A good skin care regimen is like the black dress of your wardrobe, everyone needs one! Being realistic, not everyone has the time or money to invest in celebrity skin care, or to see an esthetician monthly. The question is, how do I properly care for my skin at home? Between Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram, it's like an information overload. We are here to break down the basics for you on starting a skin care regimen that works and is down the point.
Step 1: Cleansing
The first step in a proper skincare regimen is to cleanse the skin. This step removes oil, dirt, debris and makeup from the skin. Choosing a gentle cleanser for all skin types is great for the first cleansing. A second cleanser should be added at nighttime that targets specific skin concerns and should be used 2-3 times a week.
Step 2: Hydrate
The second step is done to assist in balancing the freshly cleansed skin resulting in a more radiant complexion. Toner has been known to soothe irritation, redness and improve overall skin tone. It is ideal for setting makeup or as a refresher throughout the day.
Step 3: Treat
This step focuses on serums that treat and correct skin conditions and concerns. Serum molecules are smaller, so your skin absorbs it more than moisturizers. The usage of peptides, vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol have been proven to have active ingredients that tackle skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, etc.
Step 4: Balance
Step four focuses on moisturizing the skin with ingredients that restore, repair and rejuvenate. This step is necessary for both your day and night routine. Day time moisturizer is usually a lightweight formula, whereas nighttime moisturizer is usually a thicker consistency. Even individuals with oily skin need to add moisturizer into their routine. It is a key step in any skin care regimen.
For individuals 25 and older, an eye cream should be considered in your regimen. The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the body, therefore the most delicate. Due to the sensitivity of this area, it requires a more delicate and loving approach than the rest of your skin care. Daytime and Nighttime moisture products will help to hydrate and moisturize the under-eye area, but eye creams work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. Eye cream should be applied carefully with the pad of your finger. Do not apply to close to the waterline or inner corner of the eye, this may cause irritation.
Step 5: Protect
This final step, and the only step that is skipped at night, is the most important of them all! Protect! This is a part of the regimen you should never skip. Every day we are exposed to harmful UV rays from the sun that overtime can lead to hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and even cancer if not cared for correctly. To protect your skin, you should be applying SPF 30 daily. Once applied in the morning, you should be reapplying every 2-3 hours if you're going to be receiving direct sun exposure, such as going to the beach or gardening. This step is crucial for the longevity and health of your skin.
Follow all the steps and welcome a beautiful, glowing skin!
Written by Kezia Jones