What is CTM – Its Benefits and Routine for All Skin Types

Skincare may seem overwhelming with endless skincare products. However, the basic step in any skin care routine is CTM. Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing (CTM) is an integral part of the skin routine that lays the foundation for healthy, well-nourished skin. The CTM routine should match the appropriate skin care products based on the different skin types.

Following the CTM routine consistently will help make your skin refreshed, youthful, and healthy. Continue reading this article to understand what CTM is, its benefits, and the CTM routine for various skin types.

What is CTM Routine for Skin Care?

The CTM routine, which stands for Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing, is an effective skincare routine. The CTM routine begins with a cleanser to remove dirt and impurities, followed by a toner to restore the skin’s natural pH balance, and ends with a moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated for a long. It is essential to use sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful radiation to maximise the effects of a CTM routine.

Benefits of a CTM Routine

Here are the key benefits of following a CTM routine:

Deeply Cleanses Your Skin

By the end of the day, your skin gets pilled up with dirt, makeup, and other impurities, resulting in clogged pores. So, cleaning your skin at night before bedtime helps to keep your pores clean and your skin stays healthy. Also, cleaning in the morning helps eliminate the dead skin cells that accumulate on your skin during nighttime. When choosing a cleanser, opt for high-quality natural skin care products free from sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and alcohol. Harsh and chemical ingredients will strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and may result in several skin issues.

Toner Helps Tighten Pores After Cleansing

After cleansing, your pores remain open and may get clogged due to dirt and other impurities. If not treated properly, this paves the way for acne, blackheads, and blemishes. That’s the reason why toning is an essential step in the CTM routine. A toner works like an astringent that helps tighten the pores and protects your skin from getting trapped with dirt and dead skin cells.

Maintains the Skin’s pH Balance

Your skin is slightly acidic and can go out of balance upon using alkaline skin products like face washes or cleansers. As imbalanced skin is prone to infections and other irritations, incorporating a toner into your CTM routine helps restore and maintain the skin’s optimal pH level.

Retains Skin Moisture

The final step that follows cleansing and toning is moisturising. This ensures your skin receives the essential vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that can help maintain its good health. So, applying a good moisturiser will make your skin soft, smooth, and supple.

Slows Down Visible Signs of Aging

Upon consistently following a CTM routine, you can delay signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, dark spots, and crow’s feet and achieve youthful-looking skin.

CTM Routine for Different Skin Types

Since every skin type has unique needs and requires specific products, following a separate CTM routine for different skin types is important.

CTM Routine for Oily Skin

Cleansing

A CTM routine for oily skin should start with an effective cleanser. Excess sebum produced in the skin can make it greasy and lead to acne. You can choose foam-based cleansers that deeply cleanse your skin to manage this. It is important to choose the right cleanser in the CTM routine for oily skin to ensure your skin stays refreshed and clean.

Toning

A toner for oily skin should help tighten the pores and prevent acne. You can choose toners containing aloe vera, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. An effective toner for oily skin should provide hydration to the skin.

Moisturising

There is a common misbelief that people with oily skin do not require moisturiser for their skin. But this is not the case. So, oily skin people can choose from a gel or water-based moisturiser

to keep their skin hydrated and non-greasy at the same time. Use non-comedogenic products that can prevent clogged pores.

CTM Routine for Dry Skin

Cleansing

To prevent dryness, choosing a cream-based cleanser enriched with moisturising ingredients like honey and glycerin is ideal. So, the cleanser used in the CTM routine for dry skin must be gentle.

Toning

As alcohol-based toner tends to make your skin extremely dry, avoid using them. So, you opt for a toner that contains hyaluronic acid, rose water, or aloe vera, which helps restore moisture to your skin.

Moisturising

To moisturise dry skin, you can use products containing emollients like ceramides, which can repair the skin’s barrier, and humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which can retain skin moisture.

CTM Routine for Normal Skin

Cleansing

The cleanser for a normal skin type must be chosen based on the climate and the location you live. Use products that can soothe your skin during summer days, and choose hydrating skincare products for winter.

Toning

It would be better to avoid alcohol-based toners, but you may use any other type to maintain a healthy glow and balance your skin’s pH.

Moisturising

Opt for moisturisers that suit your skin type and weather. Massaging your face with the moisturiser helps to improve blood circulation as well.

CTM Routine For Sensitive Skin

Cleansing

Individuals with sensitive skin may choose cleansers free from alcohol and fragrance to avoid skin irritation. Look out for cleansers containing at least two soothing ingredients: argan oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, chamomile, or shea butter.

Toning

The toner for sensitive skin should ideally contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or hyaluronic acid. These hydrating ingredients can help nourish dry and sensitive skin without causing irritation or inflammation.

Moisturiser

Apply a lightweight moisturiser gently to your skin. Look for options that are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic to cater to your skin’s needs.

CTM Routine For Combination Skin

Cleansing

Choose a gentle cleanser that can satisfy the needs of both oily and dry skin. So, the cleanser for combination skin must effectively remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Buy cleansers that contain natural ingredients like green tea extract, sandalwood, or aloe vera.

Toning

Toners are essential for combination skin as they should provide hydration and curb excess oil simultaneously. Use a toner that contains antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Moisturiser

The moisturiser for combination should provide hydration and maintain shine as well. So use lightweight, non-greasy and gel-based moisturiser for combination skin.

Takeaway

For those who are unaware of what CTM is, it is a simple and effective skincare step that can keep your skin clean, balanced, and deeply hydrated while preventing issues like breakouts, dryness, and premature ageing. No matter your skin type, choosing the right products and consistently following this routine can bring significant changes to your overall skin health.

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions on CTM Routine