CTMP: Skin Care Routine for Beginners

Starting a skincare journey can feel overwhelming with so many products and routines out there. That’s where the CTMP routine comes in: short, simple, and effective. CTMP stands for Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, and Protect, the four basic steps to healthier, glowing skin. 

Whether you’re new to skincare or looking for a beginner-friendly routine, this method is easy to follow and works for all skin types. By sticking to the basics, you can maintain a clean, nourished, and protected face every day without getting lost in complicated steps. 

Let’s break down this beginner’s CTM routine in detail and know how to adapt it for your skin. 

What is CTMP?

The CTMP skincare method is a straightforward four-step routine that helps your skin stay balanced and healthy. Here’s a breakdown of each step:

Cleanse

• A good cleanser removes dirt, oil, sweat, and makeup from your skin. 

• Choose a gentle cleanser for face that doesn’t strip away natural moisture. 

• Following this step twice a day is essential for every skin type.

Tone

• Toner refreshes your skin and helps shrink pores while balancing pH levels. 

• It prepares your skin to absorb moisturisers and serums better. 

• For oily skin, toners with ingredients like salicylic acid work well.

Moisturise

• Hydration is key, no matter your skin type. 

• Moisturisers lock in hydration and create a barrier to keep skin soft and supple. 

• For the CTM routine for oily skin, go for gel-based formulas, while CTM routine for dry skin works best with rich creams.

Protect: 

• Protect refers to sunscreen. 

• Skipping sunscreen leaves your skin vulnerable to tanning, sunburn, and premature ageing. 

• Always apply sunscreen in the morning, even on cloudy days.

This is what the CTM full form in skin care translates to when expanded as Cleanser, Toner, Moisturiser with an added "P" for protection. In fact, the CTMP full form in makeup is also widely used to emphasise its role as the foundation of any skincare and makeup prep routine.

Weekly Skin Care Tips for Healthy & Glowing Skin

Daily CTM routine steps are important, but adding small weekly habits makes your skin even healthier. Hence, the below-highlighted additions make the CTMP routine more effective and give you glowing, healthy skin in the long run: 

1. Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. You can try out Chemist At Play’s Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub and Body Exfoliate Scrub for gentle exfoliation for both face and body
2. Use a hydrating mask if your skin feels dry or tired
   
3. Clay masks are great for oily or acne-prone skin
   
4. Give yourself a gentle massage while applying moisturiser or oils to improve circulation
   
5. Avoid overdoing products and stick to the basics, as your skin needs consistency more than anything else

Know Your Skin Type & Best Products For It

Understanding your skin type ensures you choose the right cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Oily Skin: The CTM routine for oily skin helps control excess oil and shine

• Use a cleanser that contains ingredients such as Salicylic Acid. 

• Choose an alcohol-free toner that’s gentle on skin. 

• Pick a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser. 

• Always use a mattifying sunscreen to avoid greasiness.
  
  

2. Dry Skin: A CTM routine for dry skin restores softness and prevents flakiness.

• Go for a cream-based or hydrating cleanser. 

• Use a soothing toner with ingredients like rose water. 

• Apply a rich moisturiser that locks in hydration. 

• Use sunscreens with added hydrating agents.

3. Combination Skin: 

• Mild gel cleansers work best.

• Balancing toners helps keep skin calm.

• A lightweight moisturiser balances oily and dry areas.

• Sunscreen with a non-sticky formula is ideal.

4. Sensitive Skin

• Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers are a must.

• Avoid harsh alcohol-based toners; opt for gentle toners such as Chemist at Play Gentle Exfoliating face toner.

• Use hypoallergenic moisturisers.

• Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide are best.

Conclusion

The CTMP routine is a beginner-friendly yet powerful way to care for your skin every day. Whether you’re following a CTM night routine before bed or applying sunscreen during the day, sticking to these four steps ensures balanced, nourished, and protected skin. Remember, skincare is about consistency, not complexity. With the right products for your skin type, the CTM routine for face becomes your best friend for glowing, healthy skin.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

 1. What is the 4 Step Skin Care Routine? 

A: The 4-step skincare routine, also called the CTMP skincare routine, includes Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise, and Protect. 

 2. How many times do I have to follow the CTMP routine? 

A: Ideally, you should follow the CTM routine steps twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. In the morning, sunscreen is the most important step, while at night, the CTM night routine ends with moisturiser.

 3. Is it Okay to Skip Toner in CTMP?

A: Yes, but not recommended. Toner helps balance pH, refresh the skin, and prepares it for moisturiser. If you’re new to skincare, you can start with just a cleanser, toner and moisturiser before adding sunscreen and other products gradually.

 4. Is it Okay to Skip Sunscreen in CTMP?

A: No, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even if you don’t step out much, UV rays can damage your skin indoors as well. Skipping sunscreen breaks the CTM skin care routine and leaves your skin unprotected against ageing and sun damage.