A Beginner’s Guide To Using Actives In Daily Skincare Routine

Active serums for daily skincare routine suganda skincare

That feeling when you finally receive your package with the skincare products that you handpicked for yourself and they’re all yours to use, nothing can compare to that excitement (almost). You are ready for some TLC. You read the instructions on labels and carefully apply them all on-after-another and wait for the products to work their magic on your skin. But 4 days later you suddenly wake up with a terrible breakout and you’re wondering what went wrong?

It’s the story of all our lives. That’s one of the reasons why Suganda was created and why we’re addressing that issue here! What is the right way to go about our skin routine that will result in maximum benefits and minimal reactions? To be honest, there is no set formula as such (unlike our products), as it depends on the type of skin you have. So, let’s dig a little deeper and answer all your questions.

BHA Exfoliate serum

Is my skin ready for active serums?

This is the most important question we must ask ourselves and check if we are facing any of the issues listed below.

  • Excessive dryness
  • A sensation of pulling/tightening in your skin
  • Roughness
  • Excessive oil production
  • Redness & Dullness
  • Sensitivity
  • Breakouts

If the answer is yes to most of the concerns listed above, it’s time for you to repair your skin barrier.

How do I repair my skin barrier?

Skin barrier can take up to two weeks to heal. It’s a simple process that requires just 3 steps!

  1. Switch to a gentle cleanser. Gentle cleansers wash away the dirt and impurities without drying up the skin. You can try the Centella Green Tea Facewash, which was formulated to clean and hydrate the skin without any irritation. 
  2. After rinsing away the face wash, apply a light gel to tone your face. You can use the Centella Green Tea Gel as a toner to hydrate your skin and prep it for heavier moisturisers or other products.
  3. To further lock in the moisture, it is advised to use a face oil suitable to your skin type.
  4. Dry, Sensitive & Oily with Acne:
    Pure Squalane Oil
  5. Combination or Dry with Ageing:
    Rosehip Oil

Follow this routine everyday and your skin barrier will be ready to take on actives!

How do I introduce actives in my skin routine?

Most people tend to apply actives directly onto their skin even though they have never used any before. But that is what aggravates the skin and results in irritation or breakouts. But surely, there’s a way around it and we’re just getting into that.

1 Active at a time

Whenever you start using active serums in your skin routine, it is advised to start with just 1 active serum at a time.This will allow you to assess if it’s effective on your skin and also build your skin’s tolerance for other active ingredients.

Two weeks to notice

Observe your skin for a week to 2 under the effect of the serum to check if there are any changes on your skin. Your skin will also have adjusted with this active serum by now and hence there will not be any irritation or inflammation. Now, you’re ready for your second active!

Skin tends to act up when newly introduced to actives. This is completely normal and is no cause for concern. Just allow your skin to get adjusted to the new active. If you wish to further lower the sensitivity, mix 2 drops of your serum in your daily moisturiser and apply on your face.

How do I use my Vitamin C or Niacinamide serum?

and Niacinamide serums are meant to penetrate the upper layers of the skin and repair the skin cells in the inner layers. When using either of these serums, it is important you allow them to reach these skin cells. The best way to do this is by applying them on a semi-damp skin. You can use a toning gel or a mist to dampen your skin and apply the serum immediately after that.

If you have highly sensitive skin and haven’t used these before, follow the procedure mentioned above. 

What's the right way to apply BHA or AHA serum on any skin type?

AHA & BHA are exfoliating serums. They are meant to remove dead skin cells from your skin and give you a natural glow. With exfoliating serums, you notice a difference overnight as they  work on the uppermost layer of the skin. These serums are only to be applied twice a week. When using exfoliating serums for the first time, mix the exfoliant with your regular moisturiser and apply it on your face and neck evenly. 

The most important step for exfoliating serum is control its penetration into your skin. You can easily do this by applying it on pat-dried skin. It is advised to avoid applying it on damp skin as it can get absorbed and reach the inner layers which will aggravate your skin. 

Once your skin is used to the exfoliants, you can apply it on your bare skin after washing and drying it. Follow up with a moisturiser after 15 minutes of applying the serum. It will take 1-2 weeks for your skin to get adjusted with the exfoliants, after you have started including AHA & BHA in your skincare routine. 

For highly sensitive skin, it’s best to add the serum into the moisturiser to avoid any discomfort. Better yet, you can use the Mandelic Acid Serum. 

These are some ways to use and introduce actives in your daily skincare routine. You can find the right kind of products to use for your skin concerns simply by chatting with our team of experts! Click on the chat icon and shoot your questions.