Skin care can seem overwhelming. There’s a huge assortment and array of skin care products available and choosing the right one may seem daunting. To help you in your decision making there are a few questions you should ask yourself before choosing the product and routine that is right for you. What will work best for your skin? How many products do you need to work into your routine? What order should you use them in?
Don’t panic! There are three essential steps you want to focus on when choosing a basic skin care routine including cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Of course, you can add more to cater to your specific skin concerns. Whether you have dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin, you may need to experiment a bit to see which products and skin care regimen work best for you. Here are our tips to incorporating a basic skin care routine into your life to get healthy, radiant skin.
Cleanse
Cleansing is an essential step to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from your face and to prevent acne. Just don’t overdo it. A quick cleanse first thing in the morning and before bed is recommended. People with oily skin should look for water-based cleansers, while everyone else may benefit from an oil-based cleanser, especially those with dry skin. New cleansing balms are particularly effective, gentle, and good for removing makeup.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is removing the dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin using physical or chemical exfoliants. Incorporating this essential step into your skin care routine can help you achieve brighter, smoother skin. It is important to know that you don’t want to exfoliate every day as it can be drying or irritating for your skin. If you have oily or combination skin, you may want to exfoliate two or three times a week, but those with dry skin should only exfoliate about once a week. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip exfoliation all together, or just do it occasionally with a gentle exfoliant.
Repair
If your skin needs repair, we recommend using serums, which are concentrated products that can address and help address specific skin issues. For example, you may want to use a vitamin C or antioxidant serum if you are concerned with hyperpigmentation or signs of aging. There are numerous serums available for different issues (hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, etc.), so explore which works best for you. Helpful tip: Water-based serums should be applied before moisturizer; oil-based serums should be applied after.
Moisturize
Even people with oily skin should use moisturizer every day. Moisturizer protects the skin barrier from irritants and environmental damage and keeps your skin healthy and soft. Be sure to get a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. Typically, lighter lotions for oily skin and thicker creams for dry skin.
Protect
Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen! Go for an SPF of at least 30 and use it every day without fail. (Be sure to apply it on your neck and ears too.) Mineral-based sunscreens are best for those with sensitive skin to avoid irritation. Sun exposure can speed up the aging process and cause skin cancer, so this step is essential.
Come to the Shore!
If you love learning about skin care, maybe it’s time you considered turning your passion into a career. Shore Beauty School offers a Skin Care Specialty Program, which can prepare you for a variety of career options, where you can help people look and feel more beautiful. Book a Career Planning Session today, or contact us to learn more.