The Importance of a Multistep Skincare Routine
If you’re anything like me, your ideal morning skincare routine consists of splashing your face with water before you run out the door. Unfortunately, convenient as it may be, that isn’t necessarily what’s best for your skin. Some people might have the opposite approach, layering on so many creams and serums without knowing why they’re doing it or what the purpose of each product is. While this may feel like they are taking excellent care of their skin, this method isn’t necessarily the most effective either. It goes without saying, but proper daily skincare is essential to the fight against aging. So do as I say, and not as I do!
A healthy, effective skincare routine will cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin. Each product should have a purpose.
- Cleanser
Cleansing should never be skipped, and splashing your face with water doesn’t count! Double-cleansing can be helpful to those with oily or acne prone skin. The first step uses an oil-based cleanser to break down the buildup of oil, dirt, and makeup. The second step uses a gentle cleanser to get deeper into the pores.
2. Toner
Toner removes any remaining traces of dirt, oil, and impurities left behind after cleansing. It also preps your skin for serums, and helps to tighten your pores and even out your skin texture. Lastly, it penetrates your skin to deliver a quick bit of hydration, preparing your skin for the next product.
3. Serum
Serums are an essential anti-aging step of any skincare routine. Find a highly-rated serum that addresses your specific skincare concerns such as dryness, texture, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, or acne. I would recommend a serum that contains vitamin C (for brightening and repair) and hyaluronic acid (to tackle those fine lines).
4. Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face and will show signs of aging much sooner. Additionally, the skin around your eyes gets a much greater workout from squinting, smiling, widening them in surprise, etc. As we age, this repetitive movement as well as dryness, loss of elasticity, and loss of collagen cause small wrinkles to form around our eyes. The skin around your eyes needs extra attention and hydration that may not be provided by your moisturizer. Adding an eye cream to your daily skincare routine can help minimize the appearance and formation of these fine lines and wrinkles. Look for an eye cream that contains hyaluronic acid (moisturizing), caffeine (reduces puffiness), and retinol (anti-aging).
5. Moisturizer
Hydration is an absolute must, for obvious reasons! It is essential for protection against pretty much everything from wrinkles to breakouts. It’s a necessary step to prevent irritation and maintain healthy skin cells. Dry and irritated skin is more prone to acne breakouts. Maintaining moisturized skin is necessary to sustain a healthy, balanced complexion. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type, whether it be dry, oily, or combination. I would also recommend using a lighter moisturizer during the day (especially if you are going to apply makeup), and a richer one at night.
6. Sunscreen
Always use sunscreen! I can’t stress this enough! As much as we love our sunshine here in SoCal, it’s so damaging to our skin! Not only can it cause skin cancer, it can also cause fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and it is very dehydrating. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Use a sunscreen on your face that is non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores. I also recommend using a tinted sunscreen which will help balance out your skin tone.
Be intentional with your skincare! Choose products that are proven to work, and know their ingredients and purpose. Invest time into your skincare routine! It will pay off! A good skincare routine will ward off premature signs of aging, as well as breakouts, uneven skin texture, and hyperpigmentation. A good skincare routine is also one that you will actually do! If you are unlikely to continue with these six steps, cut it down to the essentials: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen.
It’s also important to seek out treatments that address your skincare concerns. At Beautiful Body and Beyond, we offer several treatments to help tackle acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and more! Schedule a free consultation with me and find out how our team of experts can help you reach your skin goals!
