In the wake of the holiday season and local festivals like Sinulog and Dinagyang, it’s important to take time to care for yourself – and your skin!

Your daily skincare routine doesn’t have to be as complicated (or expensive) as the famed 10-step Korean version. However, there are good habits that both guys and girls can pick up to achieve healthier skin in the long run.

1. Cleanse your skin in the morning and at night

Sometimes soap (and makeup removal wipes for the ladies) isn’t enough to remove the traces of product, dirt, oil, and other irritants that have collected on your skin’s surface throughout the day.

For cleaner skin before you turn in at night, wash once with soap and again with cleanser.

Photo courtesy of BeautyMNL

COSRX Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

On Sale at P540 on BeautyMNL

If you use additional treatments like sleeping masks at night or have particularly oily skin, it’s best to wash with cleanser in the morning to get rid of any residue or excess oil.

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Tosoowong Enzyme Power Wash

P545 on BeautyMNL

2. Exfoliate one to three times per week, depending on your skin type

This post-cleansing practice removes deep-seated dirt and other things that may be clogging your pores and making you break out. It also buffs away dead skin cells for a brighter complexion.

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Mizon Honey Black Sugar Scrub

On Sale at P325 on BeautyMNL

People with oily or combination skin can exfoliate an average of three times per week, while those with dry skin need to keep their exfoliation to once per week to avoid losing more moisture or damaging the skin.

You can use exfoliating pads or washes, based on your personal preference.

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COSRX One-Step Pimple Clearing Pads

On Sale at P900 on BeautyMNL

3. Tone your skin daily

Using a toner after your soap and cleanser has benefits like making your skin less oily, reducing acne, and visibly shrinking your pores, depending on the brand or product you use.

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Skin Genie Apple Cider Vinegar Toner with Vodka and Witch Hazel

P250 on BeautyMNL

There are various toners available that cater to specific skin types and conditions, but the best all-around choice is a no-alcohol toner with natural ingredients.

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V&M Naturals Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

P335 on BeautyMNL

4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

After cleansing and toning your skin in the morning and evening, it’s important to moisturize. This keeps the skin elastic and encourages healing.

Invest in a light, gel-based moisturizer for everyday use that absorbs quickly and keeps you cool in our humid weather.

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Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

P245 on BeautyMNL

You can skip your gel moisturizer in the middle of the day and use a mineral mist or spray for some much-needed, between-meetings cooling and hydration.

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Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist

P685 on BeautyMNL

5. Protect your skin from UV rays when you’re outdoors

Contrary to popular opinion, you need sunblock even on cloudy or overcast days to protect your skin from UV rays!

Luckily, there are options available on the market that are lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for everyday wear (even under makeup!).

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Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++

P445 at BeautyMNL

It’s also a less-known fact that you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours (sooner if you’re sweating a lot or staying in an especially sunny location) with your liquid sunblock or sun spray!