Five Easy Skincare Routine To Follow
Setting up a skincare routine can seem like a complicated process. We have simplify the steps into five easy steps you can start using today!
Before starting a routine, it may help to understand what a skincare routine is and why it is important.
The skin is the largest organ and serves three functions, read more about this here.
What is skincare ?
Skincare is the practice of applying products and conducting steps to help protect the skin, enhance the health of the skin and maintain the integrity of the skin.
Why is skincare important?
Starting a skincare routine is equivalent to healthcare because the skin also needs protection and nutrients.
5 Easy Steps for Your daily skincare routine:
1. Clean with gentle cleanser
2. Apply toner
3. Apply serums/oils
4. Apply moisturizer
5. Apply sunscreen in the AM
Read more about these steps below.
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1) CLEANSING WITH A GENTLE CLEANSER
Cleansing means to wash. As we mention before our skin protects against harmful bacteria and chemicals, but it is also exposed to dust and dirt. By cleansing (washing) your skin, you are removing any dirty particles that could clogged your pores. Clogged pores lead to more breakouts and reactions. We do not want that! When it comes to cleansing, it is highly recommended by dermatologists to double cleanse. Double cleanse means to use an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
If we learn anything in science class, we know that water and oil do not mix well. So, if we have any oils that is clogging our pores, we will need an oil to take it off. Our wax-free, fragrance-free Wipe It Off Cleansing Balm , formulated with non-comedogenic oils ( not pore clogging oils), can be used as your oil cleanser in your cleansing routine.
Next use a water-based cleanser to remove dirt and other particles off your skin. Our soothing gel to foam cleanser is formulated to remove the excess dirt without stripping off your skin's natural oils. After washing face with the cleansers, rinse off with lukewarm or cold water. Do not use hot water or steam your face too often, this will weaken your skin protective layer.
2) APPLY TONER
Next step is to apply a toner. To tone your skin helps to restore your skin back to its neutral level (4-6). When our skin is too alkaline, the PH is high (8- 14) you may notice that your skin is very dry, irritated, inflamed, increase redness or notice more wrinkles. When our skin is too acidic (PH is 3 or below), the skin is more acne prone, more blemishes appear, oily, inflamed, increase redness or discoloration. There are lots of toners out in the market, make sure to check the ingredients list for any harsh alcohols (ethanol, isopropyl, alcohol denatured, methanol) or fragrances(parfum), you would want to avoid those ingredients in your toner! Our hydrating facial mist has PH of 5 and functions as a toner !
3) APPLY SERUMS AND/OR OILS
Third step is to apply serums and/or oils. Serums are great for many things. One of the benefits of using a serum is that it is packed with concentrated key ingredients that can help to penetrate deep into the dermis of the skin. Serums are also light weight and absorbs quickly. They are also high in antioxidants like B & C vitamins that can reverse signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Our hydrating morning serum and dark spot and blemish corrector serum includes gentle exfoliants that can remove the outer layer of dead skin in the epidermis and reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.
( This is really step 5 at night !) Next step is to apply oils. Oils are great to seal in products to minimize the risk of transepidermal water loss which occurs when water and moisture evaporates out out of the epidermis( outer layer of the skin). Not every oils are good for the face. When using oils, make sure they are non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) to reduce chances of more breakouts and irritation. A few examples of non-comedogenic oils are rosehip oil, squalene, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil and tea tree oil. It is important that if you have oily or acne prone skin to still add oils to help your skin stay moisturized.
**Please note that most moisturizers include oils !**
4) APPLY MOISTURIZER
Moisturizers are essential for all skin types. They help your skin to retain moisture and water, hydrates your skin, making the skin appear more firm and plump and soothe dry and sensitive skin. It is recommended to use a light moisturizer in the morning and a heavy "thicker" moisturizing cream in the evening. Moisturizers can also help to reduce the appearance of blemishes, like our facial moisturizing cream or boost hydration like our Pump and hydrating moisturizer
5) APPLY SUNSCREEN
It is important to wear sunscreen everyday when outside or sitting near a window where you can be expose to sunlight. UVA & UVB rays from the sun causes free radials in the skin which can further damage your skin's protective layer and cause more irritation. This can further lead to more breakouts. It is recommended to wear mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at minimum SPF 30. Reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours. Also wear protective clothing like long sleeves and hats along with sunglasses to minimize your skin to sun. Don't forget to apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day, you may still be exposed to UVA & UVB rays.
Learn more on how to help your skin this summer, click here.
Click here to learn more about how the skin functions !