Skincare made easy for you
Sometimes constructing your skincare routine is confusing and difficult, it was for me too! And after countless trial and error, as well as googling random facts, I finally found what worked for my skin and what I should avoid. So we’re here to help in any way we can, even if it’s providing the smallest and most random tip, we’re glad because it’s so easy to get fall into the rabbit hole of countless non-stop upcoming ingredients, products and trends.
In this blog, we’ll be diving into the basics of skincare knowledge to help start your skincare regime. We’re gonna be talking about the main parts of a typical skincare routine; their role, benefits and introduce some SOME BY MI products for you.
Cleanser
Why is cleanser important?
Before applying any skincare products on your face, it’s imperative to start with a clean base. Just like painting, you want to start with a clean canvas. Cleansing helps to remove any dirt, impurities and light makeup that has accumulated on your face and would rather not let it sit on your face for too long. There are various types of cleansers on the market; gel cleanser, gel cleanser, oil cleanser, powder cleanser and more, each with its own function.
A short explanation of each would be that gel cleansers tend to suit all skin types depending on the formulation, cream cleansers are usually targeted for dry and/or sensitive skin, powder cleansers are more suited for people who look for more exfoliation so oily, acne and/or clogged skin, and lastly, oil cleansers are primarily used as makeup removers.
When and how to use it?
Cleansers should be used once or twice a day (AM & PM). If you have dry and/or sensitive skin, you may find cleansing once a day to be more suitable and this should be done at night, you should never go to sleep without cleansing your face as it can cause more issues like breakouts, clogged pores, irritations and etc. But what about in the morning, don’t worry just wash your face with some water and that will do the trick. For those with oily, combination and/or acne prone skin, we recommend cleansing twice a day for best results but don’t overdo as over-cleansing can weaker your skin barrier and cause more damage. And we don’t want that to happen to you.
You might also be curious as to why some cleansers promote themselves to have low pH levels, well this is because our skin’s natural pH ranges from 4-6 and functions best within this range. If it’s too high (too alkaline) it could lead to dryness, clogged pores and even acne. A low pH cleanser is ideal because it preps the skin for the following products, ensuring they get absorbed into the skin and maintains the skin’s protective barrier.
Check out these cleansers by Some By Mi that target different concerns and skin types:
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser: Suitable for all skin types. It has soothing and anti-aging properties with a pH level of 5.5. It helps to repair damaged skin and strengthen the skin barrier and function.
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam: Suitable for acne-prone skin and those looking for exfoliant benefits. It contains AHA and PHA ingredients that helps to deeply cleanse the skin.
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar: Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, similar to the Clear Foam, this cleansing bar helps to deeply cleanse the skin of dead skin cells and impurities.
V10 Pure Vitamin C Soap Bar: Suitable for those looking to brighten dull-looking skin. It helps to take care of the skin and clear complexion and soften skin texture.
Toners
Why is toner important?
A lot of people question whether toners are really essential in their skincare routine, and we’re here to tell you that YES, it is! Toners are used to balance the skin’s pH level and restore it to its original acidic state so that the skin can better absorb and gain the benefits of the following products (serums, moisturizers). Toners also work to remove whatever makeup, dirt or grime that’s leftover on the skin when applied with a cotton pad.
When and how to use it?
Toners are used after cleansing daily, both AM and PM. It can be patted into the skin using your hands or with a cotton pad. Applying with a cotton pad adds an exfoliating factor by removing any remaining makeup, cleanser or grime.
Check out these toners by Some By Mi:
Snail Truecica Repair Toner: A refreshing and moisturizing toner that soothes the skin, repairs skin damage and strengthen the skin’s barrier and function. It also contains an acne care solution that reduces acne scare, hyperpigmentation and provides UV protection.
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner: This toner gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it looking fresh and brighter. It also purifies and detoxes acne-prone skin, preventing future breakouts.
Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner: This toner is formulated with galactomyces, vitamin C and niacinamide that improves skin luminosity, calms irritation and boasts anti-aging effects.
Serums
Why are serums important?
Serums are easy to understand, just think of them as supplementary skincare, they’re not necessary for the skin but can be added depending on your concerns and have a range of purposes. Serums tend to be more concentrated than moisturizers and promises a handful of benefits, sometimes only one. Serum should be tailored to your skin and what it needs and wants.
When and how to use it?
Serums are used after toners (inclusive of chemical exfoliants) and before moisturizers. Some serums can be used daily while some are advised to only be used 2-3 times a week and only in the AM or PM, depending on the concentration of the formula. It is important to read and follow the recommended application of the product.
Check out these serums by Some By Mi:
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum: Helps to rejuvenate the skin, reinforce the skin barrier and deliver whitening and anti-wrinkle benefits.
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum: Helps soothe and improves troubled skin, especially acne induced concerns.
Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum: A multifunctional serum that brightens your complexion, reduces wrinkles, minimizes pores and soothes irritation.
Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Serum: Helps to brighten, clarify, plump and hydrate the skin at the same time.
Moisturizers
Why are moisturizers important?
Everyone knows the gist of why moisturizers are important and necessary in our skincare routine. Moisturizers work to primarily hydrate the skin but they also help to keep your skin balanced, support the overall health of the skin and skin barrier and protect against external aggressors.
When and how to use it?
Moisturizers should be applied twice a day (AM and PM) after cleansing, toning and any serums. Listen up people with oily skin, just because you have oily skin it doesn’t mean you forego moisturizers; you still need to! Oily skin concerns typically occur because it is dehydrated deep inside the skin and it sends a signal to the skin to produce more oil to make up for the lack of moisture. Hence, a lightweight, gel moisturizer can do the trick and even reduce oil production.
Check out these moisturizers by Some By Mi:
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Cream: A lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturizing cream that repairs and strengthens the skin barrier, as well as soothes any irritations. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used by those without any major skin concerns.
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream: This miracle cream consists of AHA, PHA, BHA and centella asiatica that purifies, prevents moisture loss whilst removing dead skin cells and sebum buildup.
Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask: Something special about this sleeping mask is that it can also be used as a night cream, allowing you to wake up to brighter looking skin. We recommend only using this product at night, as it can be too heavy if worn in the day.
Masks
Why is masking important?
Masks hold the same concept as a serum; they aren’t necessary but can help target different concerns. Masks come in all shapes and sizes, there are sheet masks, wash-off masks, sleeping masks, clay masks, peel-off masks and etc. Some of the common benefits of masks are hydration, exfoliation, brightening, anti-wrinkle and countless more.
When and how to use it?
This depends entirely on the type of mask you’re using. some can be used daily, while some can only be used only once a week, this depends on the formulation and recommendation of the brand.
Check out these masks by Some By Mi:
Yuja Niacin Blemish Care Serum Mask: This sheet mask uses a vegan certified mask sheet. It helps to clear blemish-prone skin and remove pigmentation and improve skin complexion and texture. Perfect for dull and pigmented skin.
Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask: As described above, this sleeping mask can also be used as a moisturizer, but when used as a mask it boasts the same benefits; brightening and hydrating the skin.
Sunscreen
Why is sunscreen important?
Probably the most overlooked skincare step. Many don’t realize the importance of sunscreen and how much they play a role in the health and appearance of the skin. I consider sunscreen to be the MOST IMPORTANT step in my routine, and it should be for yours! Wearing SPF can help to prevent premature ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots), skin barrier damage (redness, breakouts) and most importantly skin cancer.
When and how to use it?
Sunscreen is to be applied in the AM as the last step of your routine (after moisturizer/facial oil). Sunscreen must be worn EVERY single day with no failure, even if you aren’t going out for the day and staying indoors. Wear at least SPF30 (although in Malaysia, I would recommend SPF50).
Now when it comes to sunscreen there is no such thing as using sparingly, a little does not go a long way. The recommended amount is 2-3 fingers worth but I know that can be hard and very costly, so we advise to use at least 1-2 fingers worth making sure that it is applied to every crevice of the face. For maximum protection, reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re under the sun for long periods of time.
Final Notes
When first starting with skincare, start with the basics (cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen) and then work some new products in. One thing to remember for skincare is that there is no one-size-fits-all concept, it is very much a trial-and-error process, some products may work for others but not for you and vice versa. The best thing you can do for your skin is to listen to it, only you and your skin knows what it needs best!
Stay tuned for more skincare tips and advice! If you have anything to add or ask, feel free to join in the conversation below! We’ll gladly answer all questions to the best of our ability and help you in any way we can! We might even make a blog post on that topic!
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