The most important routine of the day...

Are you consistent with your skincare regimen? I know that I have never been very good about a routine but have been trying to lately after reading more about the importance of knowing our skin type and finding the products that match. With skin being our largest organ and the most exposed to the elements, it’s important to find a routine that works for you and is simple enough that you’ll stick with it. The American Academy of Dermatologyrecommends washing your face day and night and after sweating with a gentle cleanser that is free of alcohol. And experts recommend a four–step process: 1. cleanse, 2. prep, 3. treat, and 4. protect. What does each step involve? The following should help you determine what you need to think about in each step:

CLEANSE

According to the NY Times, “Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine, says the New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.”’ Cleansers range from cream to oil to foaming liquids - the type of skin we have dictates the type of cleanser we should use. 

PREP

The prep step usually involves a toner. Toners have made large strides in the past couple of years - gone are the days of super astringent full of alcohol toners. The goal of a good toner is to remove excess dirt, oil, and makeup and at the same time balance the pH of the skin. Toners can also help with the appearance of pores. 

TREAT

The third step is to treat our skin, usually with a serum. Serums are usually designed to penetrate deeply into the skin with a high dose of active ingredients. Serums can give skin a smooth firmer appearance, reduce pore size and increase the moisture in the skin. Because of the high concentration of products, a little goes a long way. So you only have to use a little bit to cover your whole face.

PROTECT

The final step allows you to keep your skin moisturized and protected. The goal is to find a moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated. You should massage a small amount of lotion, using upward strokes to our face, neck, and décolletage. The goal of a good moisturizer is to maintain a healthy balance. If you are going to be out in the sun, the protect step should also include a mineral-based sunscreen. 

So how do we figure out what is best for us? Most people’s skin can be described by one of the following categories: oily, dry, normal, or combination. Once we know the type of skin we have we can purchase the products that work best for us. If you are unsure what is best for you, you can take our quick Skin Care Quiz.

If you forget the order of the steps, one thing that is helpful is to apply in order of consistency of the product starting with the thinnest. And once we have a routine in place we can think about adding in the masks, oils, and other extra products. It usually takes a few weeks for the new routine to sink in – take a picture now and then again after a few weeks to see the difference. 

And like every other piece of healthy ideas – drink lots of water – your skin will thank you! 

All of our lines are 10% off with the purchase of a 4-step regimen. You can learn more here.