The Importance of CTM (Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing)



Everyone experiences skin damage every single day! Various external elements, including pollution, exposure to the sun, dust, smoke and makeup, contribute to many skin concerns. They often cause skin discoloration, premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, and most of all, ruin the texture of your skin. This is why it is uber-important to have a daily skincare routine.

Many people believe that skincare routines are expensive and very demanding, but that’s not true. You can choose to stick to the basics instead of having an elaborate and time-consuming skincare regimen. Moreover, you can stick to using natural skincare products like the best natural moisturizer cream.

A woman with glowing skin | ML Delicate Beauty

So, what does a basic skincare routine comprise?

A simple skincare routine has three basic steps – Cleansing, Toning and, Moisturizing. In short, you can call this routine,  CTM.

The best part about this skincare regimen is that it is for all skin types. You just need to tailor the products included in each step according to your skin type and you’re good to go! Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing form the cornerstone of a good skincare routine, each playing a vital role in maintaining healthy, vibrant skin.

So, the main step of the CTM routine is identifying your skin type first so that you can customize it to suit the needs of your skin. Once you’ve done that, you can implement this simple routine in your daily life to get soft, glowing and healthy skin.

Step 1 - Cleansing

Whether it’s your daytime or nighttime skincare routine, the most important step for you is to clean your face! Cleansing marks the initiation of your skincare routine. Dust, pollution, germs, and makeup tend to settle down on your face, causing various issues such as breakouts and premature aging. The only way to get rid of them is by cleaning your skin religiously.

Cleansing not only helps clean your skin by removing dirt, but it also ensures that your pores remain unclogged. When it comes to cleansing, soap isn’t an advisable option for you as it tends to dry out your skin. However, it is important to invest in a good and reliable face wash that you can use every day.

Remember to find a suitable face wash or a cleanser that suits your skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, you should opt for an oil-free cleanser or face wash. Moreover, using a more liquid-foam cleanser is recommended for those with combination or normal skin. Lastly, those with dry skin should opt for a cream-based cleanser.

All in all, cleansing is super-essential because it:

  • Gets rid of dust, dirt, dead skin cells and excessive oils
  • Cleans out pores
  • Freshens your skin
  • Hydrates your skin
  • Keeps further skin problems at bay
  • Prevents premature aging
  • Maintains the size of pores

The importance of cleansing cannot be overstated. It is the first step in any skincare regimen and is crucial for removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that accumulate on the skin's surface throughout the day. Cleansing helps to prevent clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts and a dull complexion. It also prepares the skin to absorb other skincare products more effectively.

A proper cleanser should be chosen based on individual skin type - oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - to ensure it cleans effectively without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leading to irritation or overproduction of oil. Therefore, a gentle cleanser that maintains the skin's natural balance is essential for all skin types.

Woman with young-looking skin using ML Delicate Beauty skincare products

 Step 2 - Toning

For a long time, toning was considered as a useless addition to the daily skincare regimen. However, it has proven to have some great benefits for your skin ,which are visible in the long run. There are various toners available in the market, catering to the specific needs of your skin type. However, the integral function of most of these toners is the removal of makeup and other residue from your skin. Even though double-cleansing  is an effective way to get rid of this residue, toners are considered to be far more efficient.

Toners also play a major role in hydrating your skin, making your skin more soft and supple. They also help keep pimples and acne at bay while clearing out blemishes. Moreover, they also help in restoring the pH level (hydrogen percentage) of your skin to some extent. Most of all, toners bring a shine to your skin that no other product can!

Toning is the second crucial step in a skincare routine, often overlooked or misunderstood. After cleansing, a toner helps to remove any residual impurities or traces of makeup that might have been missed, providing an additional cleansing effect. More importantly, toners are designed to restore the skin's pH balance, which can be disrupted during the cleansing process. The skin's acid mantle, a thin acidic film on its surface, acts as a barrier to bacteria and other potential contaminants. Cleansing can sometimes disturb this natural barrier, and toners help to re-establish this essential balance.

Additionally, toners can provide hydration, tighten pores, and prepare the skin to absorb the active ingredients in serums and moisturizers that follow. Modern toners come in various formulations catering to specific skin concerns, such as hydrating, soothing, or oil-reducing properties, making them a versatile addition to skincare routines.

However, you need to be very careful with your choice of toners, especially if you have combination skin as the wrong toner can dry up your skin, leaving behind dark patches. If you have combination skin, the key is to avoid buying those with alcohol content and opt for hydrating ones instead. If you have normal skin, you should opt for a rather mild toner and if you have oily skin, you can get a simple tea tree toner.

Some of the important benefits that skin toners provide are as follows:

  • Neutralizes pores
  • Hydrates your skin
  • Makes your face appear more youthful
  • Makes your face less oily
  • Keeps acne and blemishes at bay
  • Keeps dirt at bay even if you have large pores

Step 3 - Moisturizing

The last, yet most essential, step of your basic daily skincare routine is moisturizing your face with the best natural moisturizer cream. Whether it’s an elaborate or simple day or night skincare regime, it will be incomplete without this step.

A woman applying ML Delicate Beauty moisturizer on her face

Moisturizing your skin helps prevent loss of moisture from your skin. It does this by creating a protective layer between your skin and damaging foreign elements. This keeps your skin from getting dry and looking dull. Apart from keeping your skin moisturized, the right face cream also helps with various other skin concerns including pimple scars, aging signs and dryness. A good retinol skin moisturizer cream can do wonders for your aging concerns!

Try out the 0.5% anti-aging retinol moisturizer by ML Delicate Beauty.

It is important for you to select a moisturizer that caters to your skin type. Dry skin requires extra moisturization, but so does oily skin! The logic behind using a moisturizer for oily skin is rather simple. The natural oils emanating from your skin are not a sign of hydrated skin; they only come out in excess due to lack of moisture. Therefore, it is imperative for those with oily skin to opt for a suitable moisturizer or face cream.

Moisturizing is a fundamental step that ensures the skin remains hydrated and nourished. Regardless of skin type, every skin needs hydration to maintain its health and resilience. Moisturizers work by trapping water in the skin, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look more plump and youthful. They also form a protective barrier over the skin's surface, shielding it from environmental stressors like pollution and extreme temperatures.

For oily or acne-prone skin, using a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer can help regulate oil production and prevent acne. For dry or mature skin, a more nourishing, thicker moisturizer can help to restore moisture and improve skin texture. Regular moisturizing is also essential in preventing skin dryness, itchiness, and irritation. It helps in maintaining the skin's elasticity, promoting a smooth, even skin tone, and preserving its natural beauty over time.

Those with dry skin should use a very thick moisturizer, like the anti-aging retinol moisturizer, that penetrates their pores to give their skin ample hydration. Failure to do so can leave you with terrible dry patches and premature aging. On the other hand, those with oily or combination skin should select a very light oil-free moisturizer. Lastly, remember to always apply a moisturizer when your skin is a little damp to retain water inside your skin.

Here are some amazing things that moisturizing does for your skin:

  • Provides moisture and hydration
  • Keep excessive oil production under control
  • Get rid of various skin problems
  • Prevents premature aging
  • Gives you super-soft skin
  • Keeps dry patches at bay

Conclusion

The CTM routine is the simplest and one of the most effective skincare routines that will keep most of your skin problems at bay. You need to follow this routine twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed, for the most effective results. Moreover, make sure to use the best night cream, which is the retinol night cream, before heading to bed!

If you’re looking for the best retinol face cream, head on to ML Delicate Beauty’s website now! We have a wide range of reliable skincare products that will cater to all your skincare needs!

What is your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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About Author:
Jennifer Valdino | Skincare Expert | Facialist | Blogger
Jennifer Valdino is a Facialist and Skincare Expert. She frequently shares her general approach to caring for your skin through many public speeches. Jennifer truly understands how confidence having a bad skin can be, and she’s passionate about sharing her knowledge for tackling it. She knows first-hand how skin is so intrinsically linked to confidence as well as the best science-backed method to handle it. 
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Opinions expressed are those of the writer.

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