Skincare Basics-Glowing Skin is Possible and Obtainable

Skincare Basics-Glowing Skin is Possible

Beautiful, glowing skin. An even tone and texture. The kind where you don’t have to wear makeup–you can just put on some sunscreen and run out the door. That’s what everyone seeks. Let’s get into some of the skincare basics and learn how you can achieve glowing or glass skin. 

Being consistent with a skincare routine is key. When you aren’t reliable, neither will your results. Even when you are tired it is important to try and wash your face, even if you don’t treat and simply just remove the day’s dirt and grime. And throw away those makeup wipes unless they are just a prewash. Those don’t count as cleansing or washing your face.

A basic skincare routine doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to obtain results. Here are some of the fundamental steps of a great, simple skincare routine:

1. Cleanse

        •       Purpose: Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin.

        •       How to Choose: Select a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type (e.g., foaming cleansers for oily skin, cream cleansers for dry skin).

        •       How Often: Cleanse your face twice daily—morning and night. If your skin is very dry, a single nightly cleanse might be sufficient.

        •       Application: Use lukewarm water and gently massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Tone

        •       Toner helps to balance your skin’s pH, remove any remaining impurities, and prepare the skin for the next steps.

        •       How to Choose: Look for alcohol-free toners with soothing ingredients like rose water, chamomile, or aloe vera.

        •       How Often: Apply toner after cleansing, using a cotton pad or your hands.

        •       Application: Gently swipe the toner over your face and neck or pat it into your skin.

3. Treat

      •       Here is where you add various serums or special treatments such as retinols and vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for brightening skin and evening skin tone. Use this is the morning. In the evening, use your retinols.  I always tell patients to begin with a gentle retinol such as Differin to see how well your skin care tolerate. You start with a small pea size amount on dry skin and then smooth it over your face. Allow to dry before moisturizing. Salicylic acid is another great treatment for acne prone skin. 

      •       There are many different treatments on the market, we are happy to consult with you in our office if you have any questions on what treatments can help obtain the skin goals you have.

4. Moisturize

        •       Purpose: Moisturizer hydrates and protects the skin’s natural barrier.

        •       How to Choose: Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type (e.g., lightweight, oil-free for oily skin; richer creams for dry skin).

        •       How Often: Apply moisturizer morning and night.

        •       Application: Apply a small amount to your face and neck, gently massaging it in until absorbed.

5. Sunscreen

        •       Purpose: Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

        •       How to Choose: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

        •       How Often: Apply every morning, even on cloudy days or when indoors. Reapply as needed throughout the day if exposed to sunlight.

        •       Application: Apply generously to all exposed areas, including the face, neck, and hands.

6. Exfoliating (1-2 times a week)

        •       Purpose: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing brighter skin.

        •       How to Choose: Choose a gentle exfoliator with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Mechanical exfoliators with small granules can also be used but should be gentle on the skin. The fan favorite is the ZO Exfoliating Polish. It’s nothing like the drugstore exfoliator us 30 and 40 year olds grew up with. 

        •       How Often: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

        •       Application: Apply to clean, damp skin and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse off thoroughly.

7. Eye Cream 

        •       Purpose: Eye creams are formulated to address issues like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the delicate eye area.

        •       How to Choose: Look for eye creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, or peptides.

        •       How Often: Use morning and night.

        •       Application: Gently dab a small amount around the eyes using your ring finger with light pressure. 

Remember consistency is key when it comes to skincare. A regular routine is more effective than using products sporadically. If you have questions on what a great skincare regime may look like for you, call our office and we are happy to set up an appointment to go over what we would recommend. Let’s get you to that glowing skin.