a guide to building your skincare routine
The Basic Products Every Skincare Routine Needs
CLEANSER
+ Definition || the first step in all skincare routines. Cleansing clarifies the skin and removes impurities (e.g. makeup, oil buildup, sweat, etc.)
+ Benefits || if your skin isn’t clean, products can not properly penetrate the skin.
+ Frequency || Apply your cleanser in circular motions while moving your hands around the face. Be gentle around your eyes and don’t forget to cleanse your neck and chest! Use AM and PM and repeat two times (this is called a double cleanse). Why double cleanse? The first cleanse, removes makeup and grime from your day while the second cleanse actually ‘cleans’ the skin.
Order of application: Always step 1. AM and PM.
SOME FAVS:
EXFOLIATION
+ Definition || there are two kinds—physical (scrubs or anything gritty, even shaving your legs) and chemical (acids or enzymes). Chemical exfoliators give you more bang for your buck (IMO) but all skin types need regular exfoliation!
+ Benefits || these help keep skin glowy by stimulating cell turnover (which naturally slows down as we age).
+ Frequency || depending on your skin type, exfoliators can be used 2-4 times a week.
Order of application: Immediately after PM cleanse.
SOME FAVS:
SERUM
+ Definition || loaded with active ingredients, serums are potent and range in benefits to help the skin (read: they give you results). These formulas are generally thin, gel-like and quick absorbing.
+ Benefits || over time and depending on the formula, the active ingredients in serums can help with acne, protect from environmental elements (sun and pollution), have anti-aging benefits, boost hydration or brighten the skin.
+ Frequency || every day, though frequency also depends on your skin type and what kind of serum you’re using. Some serums are intended for day time use (Vitamin C) and others benefit best from night use, when most cell turnover occurs.
Order of application: after cleansing AM and/or PM
SOME FAVS:
MOISTURIZER
+ Definition || a cream, oil or gel that acts as a protective barrier to the skin. Its main purpose is to lock in moisture to smooth and soften the complexion.
+ Benefits || hydrated skin appears more luminous and smooth (aka glowy and dewy)!
+ Frequency || AM and PM
Order of application: after your serum.
SOME FAVS:
SUNSCREEN
+ Definition || sunscreen protects against the sun’s harmful ultra-violet A (UVA) radiation, which causes cellular-level damage and ultra-violet B (UVB) radiation, which causes sunburns and pigment changes. It is the number one product you can use to prevent aging. Look for a “broad-spectrum” SPF meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
+ Benefits || The sun is the number one aging element in the world and once sun damage occurs, it’s incredibly hard to reverse. This is why prevention is key. Sun damage from earlier years does not present until later in life (30s and 40s) so wear SPF now to save the appearance of your skin later on.
+ Frequency || every single morning
Order of application: after your moisturizer
SOME FAVS:
There you have it! The essential products to start building your skincare routine xx