Jumping into skin care can be overwhelming and confusing. There seems to be an endless amount of products to choose from and not knowing where to begin can be frustrating. Here's how to start
UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN
The first step to starting a skin care routine is to understand your skin type and what your skin needs. Skin care routines are not a "one size fits all," and caring for your skin is completely distinctive to the characteristics of YOUR skin's needs.
Determine Your Skin Type
Normal: fine pores, soft/smooth texture, no blemishes
Oily: enlarged pores, prone to acne breakouts, shine
Dry: rough or flaky, tightness, itchiness
Combination: shiny t-zone, dry patches, some breakouts & enlarged pores
Sensitive: irritation, redness, itching/burning
What Your Skin Needs
Normal: clean, maintain, hydrate
Oily: reduce the amount of oil on the skin
Dry: moisturize/hydrate
Combination: balance hydration and oil reduction
Sensitive: soothe/hydrate
START WITH THE BASICS
If you're totally new to skin care, it's best to start with the basic 4.
Cleanse
Tone
Moisturize
SPF
CLEANSE
Cleansing is the first and most important step of your skin care routine. To get the most out of your skin care routine, you must first make sure you are not only cleansing properly, but choosing the right cleanser. It's the best way to prep your skin for absorbing the quality ingredients to follow.
What Type of Cleanser to Choose
Normal: Cream or Gel
Oily: Light Foaming or Gel
Dry: Cream
Combination: Light Foaming or Gel
Sensitive: Cream/Oil
Cleanse Properly
When cleansing, massage the cleanser into your skin with damp hands for 2 minutes. Rinse and remove cleanser with a clean, soft white cloth. This is a great way to make sure you've removed everything from your face.
Wash every night before bed, and don't skip your morning wash.
Double cleansing is great to include in your night time routine. Pre-wash your face with an oil based cleanser to break down makeup, dirt and excess oil on the skin. Rinse and follow with your daily cleanser to wash it all away.
TONE
Now, when I say "toner," I am not referring to the old school astringent we destroyed our faces with in the past.
The right toner is going to replenish, nourish, and balance skin's ph after cleansing.
Things to Look for When Choosing a Toner
Normal: "replenishing" "hydrating"
Oily: "balancing" "oil control"
Dry: "replenishing" "hydrating"
Combination: "balancing" "oil control"
Sensitive: "gentle" "soothing" "calming"
Avoid toners consisting mainly of alcohol!
MOISTURIZE
Do you know who needs to moisturize? EVERYONE
Yep! Even if you have oily skin, you need to moisturize. Moisturizing is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin cells and protecting your skin.
What Type of Moisturizer to Choose
Normal: Lotion
Oily: Gel
Dry: Cream
Combination: Lotion
Sensitive: Cream
SPF
SPF is absolutely, without a doubt, no question THE MOST IMPORTANT part of caring for your skin.
Benefits of SPF
Minimizes the penetration of UV Rays
Protects against premature againg
Reduces risk of Cancer
Reduces risk of sun damage and pigmentation
Apply SPF at the end of your skin care routine and before applying your makeup. SPF should be reapplied at least every 2 hours.
Remember, Skin Changes
Keep in mind, your skin is always changing and will need to be reassessed from time to time. You may need to switch up your products here and there to adapt to your skin's ever changing needs.
If you're still not sure where to start, it's alway best to consult a skin care professional for advice! :)