Every month when opening a magazine, or even every day opening emails from stores you’ve recently shopped at, you may be bombarded with new skincare products and recommendations. If you’re a skincare beginner you may be wondering what it all means. What’s the difference between an essence and a serum? Do I need a toner in my daily routine? Do I need a 10-step skincare routine to have great skin? Don’t feel overwhelmed- we’ve paired down all of the skin care products into 3 essential steps that can fit into any budget. The best part is that the process is quick and easy, meaning you can quickly get on with your day.
- A Daily Cleanser.
Nearly any dermatologist and skin care professional will tell you that daily cleansing is essential for clear and healthy skin. It is typically recommended to wash your skin twice a day- once in the morning and once in the evening. Cleansing in the evening is fairly straightforward- you want to remove the buildup or natural oils on your skin, makeup you may have put on earlier in the day, and any dead skin cells. Morning cleansing is at times contested, with many questioning why you need to cleanse your skin in the morning if you had cleansed your face prior to going to bed. Morning cleansing removes any debris or dead skin cells that may have accumulated during the night after resting your face on the pillow. When picking a cleanser for your skin, be sure to choose a gentle formula that can be used daily. Oil or cream based cleansers tend to be the most hydrating.
2. A Moisturizer. While all products in your skincare routine are equally important, a daily moisturizer is especially necessary in protecting your skin.When you are cleansing your skin, you are removing the buildup of oil and debris, which is great to purify skin. Daily cleansing does, however, remove a natural barrier and moisture from the skin. A moisturizer is necessary after cleansing to provide skin the moisture it needs to remain healthy, vibrant and youthful. Moisturizers also can help to keep underlying skin conditions at bay. If you experience redness, or other skin outbreaks, applying a daily moisturizer can help create a barrier to protect the skin from outside elements while also nurturing skin to prevent any flare ups. Moisturizer can be a little more tricky to pick out in a store because your skin might react better to certain formulas. Those with dry skin should consider oil-based moisturizer. If you tend to have skin that tends to be more oily, look for moisturizers that are water-based and contain ingredients like glycolic acid, which will help absorb some of the excess oil. Some moisturizers are also specially formulated for those with acne-prone skin. There’s truly something for everyone at every price point.
3. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a step in daily skin care that is often overlooked, yet is one of the most important. Whether or not the sun is blazing, UV rays are prevalent. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can be damaging and even dangerous to the skin, leading to premature lines and wrinkles, sun spots, and even more dangerous illnesses. A simple step to preserve the health of your skin would be to add in a daily sunscreen. There are not many formulations that are made specifically for the face; they should be lightweight and easily blendable with foundation or other face makeup. Sunscreen helps preserve the youthful appearance of skin.
Bonus Step: Weekly Mask.
We included a bonus step that does not necessarily need to fit into your daily routine, but would be a great addition to your skincare routine on a weekly basis. A once-a-week face mask. There are several different types of masks and they serve different purposes for your skin. Some different types of masks are clay, exfoliating, gel, cream, and sheet masks. These all have a different purpose for skin. They can help with the addition of moisture, acne-prevention, absorption of oil, as well as diminish the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines, and . Whatever help your skin may need, there is a mask that can answer your prayers. Most masks take 10-15 minutes to set on skin and require a rinse with water. However, some masks, like sheet and overnight masks, do not require any rinsing and instead are meant to be completely absorbed into skin. What a better way to treat yourself after a long work week than settling back with a face mask and a great movie?
There’s no need to worry if you feel overwhelmed by the world of skincare. While some of the extras, like serums and toners, can be great additions to your routines when used properly, the top three necessities are a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen. You don’t need expensive items or a long list of products to have healthy and clear skin. Focus instead on consistency and solid ingredients that work well for your skin type. If you need additional assistance to find the right products for your skin, or just want a little extra love for your skin, book a service at your local Tricoci Clinic today!