Taking care of your skin is more than just a beauty ritual; it's a form of self-care and a way to maintain the health of your largest organ. Establishing a daily skin care routine is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
It can be daunting to know which product to use when and in what order. Here is a simple step-by-step routine to follow daily...
Step 1: Cleansing
The first step in any skin care routine is cleansing. Cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, preparing it for the next steps in your routine. For most people, I recommend the double cleanse - cleansing your skin twice. The first cleanse removes surface oils and debris, while the second cleanse offers a deeper cleanse. The initial cleanse can be micellar water, a cream cleanser or a cleansing oil that emulsifies. The final cleanse can be a cleanser that is suited to your skin type, but nothing that will dry or strip skin of its precious natural oils (yep - even if you are oily).
Step 2: Toning
Toning is an optional but very beneficial step that helps balance your skin's pH levels and tightens pores. Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it over your face and neck or spritz directly onto face with eyes closed. Look for a toner that suits your skin type and concerns, such as hydrating toners for dry skin or clarifying toners for oily skin.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are concentrated formulas that target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, or hydration. After toning, while skin is still damp, apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck, focusing on areas that need extra attention. Gently massage the serum into your skin using upward strokes.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and nourished. Choose a moisturizer that matches your skin type—whether it's a lightweight lotion, a rich cream, or a gel formula. Apply moisturizer to your face and neck using gentle upward strokes.
Step 5: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Use a pea-sized amount of eye cream and gently pat it around your eye area, avoiding direct contact with your eyes. Look for eye creams that address your specific concerns, such as puffiness, dark circles, or hydration.
Step 6: Sun Protection (daytime)
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in your daily skin care routine, even on cloudy days. You should wear facial sunscreen every day of your life for the rest of your life. Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to your face and any other exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming.
Bonus Steps
To level up your skin care routine, adding in these steps can help to
- Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dying skin cells and reveal fresh, radiant skin.
- Use treatment masks targeted to your specific skin concerns.
By following these basic steps daily and customizing your routine with the right products, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing. Consistency is key.
Here's a daily routine cheat sheet to print out and keep in the bathroom until you get the steps down.
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