Building A Routine for the Skin of Your Dreams
Having a daily skincare routine seems like it should be simple, but when you actually get down to it, it can get kind of overwhelming: Does serum go on before or after moisturizer? And should you exfoliate every day? Don’t worry - everyone new to skincare routines has been there. While you probably know that cleanser goes before moisturizer, all other steps are probably a mystery. It’s important to learn the right order for putting on products. Using them out of order can change the effects of your products, and doing it correctly can help you reap the benefits.
Stick to the Basics in the Morning
You don’t have to commit to an extensive routine when you wake up to keep your skin up to par. All you need are the basics: cleanser, moisturizer and SPF.
- Cleanse: Use a lukewarm water and your hands to apply a very gentle cleanser in the morning, regardless of skin type, since you cleansed the night before.
- Tone (optional): Toner preps your skin for the rest of your skincare products by opening your pores. Some toners are made with alcohol, which is drying, so buy one without it. Apply toner immediately after cleansing when skin is damp to lock in moisture.
- Serum (optional): Serums are lightweight, almost watery products that absorb quickly to offer potent targeted benefits. Because serums are so powerful, you want to apply them directly after toner so that the ingredients will work.
- Moisturize: Pat on a moisturizer after washing your face to replenish moisture back into your skin. Depending on your skin type, you’ll find that your moisturizer
- SPF: This is a non-negotiable part of your morning routine. Using sunscreen is essential for shielding your skin from UV rays, which can lead to premature aging. Choose an SPF of at least 30, and make sure your sunscreen is broad-spectrum.
It’s Nighttime. What Routine Do I Follow?
Now that you’ve been out all day and have been exposed to pollution, germs and the like, what steps should you follow? Lucky for you, you can use more intense products at night to target problem areas.
- Taking makeup off: Don’t be tempted to leave it on. The mix of makeup, dirt, oil, and pollution that have settled onto your skin can clog pores. Try using a micellar water, cleansing oil or cleansing balm first to take everything off instead of makeup wipes - not only are wipes harsh on your skin, they're also harsh on the environment. Wash off your cleansing oil off with lukewarm water and your nighttime cleanser.
- Cleanse again: A second cleanse with a gentle cleanser will take everything else off, leaving your complexion ready for the rest of the products in your skincare routine to get to work.
- Target problem areas: Now is the time to use a targeted treatment. Products with active ingredients that are meant to improve skin quality or a specific skin condition should be applied directly to the skin. Applying an anti-aging treatment like a retinol, or an antioxidant like Vitamin C is most efficient after cleansing.
- Apply eye cream: Eye cream will protect and nourish the delicate skin around your eyes, as well as prevent fine lines from creeping in. The best formula for you depends on your skin type.
- Moisturize: Not only can cleansing be drying, but so can other treatments. You can use your normal moisturizer at night, but if your skin is parched, it might be worth investing in a richer cream for your drier skin seasons.
So What Now?
Now you have your morning and nighttime skincare routines down, but there are a few additional steps you could take any time of day to amp your skincare game up even more.
- Exfoliating: The top layer of your skin serves as a barrier, and removing dead skin cells from it by exfoliation will boost your glow. You want to help those dead skin cells slough off easier so that light reflects and gives you that natural glow, but if you do it too frequently, you break down your skin barrier and are left with inflammation.
- Masks: If you have sensitive skin, try masking twice a week. Other skin types may be able to handle masking three or four times a week. Post-exfoliation is a great opportunity to follow up with a mask, as your pores are more open.
- Sheet Masks: Sheet masks deliver a lot of hydration and drive whatever serum it’s packed with into your skin. Sheet masks are much gentler than wash-off masks, so they’re great for sensitive skin.
Getting Professional Treatment
Beyond what you do at home, there are professional treatments you can add to your monthly skincare routine if you have the time and money. From facials to chemical peels, laser resurfacing and more, Sculpt CosMedics will have your skin looking flawless in no time. If you’re stuck in quarantine and are looking to come out with a healthy complexion, book a one-on-one appointment today. We are open and staying safe to ensure you have the luxurious treatment you deserve.