Here's How to Start Your Skincare Routine Today
I get a ton of questions on how to start a skincare routine, so this blog post will be dedicated to teaching you the basics. The bare minimum you need to get your skin on the right track.
Are you in your mid-20s or older & ready to start taking their skincare routines seriously because you started to notice some more fine lines/wrinkles, dullness, or even hyperpigmentation? Well, these are the inevitable signs of aging, my friend. According to Deciem, "With time, the ways in the which the body function changes & processes begin to slow, which can lead to external manifestations of aging." Listen, aging is a natural part of our lives. I've accepted it & don't mind it at all. BUT, if I can do something to slow it down, why wouldn't I, right?
Let's start off with a gentle cleanser or a splash of lukewarm water to begin your morning routine. A gentle cleanser will help get rid of any bacteria or oils that have accumulated on your face overnight & can help to prevent maskne if you plan on leaving the house later on in the day.
Following cleanser (or water), I suggest applying a vitamin c to serve as your antioxidant, which protects your skin against environmental stressors (UV rays, pollution, smog, etc.) that damage your skin, assists in collagen production, & lightens hyperpigmentation. This can come in a variety of formulations, like moisturizer, serum, & even facial oil as well as derivates in case your skin can't handle 100% L-ascorbic acid. These include Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic acid sulfate, & tetraisopalmitoyl ascorbic acid.
Next, you want to apply a moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, this could either be a lightweight or heavy one. For example, in the winter while my skin is much more dry, I'll apply a heavy moisturizer, while in the summer, I'll apply a much lighter weight one. Right now, I've been applying a heavier one just because I love the dew!
The last, yet the most important step is applying your SPF. This works alongside your vitamin C to protect your skin against those environmental stressors I mentioned earlier. SPF & vitamin C have a synergistic relationship, so applying them in the same routine (even with vitamin E) gives the ultimate protection.
Now for your evening routine, let's double cleanse. Use your favorite cleansing oil or balm (my fave is oil) & massage this into your face to break down your makeup, SPF, & all the dirt/grime that's built up on your face throughout the day. Even during the winter when our skin lacks a lot of moisture, applying a cleansing oil or balm can actually be hydrating to your face.
Emulsify your balm or oil with some water, then apply your favorite water-based cleanser. I like to use one that focuses on a specific ingredient, like niacinamide or salicylic acid, as a treatment depending on how my skin is doing at that moment.
Following the cleansing step is your retinoid/retinol. This step is important because vitamin A is the gold-standard to treat aging/photodamaged skin by increasing cell turnover. For me, I use prescription-grade tretinoin because it works incredibly well for my skin & don't experience any redness or peeling whatsoever. If this form is too strong for you, you can also try retinol, adapalene, or bakuchiol as retinoid alternatives.
Finally, you want to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier & prevent any transepidermal water loss by sealing in all the products you placed on before with a moisturizer. I enjoy a heavier, ceramide-rich cream in the evenings as I feel it really locks everything in place. It usually lasts throughout the entire night & I wake up with supple skin.
Ok, that's all for my tips for starting your skincare routine today. If you want some product recommendations, sign up with your First Name & Email below to be a part of my newsletter & you'll get access to recommendations for both my morning & night time skincare routines! If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section below or DM me on Instagram.
