While most people would love to have to the chance to do a 10-step skincare routine, complete with lotions, potions, and serums, most of us just don’t have the time. Between juggling our jobs, our families, and trying to get enough sleep, taking care of your skin can quickly fall to the wayside.
This feeling of being overwhelmed can be compounded when there are too many steps in our skincare routine, often leading to an “all-or-nothing” approach where we do the bare minimum– quickly scrubbing our faces in the shower with drugstore cleanser.
For the sake of your skin’s longevity and healthy glow, the bare minimum just won’t cut it. Simplify your routine with these 3 easy steps, and reap the benefits of youthful, radiant skin.
Step 1: Cleanse
Sweat, pollutants, and cosmetics make their way into your pores, causing dullness and breakouts. The first step of any skin routine is gentle, yet effective cleansing to wash away all the grime. Choose a cleanser that works for your skin type.
If you have dry skin, try to avoid sulfates. Sulfates are what make your cleansers “sudsy,” and they do so by lowering the surface tension of water. Unfortunately, it can also strip the moisture out of your skin and can damage the protective layer of oils that you naturally produce.
A good rule of thumb: if your skin feels tight or itchy after you wash it, think about switching cleansers. Tight skin means that your face wash has dehydrated your skin, which can lead to dry skin problems.
Step 2: Toners & Serums
Toners and serums are like cleanser cranked up to the next level. If you have acne-prone skin, it is an absolute necessity. It goes one step further in removing what cleansers leave behind. Serums and toners truly deep-clean the pores and give them a chance to breathe. They also help balance your skin’s pH levels.
When choosing a toner or serum, avoid anything with alcohol. Alcohol is extremely drying and can cause your skin to produce more oils in response. Instead, look for a serum or toner with alphahydroxy acids that cause a slight tingle when you apply it. This lets you know that dead skin cells have been exfoliated and your skin is reading to accept the next steps in your routine.
Step 3: Moisturize
The last step is infusing your skin with some extra moisture. In the mornings, opt for something with a high SPF. Not only are you helping your skin stay soft and supple, you’re also protecting it from harmful UV rays. Even in the dead of winter, wear SPF everyday. The sun’s rays still damage your skin when it’s gloomy out.
In the evening, choose a moisturizer that’s formulated specifically for your skin type. For oily skin, avoid anything with excess oils in the formula. The opposite is true for dry skin. Extra oils, like coconut or jojoba, can ease flaking and itching. Those with sensitive skin should stick to the same rules, but seek out something with soothing ingredients like aloe or green tea.
Not sure which products are a good fit for you? Stop in to Advanced Skin Therapeutics at our Edina location to discuss your skin care needs with our skin care consultants.
