While chatting with my friends last week, I realized that I hadn’t been taking proper care of my skin as I thought washing my face every day with a soap bar was enough. I was introduced to the CTM routine, cleansing, toner, and moisturizer, and how it helps keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing.
I have brought together everything you need to know about the basic steps of CTM and the best routine to have. So start scrolling and reading!
CTM full form in makeup:
A CTM routine basically stands for cleansing, toning and moisturizing and is an extremely trusted beauty routine
What are the three basic steps of the CTM skincare routine?
CTM, or cleansing, toner, and moisturizer are the three basic yet essential steps in skincare. Following the CTM steps will help one get rid of the dust, dirt, pollutants, oil, makeup, and other debris that has clogged the pores. It helps in keeping the skin healthy, moisturized, and nourished.
1. Cleansing
The first step in CTM is cleansing, and this helps in cleansing the face and getting rid of all impurities and oil that cause clogged pores resulting in dull skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser for 1 minute in round motions with your fingers. Doing it any longer will damage the skin’s barrier.
The type of cleanser one should use depends on their skin type. Use a gentle cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that helps fight acne for acne-prone skin.
People with dry skin can use cleansing balms or creams with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that keep the skin hydrated, nourished, and plump. It is advised to use micellar water for sensitive skin as it is gentle and hydrating.
2. Toner
The second step in CTM is toner, which is used to replenish and hydrate one’s skin while removing the dead skin cells and residue left after using a cleanser. A good toner also helps balance the pH level of the skin, leaving your skin clean and smooth.
Toner can be applied to the face directly by tapping it onto the skin or using a cotton pad or ball gently, and it is advised to leave it on for 1-2 minutes before going to the next step. For acne-prone skin, toner with ingredients like salicylic acid and lactic acid is recommended. Whereas those with dry/sensitive skin can be advised to use a toner with glycerin and hyaluronic acid as it hydrates the skin.
People with combination skin can incorporate a toner with vitamin C, vitamin E, etc., that has a gentle exfoliating property as this treats damaged skin. It is advised to avoid toners with high alcohol content as they can cause irritations.
3. Moisturizer
Moisturizer is considered one of the most vital steps in a skincare routine, as it is the key to maintaining healthy, hydrated, and nourished skin. Moisturizing daily can help strengthen your skin’s barrier, preventing wrinkles, irritation and dryness. When you moisturize, it helps lock in the moisture within the skin, making it soft and glowy.
A good moisturizer should have hydrating ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid. People with dry skin are advised to use a moisturizer rich in emollients and ceramides to prevent dry skin.
Ensure that the moisturizer you use is non-comedogenic as this will not clog your pores, causing breakouts. Light, water, or gel-based moisturizers are recommended for oily and acne-prone skin. If you’ve sensitive skin, avoid moisturizers with fragrance or alcohol as this can irritate.
The Best CTM Routine for Skincare.
Due to the lifestyle changes in our society, one is more exposed to dirt, dust, and toxins in the air. Moreover, our skin’s needs change according to the weather and one’s way of living. It is essential to have a proper skincare routine, including the CTM steps, to ensure that your skin gets all the care and nourishment it needs to stay healthy.
Having a proper skincare routine will ensure that one’s skin is taken care of properly and helps us maintain healthy skin. The following is a simple yet effective skincare routine that will help you care for your skin.
1. Cleanse
The initial step of any skincare routine is always to cleanse. Its purpose is to eliminate all the remaining makeup, dirt, dust, and oils in our skin and unclog all the pores. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser apt for your skin type twice a day – in the morning and before bed.
Opt for a gentle cleanser with simple ingredients that will not irritate your skin. Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are suitable for almost all skin types. Avoid using cleansers with fragrance, alcohol, and sulfates, as these can cause irritation or have a stripping effect on your face.
2. Toner
Applying toner is the second step in this skincare routine. It refreshes your skin, keeping it clean and nourished. Toners balance the skin’s pH level while getting rid of any remaining debris from the first step.
Those with oily/combination skin will find a toner that helps to remove excess oil without making the skin dry. It is advised to use a toner with antioxidants and hydrating properties.
3. Spot treatment
Spot treatment is used to treat acne marks or dark spots on the face and sometimes active acne, but only if it is a few bumps. Only use it on the zit or acne scar, as applying it to other areas will irritate. It is crucial to be careful while using spot treatments containing active ingredients.
For active acne, it is recommended to use products containing active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinol, etc. However, use spot treatments containing vitamin C or lactic acid to treat acne marks and dark spots.
4. Moisturizer
Moisturizers are used to hydrate the skin by locking in moisture and strengthening the skin’s barrier. They help prevent wrinkles and signs of aging, making the skin look healthy and glowing. Applying moisturizer consistently can prevent dryness and irritation to the skin.
Only apply around 2 tsp of moisturizer to your face as excess can cause your skin to look oily. Use your fingertips to apply it in circular motions until fully absorbed.
It is advised to apply moisturizer 1-2 minutes after toner, and if you’re using a spot treatment, then 1 minute after that. Apply it while your skin is damp, which helps seal the moisture.
5. SPF or Sunscreen
Though it is always forgotten, SPF is one of the most crucial steps in any skincare routine. Applying SPF is vital as it protects your skin from the UV rays and their harmful effects. In addition to this, sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer and prevents premature aging.
Constant exposure to UV rays can break down the collagen in our skin, causing wrinkles, sagging, etc. This can be prevented by applying SPF consistently. A good sunscreen helps prevent skin discoloration, redness, and irritation in acne-prone skin.
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Conclusion
CTM is three basic steps of any skincare routine: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. While cleanser and toner get rid of dust, dirt, excess oil, and pollutants, moisturizer seals in moisture and keeps one’s skin hydrated and nourished.
The best CTM skincare routine includes five main steps. They are cleansers, toners, spot treatments, moisturizers, and SPF. They ensure that the skin is clean, hydrated, and nourished. It prevents wrinkles, skin cancer, dryness, irritation, dark spots, etc.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article provided you with all the information you needed. Do leave your comments below.
