So you're drinking your recommended daily intake of water, which is what we all should be doing and yes it's extremely important and healthy for your body & skin. But that's only part of it when it comes to skin care. You also need to look for HYDRATING products. Serums, moisturizers, toners (without alcohol), and even cleansers can help you achieve this journey. Using a mask on a weekly basis can also aid in hydrating your skin.
Before you start with a daily routine, you need to clean your skin, wait an hour and analyze your skin. How does it feel? Tight, dry, itchy, normal, oily, soft or hard. Do you have any redness or sensitivity? All of these symptoms should be considered when you are searching for products. If you believe that the products that you are already using at home are not working well for you, then you might just have the wrong products. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics & Bioelements have complete Hydrating Skin Care lines. Of course there are other brands but I will only speak of a couple of brands that I've used professionally and personally.
Here's a little cheat sheet that can help you when choosing products:
1. CLEANSERS:
*Face Wash: Are detergent type of foaming cleansers that will give you a squeaky clean feeling or leave your skin feeling a little tight. Soap falls under this category as well. People who have oily or combination skin can use these but also be careful because it can lead to extra production of oil.
Examples: Bobbi Brown-Lathering Tube Soap, Bioelements-Flash Foam Cleanser
*Cleansing Lotion: Water-based cleansers for normal to combination skin types, for dry skin use a milky cleanser not to be confused with a cream. Some people like Cetaphil but Philosophy's Purity is better in my opinion.
*Creams: These type of cleansers are oil-based and are great for dry and mature skin. Other skin types can use this formula as well but will probably need to use a lighter formula after to remove residue.
Ex: Bioelements-Moisture Positive Cleanser
What I've listed are the basics but there are also Gels that are oil-based and water-based. Some also turn into a milky cleanser lotion, it just depends on the product and brand. Don't be afraid to try an oil-based cleanser, most are non-penetrating for the skin.
2. TONERS:
This product is used to restore the pH balance of the skin after cleansing. If you're looking to further hydrate, search for toners that do not have any alcohol content within the product.
Ex: Bobbi Brown-Hydrating , Philosophy-Hope Springs Eternal deep sea ultra-fine hydrating mist, Bioelements-Calmitude Hydrating Solution.
3. SERUMS:
I'm obsessed with serums, they are made up of vitamins, antioxidants, and lipids. Serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin. That's why they are applied before a moisturizer. I like to mix 2-3 different type of serums together or layer them onto the skin. Serums can be used in the day and evening. Bioelements has a wonderful line of different type of serums.
Eye Creams-find a light weight eye cream that can be used in the day and night. For more mature skin, you may want something a little heavier at night only. Remember: hydrating formula!
4. MOISTURIZERS:
Most of us use this on a daily basis but what is your current formula like. Is it a hydrating formula? Our skin changes, so what you used 3 years ago may not be the best for what your skin is going through right now or even last season. People with oily skin, yes you need to moisturize as well, if you don't your skin will overcompensate for the lack of hydration and your skin will produce more oil.
*You can find moisturizers that already have an SPF within the formula.
5. SUNSCREEN
Sunscreens should be used by EVERYONE, and companies have so many different types that aren't heavy, and are oil-free so there's no excuse. I will be writing another blog about this area alone because I am passionate about it. Try using an SPF 15.
Here's a quick recap:
DAILY:
1. Use a cleanser
2. Toner
3. Serum & Eye Cream
4. Moisturizer & Sunscreen
WEEKLY:
1. EXFOLIATE. I have a Clarisonic brush that is gentle to use on a daily basis but I also have a product exfoliator that I use once a week to give a deeper cleanse but it's gentle.
2. Give yourself a STEAM TREATMENT. Use hot water, pour into a bowl, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oils into the bowl and drape a towel over your head, close your eyes and inhale the vapors. Oils like: Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Myrtle, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint, Spruce, and Tea Tree are great choices.
3. Use a MASK! A lot of people skip this step at home and this process is so beneficial for your skin. I have two that I alternate and sometimes depending on my skin I may combine. I have a gel hydrating mask and I have a clay based mask. The other great benefit is that you can use serums under your mask. Masks provide benefits like: drawing impurities out of the pores, tighten & toning the skin, HYDRATE, calm, soothe & rejuvenate the skin.
MONTHLY:
See an Esthetician and/or Dermatologist. Unless you have skin diseases, disorders, and conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema and etc you should always see a Dermatologist. Dermatologist treat disorders and diseases. Those who have acne, rosacea and sensitive skin can benefit from different treatments from an Esthetician. Estheticians see so many different types of skin types that they have a true understanding of how skin types work.
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