Good skin doesn’t come from just having good genes. It’s about finding the right skin care that works for you and a one-size-fits-all skin care is unlikely to work for all skin types, issues, ages or seasons. Building a skincare regimen that works for you is not as complicated
as you might think. Here are some tips to create a skin care routine just for you and guarantee younger, more radiant skin:

Know Your Skin Type
The very first step in building any skin care regimen is knowing your skin type.

– Dry: noticeably dry with a tendency towards visible fine lines, pores and patches of dry skin
with or without makeup

– Mature: the tendency to be dry usually has fine lines, deep lines and age spots or areas of dark
pigmentation

– Oily: shiny much of the day and often acne-prone

– Sensitive: reactive to products, environmental changes or even a rough touch, often in the
form of redness, bumps and acne

– Any combination of the above

Once you’ve determined your skin type (which can change at different stages of your life), you will want to focus on finding products formulated for your specific skin type, in the following categories:

Step 1: Cleansing
Cleansing is one of the most critical steps of your routine. By removing dirt, sweat, makeup and pollution from your face, you increase the absorption capacity (and thereby potency) of every other product you use and reduce breakouts.

Cleansing should be done once or twice per day.

Step 2: Exfoliating

Exfoliants gently exfoliate to remove surface build-up on the skin’s surface. Some exfoliants are made with jojoba beads, alpha hydroxy, or beta hydroxy to brighten the skin. Exfoliants remove surface layers from the skin increasing absorption capacity on a deeper level than a cleanser does.

Exfoliants should be used twice per week after cleansing.

Step 3: Serum
Serums hold moisture in the skin, while treating conditions like uneven skin tone, under-eye bags, acne or fine lines and wrinkles.  Serums may even help calm inflammation, like rosacea.

Apply the serum formulated for your skin care issue after cleansing or exfoliating but before moisturizer.

Step 4: Moisturizer
Every skin type needs to moisturize, not just dry or mature skin types. Dryness causes oily skin to start overproducing oil, which leads to even more breakouts. Mature and dry skin types should look for thicker creams, especially for night. Oily skin types should look for light, oil-free and gel-based moisturizers to provide the right amount of moisture without leaving a greasy feeling. You can go for a different morning and evening routine because your skin’s needs are different at the start of the day than at the end of it. For example, you can use a lighter moisturizer or one that includes SPF to go under makeup for the morning. In the evening, a heavier night cream helps replenish moisture and repair your skin while you sleep.

Step 5: Bonuses and Important Additions
In addition to the basics, you can add steps and products to your routine depending on your needs, such as:
 Makeup remover (to be used before cleansing)
 Oil cleanser (like makeup remover, it is an extra step to remove excess oil before cleansing)
 Toner (toner can act as a cleanser, a mild exfoliant, a pH balancer, or a moisturizer depending on the toner)
 Masks (there are a variety to provide added benefits and complement your everyday routine)

When applying any part of your skincare regimen, remember to apply from thinnest to thickest—you’ll start with a cleanser and end with a moisturizing cream.

Start building a skincare regimen that works for your skin type and needs by scheduling an appointment with your skin care therapist who will analyze your skin and provide you with the products and services you need to start experiencing great skin. When you have questions or are ready to start a skincare regimen formulated for your needs, contact us!