Society collectively decided that it’s time to prioritize skincare – and for a good reason! Whether outside or inside, our skin is constantly exposed to the elements, making it especially vulnerable during more extreme weather. And, of course, as we age and the dermis begins to thin. It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin, so we’ve compiled a quick and easy guide to building your beginner skincare routine and getting on the right track toward beautiful, glowing skin.
Cleanser
A cleanser should ideally be used morning and night, but if you’re someone who struggles with dry skin, just plain water in the morning should give you the moisture boost you need to start the day. However, nighttime skin cleansing should never be skipped. Your skin is most likely covered in not only sweat and sebum but outdoor pollutants as well, and the last thing you want is to bring that to your pillowcase.
Try out a gentle, hydrating cleanser if you’re implementing this into your routine. We carry a wide range of cleansers to suit any skin type. Some of our favorites include: ZO Gentle Cleanser, SkinMedica Facial Cleanser, Revision Brightening Facial Wash, SkinCeuticals Glycolic Cleanser, Neocutis Exfoliating Cleanser.
Moisturizer
When choosing your moisturizer, you get the opportunity to look for ingredients that target skin ailments specific to your skin type. For the most part, a fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer is excellent for all skin types. Still, you could look for ingredients such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid to add hydration and protection to your skin barrier or look for Vitamin C if you suffer from uneven skin tone or dull skin.
Moisturizing is a must for many clients and here are some of our favorites: SkinMedica HA5, Revision C+ Correcting Complex, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore, Neocutis Bio Cream.
Sunscreen
If you decide to scrap all steps except for one, sunscreen should be the one you hold on to. Sunscreen not only helps you fight the signs of aging, it protects your skin against skin cancer. Sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine to seal it all together.
It’s recommended that you wear a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 or higher, and if you were wondering, yes, even when it’s cloudy outside.
You can take your pick from a mineral or a chemical sunscreen, both fantastic options that happen to work in slightly different ways. A mineral sunscreen uses ingredients such as Zinc Oxide to create a shield from the sun’s rays, while a chemical absorbs UV rays with ingredients like octocrylene.
Bonus Steps
Exfoliant
Exfoliants are a great step to add if you want to ensure you’re getting rid of excess build-up on your skin’s surface. A chemical exfoliant such as AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) for hyperpigmentation or fine lines, or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to decrease inflammation or unclog your pores.
Serum
Serums are just a lightweight, higher concentration of beneficial active ingredients used to target specific skin concerns that maybe you wouldn’t get with your regular moisturizer, for example. Serums are applied before your moisturizer and allowed to dry before going to the next step.
Makeup Remover
If you’re a makeup wearer, you may be acquainted with makeup wipes, but we’re here to tell you it’s time to give them up. Makeup wipes are filled with chemicals that do more harm than good and don’t thoroughly clean your skin in the first place. Opt for micellar water or cleansing oil before your regular cleanser at night to slough off any makeup residue and ensure you’re getting squeaky clean before hitting the hay!