The right skin care routine can mean the difference between tired, wrinkled, old-looking skin and skin that looks rejuvenated, young and radiant.
Unfortunately, the brands that promote “skincare” are about ten cents, and products that produce TRUE results are few and far between. Yes, a skin care routine will absolutely transform your skin, but it must be a skin care routine built with products that are scientifically proven to work-otherwise, you may just be wasting your time and money.
Right Order
You would not wash your face after applying the night cream, which would be absurd, but you might be surprised how many people have their skin care routine in the wrong order. The sequence counts almost as much as the products you are using. One of the main functions of your skin is to block foreign substances from entering your body. However, with skincare, you want your skin to voluntarily accept the beneficial compounds you are applying to it. That’s why the sequence is so important. The skin wants to be wine and dined before you leave your skin care products in and should be treated accordingly.
Morning Routine
For best results, consult a dermatologist or beauty expert to create a custom skin care routine, but a basic morning treatment routine may include:
Step 1 – Cleanser
Use cool water and a gentle cleanser to clean skin without stripping too much moisture from it. You don’t have to invest a lot of money in a cleanser. Just pick a gentle facial cleanser that will clean the skin without causing any unnecessary irritation or stripping of the skin’s moisture barrier. (Try our FACIAL CLEANSING LOTION & FACIAL CLEANSING WASH FOAM)
Step 2 – Exfoliation
After cleansing, we do not recommend the use of traditional toners. These often contain alcohol and can remove moisture from the skin and increase redness and inflammation. We do, however, recommend the occasional use of an exfoliating pad with facial exfoliators after cleansing in the morning. Depending on your skin type, these may be used once weekly or as often as every day. (Try our FACIAL SCRUB CREAM & EXFOLIATING SOAP)
Step 3 – Treatments and Serums
Once you’ve cleansed and exfoliated, you should apply any prescription topical treatment creams and muds for acne, psoriasis, eczema, and anti-Wrinkles creams. Then, layer on serums that contain potent and concentrated ingredients that help target specific skin concerns. It is made up of small molecules that sink deep into the skin. (Try our LUMINOUS FACE & NECK SERUM & ACNE CREAM)
Step 4 – Moisturizers
There are many different types of moisturizers on the market, and it can be a little confusing as to which one you should be using. There are moisturizers for morning routines, and for nightly routines. Night moisturizers are generally thicker, and will take a little longer to sink in—but they are incredibly nourishing for the skin. Whereas day moisturizers are a little thinner, fast-absorbing, and work to quickly give your skin a healthy boost. (Try our EXTREME CARE FACIAL DAY CREAM)
Step 5 – Eye Cream
The addition of high-quality eye cream can also be helpful early on for protecting this delicate area. we recommend choosing an eye cream with ingredients to target your specific concerns.
Step 6 – Sunscreen
The main cause of skin aging is sun damage. Make sure to protect your skin from sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The best choices are sunscreens with physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is important to choose a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day. Remember to reapply every 2 hours while outdoors, and more often when in water. (Try our EXTREME CARE FACIAL DAY CREAM)
Nighttime Skincare Routine
Daytime skincare focuses on protecting skin for the day ahead. Your nighttime anti-aging skincare routine is all about healing and rejuvenation. Everyone’s routine should be customized to their unique needs, but a basic nighttime skin regimen should include:
Step 1 – Cleanser
Remove your makeup, using a gentle makeup remover. Then, use a simple, minimal ingredient cleanser to clean your face. (Try our FACIAL CLEANSING LOTION & FACIAL CLEANSING WASH FOAM & makeup cleansing pad)
Step 2 – Hyaluronic Acid & Serums
HA offers a one-two punch of anti-aging benefits. It prevents new wrinkles from forming and also diminishes the appearance of existing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Additionally, it improves overall skin tone and texture and increases cellular turnover. It’s never too soon to start using HA, but if you have sensitive skin talk to your dermatologists about the best HA products before you add these to your skincare routine. Consider applying a hydrating serum to help the skin retain moisture before you apply your moisturizer. (Try our LUMINOUS FACE & NECK SERUM & ANTI WRINKLE FACIAL NIGHT CREAM)
Step 3 – Moisturizer
At night, you may want to use a thicker, cream-based moisturizer with peptides and ceramides to replenish moisture lost during the day and keep skin looking and feeling hydrated and supple. (Try our Intensive Care Facial Night Cream)
Step 4 – Eye Cream
At night, we recommend the application of an eye cream that contains extra hydration with hyaluronic acid or even natural oils such as avocado. I also recommend the use of retinol in nightly eye creams for an added anti-aging benefit.
What Should I Add to My Skincare Routine?
Every person needs a skincare routine. No matter what the person’s age, we always recommend keeping daily skincare routine simple, so you’re more likely to be consistent. However, as you get older, you might want to add a few extra anti-aging treatments. Some commonly recommended skincare steps include:
1. Face masks – Once a week, consider applying a face mask that targets your specific concerns. There are a variety of masks available, so find one that offers anti-aging benefits, pore cleansing, or deep hydration to soothe inflammation and boost skin’s appearance. (Try our FACIAL PLUS MUD MASK & TOTAL-CARE MUD MASK)
2. Skin supplements – It’s important to ensure your skin is healthy from the inside out. That means staying hydrated and possibly adding an oral skin health supplement to your daily routine. These supplements help provide the necessary nutrients for your body to produce healthy new layers of skin.
3. Body Scrub – Body scrubs deserve a spot on every full-body skincare routine! Not only do they slough off dead skin cells, restoring your skin’s natural radiance, they also help minimize breakouts and small blemishes, such as brown spots or large pores. As you massage the body scrubs over your body, these small particles buff and polish the skin, creating a smooth, even-toned appearance. (Try our Coconut Nourishing Body Scrub)
4. Hand Cream – Talk about neglected body parts! One of the best things you can do for your hands and feet is to moisturize them often, hopefully before they develop those dreaded cracks and fissures. There’s no one-size-fits-all with hand cream; some of us prefer simple moisturizers that get the job done, whereas others will naturally gravitate towards the luxe silkiness. (Try our Deep Moisturizing Hand Cream)
Use Products in Combination
The thing is, there are no one-size-fits-all skincare routines. What works for one person may not work for another. The best way to ensure success is to use scientifically proven and formulated skincare products. Come up with a skincare routine, and then tweak that routine until you achieve the results you’re looking for.
Youthful, radiant, wrinkle-free skin is within reach—and your skincare routine is the tool you’re going to use to achieve it!
How Can My Dermatologist Help?
At any age, your skin is uniquely yours, and a board-certified dermatologist can help you create a customized skincare plan. Giving general skincare recommendations based on age or a few other details can be beneficial, but the best routine for you is always one that’s personally geared to addressing your unique skin type, tone, texture, and other variables. We always recommend that patients visit us at least once a year a dermatologist to check for skin health concerns, review skincare regimens, and discuss plans for keeping skin looking and feeling great for years to come.