If you have great looking skin, you have probably been told it’s thanks to your great genes. But great skin does not come from your DNA alone, it also comes from your daily skincare routine and habits.
Deciding on the right skincare routine for your unique skin and busy lifestyle can be difficult, and may take some trial and error as well. Consulting with estheticians and dermatologists, along with reading product reviews and online guides can make setting up your own routine even more difficult.
You’ll be faced with so many different opinions, some of which seem contradictory, and others which simply won’t work for your unique needs. Caring for your skin is a very personal process, and each individual will need to find the best course of action for them.
The Big Three
When starting with any skin care routine, there are three key areas you will be focusing on. These include:
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Moisturizing
This should be the starting foundation for your advanced skincare routine, and should be given the most thought since it will be the platform that all other skincare is layered upon, or should be the bare minimum if you prefer to keep your skin more natural and free from other products.
When you are just starting out, you aren’t looking for perfection in anything you do. It will take time and daily practice to find the best products and set a routine that works for you. Each of these three steps will give you the best results when used on a regular and ongoing basis.
In order to get started with the big three, you can consider our Dark Spots & Uneven Tone Set which includes a cleanser, toning serum, and moisturizer all in one. It’s a great way to not only reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots, but can also help improve your skin’s moisture and provide a healthy radiance.
Most dermatologists suggest sticking with a product or set routine for six weeks before you decide if it works for you or not. This will give your skin time to adjust to the new products, and will give you time to notice both subtle and drastic differences in your complexion.
Also keep in mind that the best skincare routine order should be in layering your products from the lightest to the heaviest on your skin. This allows moisturizers and serums time to soak in, while heavier foundations or lotions are able to provide external protection to your skin. For a more detailed look at layering, visit Skincare Layering 101.
Cleansing
While this might seem to be the most basic of daily practices, washing your face can go a long way in removing surface contaminants, dirt, and environmental pollutants. Most dermatologists will recommend cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. You should do this in the morning, and at night before bed to help reduce the chance of clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Finding the right cleanser will depend on your skin type. Some cleansers do better for people with oily skin such as the ORMEDIC® balancing facial cleanser, while other cleansers are better suited for dry skin like CLEAR CELL salicylic gel cleanser. Regardless of your unique skin type, a cleanser will remove surface dirt and other contaminants without stripping your skin of its essential and natural oils.
When searching for the right cleanser, you may notice some brands boast they are non-comedogenic. This term may be rather unfamiliar to some, especially if they are new to selecting cleansers.
For a quick explanation, non-comedogenic cleansers are non-occluding liquids that won’t block pores or cause acne to flare up. This also helps prevent irritation in the hair follicle which can lead to white heads, black heads, or ingrown hairs.
Some of the most popular comedogenic ingredients in cleansers are cocoa butter and coconut oil. However, the term comedogenic is not a claim that is regulated by the FDA so many companies can include it on a whim if they so choose.
Toning
Toners have been around since the early days of commercial skincare products, and were extremely popular throughout the 1980’s in the form of alcohol-based products. The biggest downside to these toners was their habit of seriously drying out your skin, which could even be too harsh for oily skin in some cases.
Today’s toning formulas have made leaps and bounds when it comes to the quality of ingredients and the thickness of the liquids. Most modern toners are similar to topical supplements for your skin which help deliver nutrients and hydration where it’s needed most such as our AGELESS total anti-aging serum.
Most dermatologists agree that toning liquids can be optional in your skincare routine. However, adding them in can help your other skincare products absorb into your skin, while also delivering targeted nutrients your skin can benefit from.
Common toners today may include some of the following ingredients:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Rose Water
- Green Tea extracts
- And more!
When applying toner, the most efficient way to get it on your skin is by using your fingertips. Using a cotton pad or other traditional application method is possible, but you will end up losing a fair amount of product on the applicator pad. Instead, use your fingers to apply the product to your face and smooth it in thoroughly.
Moisturizing
In their most basic use, moisturizers are made to add extra hydration to the skin while also helping to soften it and prevent water loss from the upper layers of your skin. While you can find a moisturizer that is made for specific skin types, a majority of moisturizers such as the VITAL C hydrating water burst will work for most skin types.
As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases over time. This can be made worse by excessive face washing and stripping the oils and natural hydrators from the surface of your skin. Some of the best moisturizers are day and night creams suitable for use in the AM or PM. This provides plenty of hydration to your skin through the inclusion of various antioxidants and retinols.
Selecting the right moisturizer can be a relatively simple process, but will depend on your skin’s needs. Facial moisturizers and eye creams can have different beneficial properties, with eye creams having less fragrances.
You can also select kits that include multiple products such as our Environmental Stress Set. Here you’ll find a combination of our ORMEDIC balancing facial cleanser, the ILUMA intense brightening serum, a moisturizer with SPF 50 from PREVENTION+, and the MAX crème for overnight soothing of tired skin.
Added retinoids can help improve skin elasticity, while brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid can help improve dark spots under your eyes while also improving the overall complexion of your face.
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