Did you know that around 80% of Americans wash their face incorrectly? A healthy skin care routine can transform your complexion from the inside out, but it’s important to know the correct steps to follow.
Yet, it’s easy to see how this process can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of different products to try and regimens to consider. Which ones are the best and how should you apply them?
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of skincare, sharing our tips on how to build a routine that you’ll love.
1. Start With a Great Cleanser
A gentle, effective cleanser can form the foundation of your entire skin care routine. As you research your options, keep in mind that a product that works for your best friend may not be ideal for you. Consider your skin type and the issues you want to address, and use that information to guide your decision.
From dry skin to acne, you can find cleansers specially formulated to treat a variety of skin concerns. A clean formula like the Eminence Organics Stone Crop Gel Wash is a great choice that works well on a range of skin types.
Once you’ve found your favorite, rub a small amount of the cleanser between clean palms both morning and night. Gently massage the cleanser into your face, and rinse with lukewarm water.
If you wear makeup, then carefully remove it before cleansing at night. Micellar water will take off grime without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
2. Apply Toner
Think of toner as a refreshment for your skin. The right one will rejuvenate your complexion, improve your skin tone, and leave you glowing without drying you out.
If you find that most toners are too harsh, it helps to know which products to avoid. If you have an acne-prone or sensitive complexion, then steer clear of toners that contain alcohol, which can aggravate breakouts. Other ingredients, including alpha-hydroxy acids designed to exfoliate, can irritate your skin with overuse.
For best results, stick with vitamin-rich toners that will infuse your skin with the moisture it craves. If it’s extra hydration that you’re after, aloe and hyaluronic acid are both excellent additions.
To apply toner, simply add a few drops to a clean cotton pad, and swipe gently across your face. If you’re using an exfoliating toner, it’s best to use it only at night. If you do use it during the day, then always follow up with SPF.
3. Try a Serum
Wondering how to build a skin care routine? At the very basic level, you only need three basic steps: a great cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. However, in recent years, serums have skyrocketed in popularity.
Meant to be used after your toner but before your moisturizer, serums are highly concentrated solutions filled with all kinds of nourishing ingredients that your skin craves.
In the morning, look for a Vitamin C serum that will protect your skin against all of the free radicals it’s about to encounter. The Citrus & Kale Potent Vitamin C+E Serum from Eminence is a fast-absorbing option that helps firm your complexion, reduce inflammation, and ward off signs of aging.
In the evening, replenish your skin with a hydrating serum that can sink in as you sleep overnight. The Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum uses strawberry extract and hyaluronic acid to help your skin hold in water, so you’ll wake looking refreshed.
4. Add an Eye Cream
If you want to target puffiness, dark circles, or bags under your eyes, then you may want to consider adding a specialized eye cream to your skincare routine.
Start at the inner or outer corner of your under-eye area, on top of your bony eye socket. Carefully work your way across that area, tapping a small amount of the cream into your skin as you go. Then, move to the upper portion of eye, and follow the same pattern along your orbital bone (under your eyebrow).
If you skip this step, then you can gently pat your normal moisturizer under your eye, though the effects may not be as immediately noticeable.
5. Use a Spot Treatment
Do you have a particular skincare woe that you want to address? For instance, you might be dealing with a hormonal breakout along your chin, or excessive dryness around your nose.
If you’re going to use a targeted spot treatment to address these concerns, then apply them next. For instance, you may use a product that contains acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid treatment to fight stubborn pimples.
While these products can offer powerful relief, be wary about applying them too heavily. Treat your skin gently to see the most visible results.
6. Apply Moisturizer
Once your serums and treatments have had time to absorb, it’s time to add a moisturizer on top! Again, your specific skin type will determine the one that you choose. If your skin is overly dry, then look for a thicker, more indulgent moisturizer that contains ultra-hydrating ingredients like squalene.
If you’re on the oily side, this doesn’t give you the green light to skip moisturizer altogether.
Instead, look for a lightweight, oil-free alternative that will still nourish your skin without drenching it. The best skin care products in this category will be ones that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores) and made with gentle ingredients like glycolic acid, niacinamide, and dimethicone.
7. Apply SPF (in the Morning)
If your daytime moisturizer contains an SPF of at least 30, then you can skip this step. Otherwise, you’ll need to layer a separate facial sunscreen on top. Of course, this is only required in the morning!
While it may be your last step, sunscreen is a critical part of any skincare routine. Sun exposure can not only lead to a range of health concerns, but it can also age your skin more quickly.
Apply your SPF at least 20 minutes before you go outside to allow it to sink in. For best results, look for a broad-spectrum one that will protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Build a Healthy Skin Care Routine You Love
Skin care is meant to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing parts of your day. When you know you’re using effective products, you’ll look forward to those moments spent in front of the mirror every morning and evening.
As you build your own healthy skin care routine, look for products that are designed with your skin type in mind. While it might take a few tries to find the right ones, you’ll soon be on your way to the glowing, youthful complexion you deseve.
Looking for healthy skin in Tempe AZ? If so, we’ve got you covered.
At the Desert Wellness Center, we’re proud to provide a range of naturopathic and integrative services that can help you feel and look your best. This includes medical aesthetics that naturally rejuvenate and revive your skin. Contact us today to learn more.