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Epidermal elasticity, integrity, and resilience – essentially, it all boils down to how you treat your skin. And when we say ‘treat’, we don’t mean breaking the bank on exorbitant procedures or indulging in daunting regimens, but practising basic skin hygiene with an all-too-simple 4-step skincare routine.
CSMS, an abbreviated version of cleanser-serum-moisturiser-sunscreen, is the easiest way to tend to your skin. Now, it goes without saying that each skin type demands a different set of formulae, making curating a suitable routine a tad bit overwhelming. Here’s where we come in; Nykaa beauty editors took the time to customise a 4-step skincare plan for every skin type out there.
A CSMS Skincare Routine For Oily Skin
Those under siege by hyperactive sebaceous glands must turn to oil-zapping formulas – ones that don’t strip the skin of its moisture. Tea tree, salicylic acid, niacinamide, and clay are a few of the many ingredients you should look for on the product label.
CLEANSER: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
If you get through a pack of blotting paper a day, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is your best friend. It decongests pores, eliminates dead cells, prevents breakouts, and consequently, smoothens skin texture – all thanks to oily skin-saviour salicylic acid.
SERUM: Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
Supercharged with pure vitamin B3 and matmarine, Minimalist’s efficacious offering curbs sebum overproduction and improves skin barrier function. The weightless formula adequately hydrates your skin and dwindles the appearance of enlarged pores, too.
MOISTURISER: Lakmé 9 To 5 Lumi Lit Cream
Invite this 3-in-1 formula into your regime for enhanced skin luminosity and hydration. Lakmé’s skincare-makeup hybrid boosts epidermal moisture all while dispensing pearlescent particles for a healthy glow. Plus, it’s the perfect primer to prep your base for makeup.
SUNSCREEN: Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen
A medley of vitamin C, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, Aqualogica’s SPF 50 PA++++ sun protectant goes beyond the call of duty to brighten and hydrate your skin. The non-sticky, dermatologically tested formula leaves no white cast and feels comfortable on the skin.
A CSMS Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
Due to a dearth of moisture, dry, dehydrated skin craves hydration-boosting formulae that quench the epidermis. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, squalene, shea butter, and ceramides should be on your radar.
CLEANSER: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
A gentle formula boasting a lotion-like consistency, CeraVe’s Non-Foaming Hydrating Facial Cleanser deeply cleanses the skin sans stripping it of its natural moisture. Imbued with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it restores epidermal hydration and curtails moisture loss.
SERUM: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Let your skin revel in the goodness of 96% snail secretion filtrate for long-lasting hydration and improved elasticity. The lightweight elixir, free of nasties, also helps keep breakouts at bay, repairing damaged skin and imparting a healthy glow.
MOISTURISER: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Amino acids, ceramides, glycerine, and phospholipids join forces to support your skin barrier and lend optimal hydration. The non-greasy formula feels velvety smooth, maximising moisture for plump, supple skin.
SUNSCREEN: Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Super Bright Sunscreen
Meet this water-fluid formulation that promises no pilling or white cast. The Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Super Bright Sunscreen provides SPF 50 PA+++ protection, blocking UVA, UVB, and blue light, all while fading dark spots and targeting dullness.
A CSMS Skincare Routine For Combination Skin
Combination skin is characterised by an oily T-zone with dry patches. Such skin types require dual products that cater to both concerns; hence, opt for formulas featuring a mix of oil-controlling and moisturising agents.
CLEANSER: Kama Ayurveda Rose & Jasmine Face Cleanser
Turn to Ayurveda to treat combination skin woes… Infused with soothing essential oils, Kama Ayurveda’s Rose & Jasmine Face Cleanser taps into the power of botanicals to tone, refresh, and purify the skin.
SERUM: Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
The trinity of glycolic acid, gold-stabilised vitamin C, and phyto-luminescent extract eliminate dead cells, enhance brightness, and improve skin integrity. Don’t believe us? 91% of consumers reported smoother, radiant skin after using Murad’s Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum.
MOISTURISER: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Invest in this cult offering that delivers on its promise of up to 100 hours of intense hydration. Shielding against pollution and blue light, Clinique’s Moisture Surge Auto-Replenishing Hydrator boasts a weightless, gel-cream texture that glides effortlessly to revive tired-looking skin.
SUNSCREEN: Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defence Aqua UV Gel
An amalgam of eight antioxidants including vitamins C and E, Estée Lauder’s UV Gel lends optimal sun protection sans clogging your pores. The non-acnegenic formula features an ultra-light, gel texture that doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin.
A CSMS Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin
Prone to irritation and inflammation, sensitive skin demands gentle, dermatologically tested formulations prepared free of harmful additives. Spot skin-soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, ceramides, and squalene on product labels.
CLEANSER: Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash
Devoid of 2,000 chemicals, Simple’s Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash is 100% soap-free, ideal for easily reactive skin. Vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, and bisabolol come together to gently lift dirt, grime, and impurities, leaving your epidermis feeling smooth and refreshed.
SERUM: Deconstruct Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Serum
A non-irritating, water-based elixir, Deconstruct’s vitamin C and ferulic acid-infused potion helps even out skin tone and brighten your complexion. Better yet, the unique formulation is cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and dermatologically tested.
MOISTURISER: Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Super Bright Moisturizer
Dot & Key’s Vitamin C + E Super Bright Moisturizer boasts a sorbet-like texture for instant moisture replenishment. The quick-absorbing cream curtails free radical damage, protects against external aggressors and fights dullness for improved luminosity.
SUNSCREEN: The Face Shop The Therapy Vegan Moisturizing Sun Serum
Meet this clean beauty offering that provides SPF 50 PA++++ protection while adequately moisturising the skin. Formulated without 24 harmful ingredients, the product is also delivered in environment-conscious Kraftpak packaging.
Your best skin yet awaits you – and it won’t get any easier than a 4-step CSMS skincare routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does CSMS stand for?
CSMS is an acronym for Cleanser-Serum-Moisturiser-Sunscreen, referring to a 4-step skincare regimen that ensures basic skin hygiene. The result-oriented routine can be customised to treat specific skin concerns and for different skin types.
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Which skincare step can I skip?
For healthy, glowing skin, avoid skipping any of the steps. The CSMS skincare routine is a super easy, 4-step regimen that is quick, convenient, and an effective way of ensuring basic skin hygiene. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip using a toner, face mask, and eye cream.
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Do all my skincare products have to be from the same brand?
Not necessarily; diversifying your routine can help you customise your skincare plan, incorporating products that work best for your skin. Mix and match your cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen for the desired results.
