8 Steps To Create A Skin Care Routine For Beginners

It took me a while to figure out products that would work on my skin. No one really showed me how to take care of my facial skin other using any soap or creams laying around. As a teenager, I suffered from acne, tried many products and even went on Accutane and Retin A to help heal my cystic acne. As a 30 year old adult, I have been able to figure what products my skin likes and to stay away from fragrance and harsh chemicals as I have sensitive skin. I have learned so much from one of my favorite Estheticians in the skincare industry Nai also known as “LABeautyologist” on instagram famous for the 60 second cleansing rule. She shares products that help balance the skin and protect the skin barrier.

Know your skin type

The right skin care routine starts with knowing your skin type.  Skin care products that are one size fits all rarely work, and it’s because your skin needs tailored products and solutions based on your skin type.  Do you have dry, oily, combination, or  sensitive skin? Most products usually show the skin types to help you decide if it will work for you.

8 Products You Need To Create A Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Exfoliating Treatment
4. Mask
5. Serum
6. Moisturizer
7. Oils
8. Sunscreen

1) Cleanser – It is crucial to cleanse every morning and evening, but it is especially important to remove any makeup, oil, and dirt before going to bed. However, do not use makeup wipes as your cleanser. Removing your makeup is important for healthy skin, but a makeup wipe doesn’t remove everything and it can even cause breakouts and wrinkles. Instead of using a multi-purpose facial cleanser like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash.

2) Toner – After cleansing and removing unwanted elements or makeup on your face, toners provide a healthy layer to better absorb the rest of your skincare products. I have been loving Laneige Cream Skin toner as it its gentle and moisturizes the skin after cleansing.

3) Exfoliate – Exfoliating helps speed up skin renewal process by removing tired, dead cells allowing new healthy cells to take their place. Paula’s Choice BHA & AHA and Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant are gentle exfoliants that help with dull skin and texture.

4) Serum – A serum is known for its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Adding to the skin care routine the ability to deliver powerful ingredients directly to the skin. This makes serum a great tool for treating specific skin concerns. Try Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum and C15 Super Vitamin C Booster for excellent results.

5) Moisturizer – The main purpose of moisturizer is to hydrate the skin and leave your skin feeling soft to the touch. For oily skin, lightweight and oil-free is often the way to go. For dry skin, choose a moisturizer that will work extra hard to retain that moisture. Regardless of your skin type and goals, be sure to add a moisturizer to your routine. Caudalie Vinoperfect Moisturizer is a great choice.

6) Oils – Adding oil into your skin care routine is a simple way to repair your skin from the winter stresses while allowing it to retain moisture. Oil also brightens and strengthens the skin while fighting off acne-causing bacteria. And yes, you can use oil in your skin care routine even if your skin is usually always oily. Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil and The Ordinary plant derived squalane are excellent oil choices

7) Sunscreen – Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful rays. It helps prevent Fine lines and wrinkles. It helps prevent skin discoloration. Skin cancer is rising and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer. Tula Protect + Glow SPF 30 doesn’t leave a white cast for my brown skin babes. Paula’s Choice Youth Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is also an excellent choice of sunscreen

8) Mask – Face mask can help you relax and give a spa like experience in the comfort of you home. A face mask will draw out impurities from beneath the top layers of the skin. A favorite of mine is Paula’s choice Radiance Renewal mask.

The absolute ‘musts’ for your skin are to cleanse and tone twice daily, apply a broad spectrum SPF in the morning and a moisturizer in the evening, and you should try and target your number one skin care concern. This could be acne, hyperpigmentation, irritation or any other skin issue.

LaBeauteologist recommends you layer products in this order:

Cleanse

Tone

Exfoilate

Tone

Mask

Tone

Serum

Tone

Moisturise

SPF during the day

Do you currently follow a skin care routine? What are your favorite products?

With Love Always,

Ife