Do you ever wonder what steps you're missing in your skincare routine? Wondering where to start when it comes to even creating one? What you do at home is the most vital thing in order to see results from any treatments you get at a spa. Here, we will talk about the basic steps of skincare routines and how they work, including some products I recommend and sell.
First, lets make a list in order of each step, then we can break them each down to understand.
Pre-cleanser ( Oil based cleanser, only at night)
Cleanser
Toner
Exfoliate ( 2-3 times a week)
Mask ( Optional, 2-3 times a week)
Serums
Moisturizer
Eye and Lip Products
Sunscreen
The very first step in your skincare is cleansing. At night, it is important to double cleanse with a cleansing oil in order to break down all makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and anything else off efficiently. A lot of people don't know how effective a pre-cleanse can be when added to your routine. Water based cleansers can't usually dissolve all of those elements alone, which is why adding an oil based cleanser is a healthy additional first step. Cleansing your skin is important to get your skin ready for the next steps of your routine. Here are some cleansers I use and recommend for my clients -
Toner is the second step in your skincare routine. A lot of people don't include this step because they don't know what a toner does for their skin. Toners are great for returning the skin to its natural pH, restoring hydration, and help products absorb into your skin better. Depending on the type toner, you could use it after every step in your skin care routine. I love to use toners multiple times when I am doing facials on clients. Toning your skin can be really soothing and refreshing which is why I recommend adding it in to your routine. Here are some toners I use and recommend for my clients -
After you cleanse and tone your skin, it's time to exfoliate. You only need to exfoliate two to three times a week, otherwise you will be over exfoliating and stripping your skin barrier. Exfoliating helps increase your cell turnover by stimulating blood flow and circulation. Exfoliating is going to be the deeper cleanse during your routine. Overall, adding this step to your routine is going to improve your texture, penetration of your skincare, and even makeup application. It is important to note that if you are using a retinol, to pace yourself and listen to your skin when incorporating exfoliation. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to this step, so make sure to start exfoliating little by little. Here are some exfoliants I use and recommend for my clients -
Once exfoliation is done, you can choose to do a mask. Masks are extremely beneficial to treating several skin concerns at once. Although it is an optional choice to add to your routine, it is highly recommended. While masks are hydrating, clarifying, toning, and healing your skin, they can also be great for an added time of meditation through your week. Controlling stress is very important to maintaining healthy skin. Here are some masks I use and recommend for my clients -
The next step in your routine will be serums. Serums have concentrated performance ingredients in them, which are made to to penetrate the skin and address different skin concerns. The application process can vary, as you can apply them under masks and moisturizer or on their own. This is an important step to include, as serums can help restore, repair, heal, and prevent. Here are some serums I use and recommend for my clients-
Nearing the end of your routine, it's now time to use a moisturizer. This is a key step, as moisturizing is important to maintain healthy skin. Even oily skin needs to be moisturized, as moisturizing actually helps to prevent the overproduction of oil. Premature aging is fought off by moisturizing, it protects your skin from other elements, and keeps your water content maintained. Here are some moisturizers I use and recommend for my clients -
Eye and lip products will be your second to last step in your routine. As your skin starts to age, one of the first places to show signs of aging will be the skin around your eyes, as it is the thinnest skin on your entire body. Your lips will also show signs of aging around the vermillion border, because there is very delicate tissue in this area. Using eye and lip products will help hydrate, prevent and treat these problems. Here are some products I use and recommend for my clients -
Lastly, and MOST importantly, sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen is important to wear all year long, even outside of the summer season. UV rays are proven to be a human carcinogen, so it's important to protect your skin. Not only are UV rays dangerous, they also cause premature aging and can damage your skin. Sunscreen will help protect and prevent damage to your skin by taking the hit from the sun before your skin does. This last step will ensure that all the previous steps in your routine have a chance to work, otherwise your skin will continue to be damaged and affected. Here are some sunscreens I use and recommend for my clients -
Putting together a skincare routine can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it's always okay to start small and work your way up. Sometimes all you can afford to do is cleanse your skin and wear sunscreen, and that's totally acceptable. The products recommended in this article range from beginner friendly to more medical grade products. Now that you have a better understanding of what each step in your routine does, you can now customize, choose your products, and include what steps feel most important to you. Remember, getting facial services done are extremely beneficial, but having a proper homecare routine is what will really get you to seeing the results you want. Remember to stay consistent!