Skincare Regimen 101

A skincare regimen need not be complicated; however, it must be consistent in order to be effective.

A basic skincare routine should essentially consist of these 3 steps: Cleanse, Tone, and Moisturize. And because your skin comes into contact with numerous environmental pollutants, dirt, and makeup on an ongoing basis, it’s best to perform your skincare routine twice per day; once in the morning and once at night.

To help demystify what order to apply your beauty products, below is an example of what your morning and night routine should resemble. Remember, as a general rule, start applying products of thinnest consistency first and work your way up to those of thickest consistency.

Sequence does matter, since some products are meant to be absorbed into your pores to deliver nutrients while others work to seal in moisture. It’s important that you apply products such as serums and eye creams first, since they are concentrated formulas containing active ingredients that must penetrate your pores and be absorbed so they can perform their best. Once they are completely absorbed into your pores, finish off with products that are meant to sit on top of your skin, such as thick emollient creams.

Day

1. Cleanse
   Start your day with a mild cleanser, one that does not contain foaming agents (SLS). Foaming agents are harsh to your skin and may cause irritation and redness.
2. Tone
   Toners work by restoring your skin’s pH, balancing oils, and calming & soothing your skin. Opt for an alcohol-free formula to prevent your skin from becoming dry.
3. Serum/Eye Cream
   Serums and eye creams are concentrated formulas meant to deliver specific results. Certain products are meant to brighten your skin, while others are anti-aging, and so on. It’s necessary to apply these potent potions onto your skin before sealing things up with your daytime moisturizer.
4. Day Cream
   A good daytime face cream should be hydrating, and not too thick. You want something that will work well under makeup, while simultaneously holding in as much moisture as possible. A formula containing hyaluronic acid is a great choice! Hyaluronic acid contains moisture-binding properties and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! How’s that for HYDRATING!!
5. Protect
   Finally, before heading out the door, remember to wear sun protection. Opt for a mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) based sun block versus a chemical (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate) based sunscreen. Sun blocks reflect UV rays whereas sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays. Chemical based sunscreens are considered unsafe because they penetrate the skin easily and disrupt your endocrine system. Mineral based sun blocks are relatively safe and are not absorbed into your skin very easily.

Night

1. Cleanse
   First, you’ll want to remove any makeup using makeup remover or cleansing oil. Then, wash your face using your mild cleanser.
2. Tone
   Next, you’ll tone your skin.
3. Face Mask (once per week)
   A face mask treatment should be done once per week. Face masks are a great way to detoxify your skin by removing impurities and excess oils. They also refine and tighten your pores.
4. Serum/Eye Cream/Face Oil
   Your skin repairs and regenerates itself at night. That’s why targeted skincare treatments are best used at nighttime. Formulas containing active ingredients such as peptides, retinols, AHAs/BHAs should be used in the evening, before applying your regular night cream.
5. Night Cream
   Night creams usually have a thicker consistency. They contain emollients that create a protective barrier which prevents water from evaporating during sleep. Your skin’s moisture levels tend to decline at nighttime, so preventing moisture loss is key!