing your Doshas.

Here are some of the nature-derived ingredients that you should look for in a facial cleanser:

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera, procured from the most potent type of the Aloe Vera plant, Aloe Barbadensis, is known to cool, heal, and soothe the skin while keeping it hydrated.
Neem: Known to denote good health as per Ayurveda, Neem is calming for acne-prone skin and rich in anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Honey: Enriched with antioxidants and medicinal properties, Honey is a storehouse of Vitamin B, Calcium, and Zinc. It combats harmful free radicals that damage your skin and helps alleviate acne and wrinkles. As a natural humectant, it moisturises and soothes, nourishing and healing the skin.
Rosewater: Rosewater tones the skin’s pores, diminishes fine lines, and deeply hydrates the skin.
Sandalwood: A powerful antiseptic with a heady and sweet aroma, Indian Sandalwood is known to tone, purify, and balance the moisture levels of the skin.

Curated below are Facial Cleansers that produce a mild foam due to naturally derived foaming agents like Corn Starch and Reetha, free from any synthetic fragrance –

Skin Type	Recommended Cleanser	What does it do?	Key Ingredients
Oily and acne-prone	Kashmiri Saffron and Neem	Reduces acne and purifies the skin.	Saffron, Honey, Kewda and Neem
Normal to Dry	Mashobra Honey, Lemon and Rosewater	Refreshes, uplifts and rehydrates the skin.	Honey, Kerala Lime, Rose and Vitamin E
All	Sandalwood and Orange Peel	Clarifies, deeply cleanses and freshens the skin.	Orange Peel, Aloe Vera, Coconut Water and Sandalwood Oil

Masques and Exfoliators to Detoxify and Rejuvenate

Environmental stressors rupture the outermost layer of the epidermis, which is why, in Ayurveda, Ubtans can address this problem most effectively. An Ubtan is an age-old version of a facial masque that aids in micro-exfoliation, detoxification, and rejuvenation of the skin. They are made with hand-pounded and hand-ground herbs, dry fruits, flowers, and nutrient-rich soil compounds that are sundried and transformed into a fine, powder-like consistency for optimal usage. The blend is mixed with a binding liquid agent such as Rosewater, Aloe Vera juice, Yoghurt, Milk, or cream of Milk. The paste thus formed can be applied to the face, left to rest for 7-8 minutes to form a semi-dried masque, and then rinsed off with warm water. When used regularly and consistently, these Ubtans can help eliminate issues like acne, excess sebum production, post-acne scarring, tan removal, and even premature ageing.

Curated below are our Ubtans available for every skin type –

Skin Type	Recommended Ubtan	What does it do?	Key Ingredients
Oily and acne-prone	Multani Mitti	Clarifies acne and blemishes, tightens open pores.	Multani Miitti or Fuller’s Earth, Neem, Turmeric and Fenugreek Seed
Normal to oily and blemished	Narangi and Nagkesar	Clarifies and refines the skin, and unveils a natural glow.	Nagkesar, Orange Peel, Pistachio, Cashew, Almond and Fenugreek Seed
Normal to dry	Roop Nikhar and Gulab	Revitalizes and replenishes the skin for a smooth, hydrated finish.	Saffron, Rose, Pistachio, Cashew, Almond and Sweet Almond Oil
Pigmented and matured	Soundarya	Nourishes and plumps the skin, while firming and toning.	Neem, Rose, Turmeric, Fenugreek Seed, Saffron, Cashew Nuts, Pistachio Nuts and Almonds

Toners to Hydrate the Skin

For many, the term ‘toner’ conjures up images of a stinging, alcohol-based astringent that flares up the nostrils. Our skin is acidic in nature and does require a boost of water to balance out the skin’s pH level, which is why you should always go for alcohol-free toners as they hydrate, soften, and balance the skin. Think of them as hydration boosters that seal in dewiness and plump the skin. The toners by Forest Essentials are made by steam-distilling essential oils from freshly plucked flowers and botanicals, capturing them at their most potent form. The floral water residue is then bottled to create the perfect moisture boosters for the skin. An added benefit? Their distinct natural fragrances also help uplift and brighten the mood.

We have curated below our best selling face toners for every skin type –

Skin Type	Recommended Facial Tonic Mists	What does it do?	Key Ingredients
Oily and acne-prone	Shudhi	Balances excess sebum secretion, soothes redness and clarifies the skin.	Liquorice, Neem, Turmeric and Aloe Vera
	Pure Rosewater	Provides extreme hydration.	Kannauj Rose Flower
All skin types	Bela	Helps retain moisture in the skin.	Bela Flower
	Panchpushp	Provides moisture and illumination.	Saffron, Marigold, Rose, Jasmine, Mogra Oil

Serums for Treatment

While a CTM (cleansing, toning, moisturising) routine is a solid starting point and may suffice for some skin types, others may have specific needs that require targeted treatment to maintain health and appearance. That’s where facial serums come in. A serum is a lightweight formula with a watery consistency that’s more potent and beneficial than your regular moisturiser, as it’s made up of smaller molecules and an extremely high concentration of active ingredients. When applied directly onto the skin after a toner, it keeps the skin’s pores intact and locks moisture into the skin, leaving it plump, supple, and glowing.

We recommend our Rasa Activating Serum, which effectively penetrates the skin to deliver a hydrating blend of active botanicals. Inspired by the ancient Indian ritual of Ushapana, which translates to the first drink of water in the early morning, this serum revitalises the skin. Alternatively, you can consider our Advanced Soundarya Age Defying Facial Serum with 24K Gold if you’re aiming to reduce early signs of ageing and lighten pigmentation.

Gentle Care for the Eyes

When it comes to an eye care routine, the negligence associated with not using eye creams or eye serums can do a lot of harm in the long run. The application of eye cream or an eye serum should be incorporated into the skincare routine from the earliest stages so that any problems relating to the under-eye area can be prevented—more like nipping the evil in the bud. For people suffering from pigmentation, fine and dry skin on the face, and puffiness below the eyes, an eye cream helps boost nourishment to the thinnest and most delicate skin of your face. The Ayurvedic eye products at Forest Essentials are formulated with the most potent ingredients that target specific eye concerns. For example, Papaya fruit helps prevent fine lines, Potato Starch deeply moisturises the under-eye skin and eyelids, and Cucumber tones and refreshes the skin.

Curated below are the eye care products –

Skin Type	Recommended Eye care products	What does it do?	Key Ingredients

	Light Hydrating Hydra Eye Gel	Rejuvenates the under-eye area and helps keep it soothed and hydrated.	Rose, Cucumber and Aloe Vera
All skin types	Under Eye Serum Red Banana and Potato Starch	Helps reduce dark circles and diminish puffiness around the eyes.	Red Banana Flower Extract, Coffee Bean Extract and Potato Starch
	Intensive Eye Cream With Anise	Helps reduce the appearance of dry and dehydrated lines.	Anise Extract, Potato Starch, Turmeric Oil, Arnica Root and Organic Coconut Oil.

Moisturisers to Restore Nourishment

The main purpose of a moisturiser is to hydrate, soften, and nourish the skin. Contrary to popular belief, every skin type needs a moisturiser as it plays a significant role in achieving healthy and glowing skin.

Moisturisers can be broken down into two categories:

Day Formulations: Light, weightless blends and moisturisers with SPF are a great pick for day-time nourishment. Look for herbal and natural moisturisers that don’t contain chemical sun-blockers which may cause irritation and inflammation, especially for sensitive skin. At Forest Essentials, we offer moisturisers containing natural Zinc Bhasma, which not only provide nourishment but also help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. If you are not using a moisturiser with SPF, ensure you apply it separately. Sun Fluid SPF 50 PA +++ by Forest Essentials is a great pick.

Nourishment at Night: A night skincare cream, usually of a creamier and thicker consistency than a day formulation, focuses on repairing any damage done during the day by replenishing moisture levels. At Forest Essentials, we have a night treatment cream for every skin type, along with pre-moisturisers and a serum. These can be mixed and matched together, depending on your skin type and concern.

Lip Care for Soft, Hydrated Lips

The final step in your skincare routine is taking care of your lips —remember, they’re an extension of your skin. The most common, well-known problem that we all face is dried and chapped lips. A build-up of dead cells sometimes even leads to lumpiness and discolouration, which causes pigmentation. That’s why in Ayurveda, a balanced and nutritious diet leads to nourished, moisturised, and plump lips. At Forest Essentials, our hydrating lip balms and lip serums derived from natural ingredients help add moisture and a glossy sheen to the lips.

Table of Contents

An Effective Skincare Routine for Men

Skincare is just as important for men as it is for women. So, dear gents, if you’re wondering how to meet your skin’s needs, worry not—we’ve got you covered. Understanding what your skin requires, when it needs it, and the correct quantity of products to use is key. We’ve outlined a basic skincare routine perfect for beginners below.

A men’s skincare routine involves four steps: Cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturising.

Cleansing: The first step towards achieving healthy, glowing skin is to use a purifying face cleanser for men that removes dead surface cells, dust, and impurities. We recommend our Sandalwood and Orange Peel Cleanser, which gently removes excess sebum.

Toning: Our skin is naturally acidic and benefits from regular hydration to maintain water and pH levels. We suggest trying our Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater to hydrate your skin and minimise enlarged pores.

Moisturising: Using a natural moisturiser is crucial as it balances the skin’s sebum production, absorbs quickly, and prevents excessive sweating. Our Hydrating Facial Moisturiser with Sandalwood and Orange Peel is ideal for restoring natural hydration levels. It contains SPF 25, nourishing the skin while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.

Exfoliating: Exfoliation plays a key role in skincare by removing dead skin cells, cleaning pores, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Making it a bi-weekly routine can be highly effective. Try our Men’s Facial Glow Masque Yuva Lepa to firm the skin, minimise pores, and visibly reduce pigmentation.

A Balanced Diet for Healthy Skin

As we have touched upon earlier, along with a carefully curated skincare routine, Ayurveda also focuses on maintaining a balanced diet for healthy skin. Your skin is a reflection of what you eat and drink, so here are some of the foods and liquids to include in your diet:

Water: This should be a no-brainer! Drink plenty of water throughout the day at regular intervals to keep your skin and body appropriately hydrated. The water should be preferably kept in a copper vessel with a few grains of Fenugreek and a Tulsi leaf overnight.
Fruits: Having seasonal fruits regularly will provide your body with the right amount of vitamins and nutrients, thereby adding a natural glow to your skin. They should ideally be eaten before or in between meals.
Leafy greens: Full of antioxidants and minerals, green and leafy vegetables like Spinach, Lettuce, Broccoli, and Cauliflower, to name a few, are great for boosting your immunity. Eat them raw vegetables or lightly cooked with a dressing of lemon juice and a little cold-pressed oil.
Dairy: Organically sourced milk and milk-based products like Yoghurt, Buttermilk, and Cottage Cheese are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Calcium, and help in keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Note: It is important to stick to healthy food choices and avoid food that contains a high sugar dosage, is fatty, deep-fried, and processed as these might cause over-secretion of sebum and additional, unwanted breakouts.

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve carefully charted out the various elements of a skincare routine, skincare products and their usage, and how balancing your daily diet is as important as using the correct products for your skin. So, build a comprehensive skincare regimen, pick the right products based on your skin type and skin concerns, and get set, go.

FAQs

What should a daily skincare routine be?

A daily skincare routine should be tailored to your skin type and address specific skin needs. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. Follow with a toner to remove any remaining impurities, balance the skin’s pH, refine pores, and prepare the skin for further treatment. Apply targeted serums or treatments based on your skin concerns, such as antioxidant serums for anti-ageing, Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, or Salicylic Acid for acne. Moisturise to maintain the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss; choose a formula that matches your skin type, like lotions or gels for oily skin and creams for dry skin. During the day, complete your skincare routine with at least SPF 30 to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature ageing and skin cancer risks.

What is the number one skincare brand?

Defining any brand as number one can vary widely depending on individual needs, skin types, and personal preferences. What might be ideal for one person’s dry, sensitive skin could be less effective for another’s oily, acne-prone skin. Factors such as ingredient quality, brand reputation, and product effectiveness contribute to user preference. Therefore, it’s important to assess skincare products based on how well they meet your specific skin concerns and preferences rather than relying solely on brand popularity. Choosing the right skincare brand often involves a bit of trial and error, as well as consideration of expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

How do I start a skincare routine?

Starting a skincare routine is fairly easy. Simply follow a few simple steps to establish a ritual suited to your skin’s needs. First, identify your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—as this will determine the kind of products you should look for. Begin with the basic CTM (Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising) routine and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UV damage. Additionally, consider incorporating exfoliation once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

What is the secret to glowing skin?

The secret to glowing skin is a holistic approach that combines a tailored skincare routine, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle habits. Start with a skincare routine that addresses your specific concerns and matches your skin type. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet to nourish your skin from the inside. Additionally, maintaining adequate hydration, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are crucial for maintaining skin health. Regular physical activity can also improve circulation, contributing to your skin’s natural radiance. By consistently combining these elements, you can attain vibrant, glowing skin.

What skincare products are a must?

Several skincare products are considered essential for maintaining healthy skin, regardless of your skin type. A gentle cleanser is crucial to effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Following that, a toner can help balance the skin’s pH and refine pores. A good moisturiser is vital for hydrating and protecting the skin barrier. Sunscreen is non-negotiable; using a broad-spectrum sunblock with at least 30 SPF daily can protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, which cause premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, there are products tailored to specific skin concerns, such as ageing, hyperpigmentation, or acne.

How can I get clear skin naturally?

Clear skin can be achieved by combining good skincare habits and lifestyle choices. Cleanse your face twice a day and incorporate natural ingredients like Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera. Hydration is vital, so drink plenty of water and use a lightweight moisturiser to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can also improve skin health, as these foods provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Regular exercise promotes circulation and helps clear toxins from your body. Finally, ensure you get enough sleep, as rest is crucial for skin regeneration and repair.

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Arjun Singh Senior Ayurveda Expert

Arjun is a marketing professional turned Ayurveda Expert. After the completion of his post-graduation in 2008, he started his journey in the beauty industry. He has since worked with several global luxury beauty brands including DIOR & Estee Lauder. With now more than 12 years of experience, he is driven by the idea of making Skin Care, ‘simple’ and ‘accessible’ for all and help clients transform their lifestyle and skin with solutions rooted in his extensive understanding of Ayurveda. A Senior Ayurveda Expert at Forest Essentials, he carefully curates Ayurvedic remedies and is continuously working towards bridging the gap between time-honoured skin care solutions and the modern consumer of the fast-paced world.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.