A cosmetic routine aims to keep the skin healthy and free of blemishes. What does it consist of? What care should I include? In this space we detail everything you should take into account.
Most women worry about taking care of their skin. So maintaining a cosmetic routine becomes quite a feat. To carry it out, products with special characteristics that help simplify skin care are often preferred.
However, it is important to consider other care, which also includes care of the neck area and neckline. What are the factors that cause skin aggressions? Why is it so important to follow a cosmetic routine? Below we detail it.

Factors that cause skin aggressions

Every day, the skin is exposed to a large number of factors that can cause aggression. Even over time, this influences the appearance of signs of aging. According to a publication in Dermato-Endocrinology , these factors include:
  • Sunlight and blue light from electronic device screens. Both are associated with the appearance of blemishes and blemishes.
  • Cigarette smoking. It can alter the tone of the skin to a grayish color.
  • Sleep bad. It is related to the presence of dark circles, puffy eyes and increased paleness.
  • Stress. It affects skin tone, worsens skin diseases and contributes to premature aging.
  • Extreme temperatures. It produces alterations in the production of the skin's natural oils, increasing dryness.
  • Contamination. It clogs the pores and produces oxidative stress, which manifests itself in wrinkles and blemishes.
Sun exposure, tobacco use, stress and other factors can cause skin aggressions.

Cosmetic routine: less is more

It is good to keep in mind that in the cosmetic routine the philosophy of "less is more" is applied The simpler the skincare, the easier it is to maintain it over time and find a suitable time of day to carry it out. 
On the other hand, using many products can increase the risk of skin sensitivity or allergies . Thus, it is enough to choose the appropriate options according to the characteristics of the skin and its needs. In case of doubts, it is advisable to consult the dermatologist.

Steps to cosmetic routine

The objective of the cosmetic routine is to contribute to the beautification of the skin, while reducing the risk of premature aging. For this, three basic steps are recommended that can be applied during the day. Put them into practice!

Cleaning

The ideal is to do it in the morning and at night. You can use a cleansing lotion or micellar water specific for sensitive or oily skin . With the vehicle that best fits us (gel, water, milk, etc.). You can use, if required, a cotton ball, or simply use your fingertips, without causing too much friction on the skin.
Products like lotions and micellar water can be helpful in cleaning the skin.

Hydration

After cleansing, the skin must be hydrated. This step is essential, since the adequate level of water must be maintained so that the skin maintains its barrier function and elasticity. This step must conform to what the skin requires, according to its characteristics.
Products with Vitamin C or creams containing hyaluronic acid can be used as evidenced in the 2014 publication in  The Journal of Clinical and aesthetic Dermatology . In addition, to be effective, it is essential to do it after proper cleaning.

Solar protection

Very important to avoid future tissue damage, annoying spots or simply skin aging. In fact, no one should leave the home without first applying a good sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30. Sun exposure is one of the factors that most deteriorates the skin. Therefore, it is essential to protect yourself from an early age.

Other recommendations for the cosmetic routine

There are other simple steps to complement the basic steps of the cosmetic routine. Regarding this, it is advisable to pay attention to the care that is carried out at night. Facial cleansing is recommended, to remove dirt from the skin and makeup residues that may remain from the day.
After cleaning, the next thing is to add a product that contains retinol or AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids), which have a slight peeling effect It can also be a product with antioxidants (like Vitamin C, for example).
The application of a night cream can complement the cosmetic routine to keep the skin young and protected.

Weekly exfoliation

To avoid causing aggressions to the skin, the ideal is to carry out an exfoliation every 7 or 14 days. This treatment is intended to help shed dead cells that are not naturally removed. After finishing its application, it is good to use a mask with a nourishing or calming effect.

Annual dermatological control

Perform a control with the dermatologist to control nevi, sun spots or any other skin involvement. This can be done with an annual consultation with the professional. It goes without saying that these preventive measures are also important.
The best skincare routine is one that preserves the skin in good condition, maintains its natural hydration and protects it from external aggressions.

Cosmetic routine: everything you need to know

Vitamin B3 or niacinamide is a water soluble vitamin that can benefit skin health. Even, it is believed that it is decisive for the treatment of some dermatological problems.
Also known as nicotinamide or vitamin B3, niacinamide is found in many foods, including yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, vegetables, beans, and cereals. It is also found in vitamin B complex supplements.
In fact, it is a substance that can be formed in the body thanks to the intake of niacin in the diet. However, it should not be confused with NADH, nicotinamide riboside, inositol nicotinate, or tryptophan.
Now, it should be noted that this vitamin plays an important role in the development and function of body cells. It even contributes to transforming food into energy. However, beyond this, it has also shown positive effects for skin care. Find out!

Niacinamide benefits for skin care

Niacinamide is ingested through food and supplements to prevent vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions, such as pellagra . The latter is a disease that originates from the deficiency of certain vitamins, leading to the appearance of spots on the skin and alterations in the nervous and digestive systems.
And, as a study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery concludes , niacinamide, especially topical, has significant effects in improving the appearance of the skin. which are your main benefits?

Reduces hyperpigmentation and melasma

Significantly decreases hyperpigmentation and helps increase skin luminosity. This, according to a study published in Dermatology Research and practic and , due to the fact that niacinamide interferes with the interaction between keratinocytes and melanocytes which inhibit melanogenesis.

Niacinamide has shown positive effects in reducing spots and melasma.

Helps with acne

There is evidence of significant reduction of acne in patients treated with topical niacinamide. In fact, oral nicotinamide can also help with acne.
According to a review published in Dermatologic Therapy , these effects are due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to decrease sebum production.

Improves the function of the skin barrier

Niacinamide can improve the skin barrier because it increases the synthesis of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. In turn, it reduces the loss of water in dry skin, which improves its moisture content.

Reduces erythema and improves skin tone

It can decrease both facial redness and yellowish color. This is due to its antioxidant properties, which help to inhibit the oxidative processes that produce yellowish-brown compounds that accumulate in the skin as aging occurs.
It also helps against the symptoms of rosacea due to its ability to improve the function of the skin barrier.

Decreases sebum production

Vitamin B3 has shown effects in reducing sebum production in only 2-4 weeks. This is believed to happen because it reduces the synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids (two of the main lipid compounds in the sebaceous glands).

Improves the appearance of pores

Niacinamide can improve the appearance of pores because it increases the elasticity of the skin. In addition, thanks to its sebum-regulating properties, it can reduce the imperfections associated with enlarged pores, such as blackheads .

Due to its ability to regulate sebum production, niacinamide helps improve the appearance of enlarged pores.

Has anti-aging benefits

Wrinkles, fine lines, and elasticity show improvement using topical niacinamide, as it increases the production of collagen and other types of protein. It can even inhibit excess glycosaminoglycans (GAG).

Acts as an antioxidant

It can protect skin cells from oxidative damage and, in turn, helps repair DNA damage by acting as an antioxidant. It works by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidation of lipids, proteins (such as collagen or elastin), and DNA.

Protects from sun damage

It has photoimmunoprotective effects when applied to the skin. It is capable of repairing DNA damage induced by UV radiation by reducing sun damage to keratinocytes and other skin cells. On the other hand, it is easily absorbed and the chances of causing irritation are low, since it has a neutral pH.

Niacinamide for the skin: consulting a dermatologist is important

As we see, niacinamide has interesting skin benefits, most backed by evidence. However, before using it, either orally or topically, it is important to consult a dermatologist. The professional will not only be able to establish safe doses in each case, but will also provide other recommendations to keep the skin in optimal conditions.

Niacinamide, an ally to take care of the skin

Bacteria like E.coli or S. aureus can infect wounds or find entry routes through the skin. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate hygiene of the makeup case.
Countless bacteria can accumulate in your makeup case, which are capable of causing various infections. Especially sponges, especially if you don't clean them at least once a week. In function of evidence obtained in the studies conducted, it can be said that the makeup sponges host microorganisms such as E. coli and S. aureus. 
It is calculated that a high percentage of the tools used daily for makeup, harbor a significant bacterial load. This has been possible to know it by an investigation that have carried out doctors of the Faculty of Sciences of the Life and the Health of the University of Aston, in Birmingham (United Kingdom). 

Objective of the study of a makeup case

The objective of the study was to analyze the type and extent of contamination in five cosmetic products for daily use such as lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss and makeup sponges .
Makeup sponges are one of the best-selling makeup products worldwide. The makeup items that participated in the study belonged to different people and from different backgrounds. In order to know its bectarian load, bacterial cultures were performed.

Evidence suggests that items like makeup brushes and sponges contain bacteria with infectious potential.

What information did the study provide about the makeup case?

The results   of the study on makeup items revealed the presence of bacteria in nine out of ten of the cosmetics analyzed. The bacteria present in them can give rise to infections from the skin to generalized infections , especially if you use cosmetics in areas close to the mouth and eyes, or if they end up entering a skin wound for whatever reason .
Specifically, the presence of Staphylococus aureus, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii were found in all cosmetics , microorganisms that constitute a health risk.

Types of infection

Bacteria like E.coli or S. aureus can infect wounds or find entry routes through the skin, leading to infection. In general, the infections that can be caused are varied in nature.
The infection can be localized and mild or localized and more severe. It can even lead to a generalized infection in people with weakened immune systems .
The level of bacteria load is high in makeup sponges.  The main reason that this important bacterial load occurs is the lack of hygiene. In a high percentage of cases, the sponges that were analyzed had never been washed.
Also, keep in mind that they are usually kept wet, which contributes to the proliferation of bacteria. For this reason, the sponge in your makeup case is more susceptible to contamination.
Ensuring adequate cleaning of the elements used in makeup is the best way to avoid infection.

Tips for maintaining your makeup case

Don't forget that any sponge, whether it be for facial cleansing or makeup, turns out to be a focus of bacteria. Try to keep the sponges clean and, whenever possible, store them once they have dried.
Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria in the sponge of your makeup case. When your skin comes into contact with sponges contaminated by bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms, it poses a risk to your health. 
To do this, manufacturers ensure that both the expiration dates and the cleaning requirements of this type of cosmetic product are clearly and prominently visible on the packaging. For this reason, when you go to buy this type of product, look at the symbols that appear on the packaging.
The guidelines of the European Union require very strict compliance with hygiene standards in its manufacture.  So they establish, in the specific case of E. coli , as a rule the requirement that no presence of this bacteria be found in newly manufactured cosmetic products.

Ensure regular cleaning

Beyond the expiration date of the makeup case, you have to get psyched up and get into the habit of regularly cleaning the sponges to avoid risks of bacterial contamination.

Tips for maintaining your makeup case