Countless.

That is how many skincare products there are in the market right now. Beauty bloggers and A-list celebrities raving about the newest skincare and preaching about different routines for day and night and even the weekends - alternating between rich and lightweight products or cleansing treatments that expel and nourishing treatments to feed the skin. While it's easy to simply pull out an article on a 10-step skincare routine, sometimes we question ourselves, is there really a need for such an exhaustive routine for our delicate skin?

Understanding cosmetics and skincare

What are cosmetics and what does it do to the skin?

Cosmetics are basically makeup for the skin, and what it does is to improve the appearance of the skin by covering up flaws such as acne scars, or create an illusion of, for example, a slimmer jawline or a higher nose bridge. Cosmetics provide a temporary improvement to the skin's appearance, but it doesn't do much to improve the health of the skin itself. In fact, cosmetics are known to be an irritant and full of skin-harming bacteria. Some ingredients in cosmetics are also comedogenic, so applying cosmetics on a daily basis actually does more harm than good to the skin.

Skincare, on the other hand, work in many ways that ultimately bring an overall improvement to the skin's health. It can range from a mild, regular face wash, to a targeted treatment for more serious skin conditions. Skincare also makes sure that the skin is in balance and is not falling too far off the pH scale lest you want to see breakouts or dry patches on your skin. With regular (and proper) skincare, you can expect brighter skin, smoother, blemish-free skin, a more taut texture and even skin tone.

Why is skincare so important?

Taking care of your skin is an arduous ritual but keeping your skin healthy is undeniably one of the best ways to care for your well-being. After all, your skin is the largest organ of the body. If you compare cosmetics and skincare side by side, you'll see that skincare is the nourishment your skin needs while cosmetics shouldn't be on your skin (for too long).

 5 Must-Haves in Your Skin Routine

If you have the time, you are most welcome to follow the comprehensive routine that uses probably every skincare category available for the complete skin-pampering ritual. But for those who don't have the luxury of time, like the most of us, here are 5 must-haves in your skin routine that you should miss for a healthy and natural beauty.

1. Micellar Cleansing Toner

This is a 3-in-one makeup remover, cleanser, and toner that does all the necessary cleansing for your skin. On days where you want a quick freshen up, this product is sufficient as Micellar Cleansing Toner is formulated with tiny oil molecules that attract dirt and oil from the skin without the need for harsh rubbing.

2. Facial Wash

A facial wash is a staple in every woman's vanity sink. HYSSES facial washes provide a deeper cleanse than micellar toners but are gentle enough not to strip your skin of its nutrients. A quick wash in the morning and night is enough to keep your skin germ free and your pores cleansed from unwanted debris and residue.

3. Serum

Serums are potent single-ingredient skincare that penetrates deep into your skin's layers to work their magic. They are targeted solutions to your specific skin concerns, and you'll only need a drop or two each time. Serums are the answer when you need something to minimize signs of ageing, face pigmentation and scars, and keep your dry skin moist and hydrated in harsh temperatures. Serums can also be added into your creams and lotions for a power boost to your skincare regime.

4. Sunscreen

While cleansing your skin and keeping germs away from your skin is important, what's equally important for your skin is protection from UV damage. Did you know that UV rays are prevalent all year round, and they are the reason for premature ageing? Keep your skin protected from these harmful rays with sunscreens that help to block out both UVA rays and UVB rays when you're outdoors.

With these 5 necessities in your skin routine, you can rest assured that your skin is not neglected from the basic skincare. Don't forget to indulge in some skin pampering session at least once a month for a full detox or exfoliation to make sure that your skin is in tip-top condition.