Do you ever walk around the skincare section of any department store feeling overwhelmed about what to purchase and why? Well, enter your beauty BFF! I will help you figure out what you should include in your skincare routine and why.
Let’s start with the basics by discussing what categories of skincare you should have so everyone is on the same page. Your skincare routine can be simple or extensive but, in my professional opinion, these items should be in everyone’s arsenal.
Cleanser - You might think this is an obvious item to have, but not to everyone. Many people think they only need a cleanser if they wear makeup and using water (and whatever is in your shower) will suffice. That is so far from the truth - your facial cleanser is (and should be) your first step in your skincare routine. Using an appropriate cleanser formulated for your face will remove dirt, oil, debris, and pollutants from your skin. You know, all the yucky stuff you encounter every day. Cleansing will also unclog your pores, which will reduce breakouts. Some cleansers can also help with hydration. You can’t have glowing skin with a dirty face.
Toner - I know, I know. Toners are old school, but I still feel they serve their purpose. Including an appropriate facial toner in your daily routine can detoxify and calm your skin, hydrate, balance your skin’s PH level and make pores appear smaller. Toners are great preps for serums and assist with product penetration.
Serum - Oh, I LOVE serums. We already established that cleansing is your starting point (think before dinner meet and greet) well honey, your serum is the main course! Serums deliver high concentrations of specific ingredients to your skin. Using a serum regularly puts you on the highway to glow! The molecules in most serums will penetrate deeper than your heaviest moisturizer and will hydrate at the deepest level. We use serums to target our concerns - acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, loss of collagen and elasticity, and much more.
Moisturizer - Hey, oily girls - this is big for you. Many people that say their skin is oily really have dehydrated skin, not oily skin. Dehydrated skin will produce more oil to rehydrate on its own. Picking the right moisturizer for your skin is key, not omitting moisturizer entirely. Using a moisturizer hydrates your skin; hydrated skin is healthier and more plump, thus decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dirty skin won’t glow, but neither will dehydrated nor dry skin. It’s all about finding the perfect balance. Bonus tip: Properly hydrated skin will improve the way your makeup looks and settles.
Eye Cream - Honey, the eyes will tell it all! Using an eye cream is one of the first anti-aging products you should have - start young. I’m talking between 18 and 20 years old. Your eyes will show wrinkles, dehydration, and darkness first. Your eyes and the surrounding skin are delicate and they let people know when you're tired, happy, sad, sick - they will tell all your business. Because the area around your eyes is thinner than your face, using your facial moisturizer isn’t ideal because the molecules are too heavy and that can age you faster.
Sunscreen - Why is this separate from moisturizer? I know it’s more convenient to have your sunscreen included in your moisturizer, but it’s not beneficial for you. Sun exposure and smoking ages you the fastest. When your sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup are the same products, you need to apply a significant amount to get the protection you need (think quarter sized amount of product). Also, in most cases, reapplication is required and are you really going to reapply your makeup and/or moisturizer? The secret is to get a weightless sunscreen that doesn’t make your face feel heavy. (We’ll talk more about that later.)
Are you in brain over load yet? Great, because I’ve got two more things to add. You also need exfoliation and professional treatments in your regimen, but we will discuss them later. Let’s get you started, and we’ll add the icing on the cake in an upcoming post.
Next week, we will discuss how to choose the right cleanser for your skin and what to look for. Speaking of cleansing, how are you doing with the February skincare challenge? Leave me an update in the comments! If you need more help establishing a routine, you also have the option of booking a virtual consultation with me!
Until next time…
