Figuring out your personal skincare regimen can get overwhelming.
Choosing products best suited to your own skin is half the battle. What may work wonders for a friend, won’t necessarily polish the same results on your behalf. While customer reviews are great, they’re to be taken with a grain of salt because everybody’s skin is unique and reacts to products differently.
The second part to overcome is maintenance. Practicing consistency is crucial to having the best, possible skin for you. It’s like grades, sure you can be proud of yourself for getting an A on one test, but if you’re not earning those same results on every other test and assignment your overall grade will be low and that perfect A you scored really doesn’t matter anymore. Products like toners and exfoliators work best over time. You can pat yourself on the back for using them once, but time doesn’t care, and time will wreak havoc on your beautiful mug if you’re not taking proper care of it.
Skincare regimens can become tedious and drawn out, but here we will keep is simple. These are five easy, quick steps that should be practiced consistently to achieve glowing skin.
Cleansing
In the A.M., wash your face with either warm water, or a light cleanser like Cetaphil. It is essential for your face to have some oil or else you will over dry it and oil production will increase. This feels weird at first if you’re an avid morning and night washer, but it works like a charm and even improves the texture of your skin.
Your P.M. cleansing routine should consist of washing with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser. Benzoyl peroxide is good for blackheads and smaller blemishes, whereas salicylic acid helps prevent and heal larger acne. If blemishes aren’t an issue for you, opt for a gentle cleanser. Apply a nickel-size amount to your face and gently massage in a circular motion. Make sure to get around the nose and jawline- both places that tend to get neglected. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. *Key word: pat.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation should be done once a day at most, and generally in the P.M. We love using a Clarisonic, but understand that this can break the bank. Exfoliation comes in many shapes and sizes so you may need to experiment and determine what works best for you. A face wash with a grainy texture like Clinique Exfoliating scrub is a cheap method and should be used every other day. Gently massage into skin in a circular motion, applying minimal pressure. The abrasive texture will do all the work for you. Exfoliation gloves are another option. Use these in the shower to slough off dead skin cells. And finally cleansing brushes. These use vibrations combined with a soft-bristled brush to deliver maximum exfoliation to your skin. Whatever method works for you, exfoliation will leave your skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
Toning
Toning is great to rid skin of leftover residue, but it can also be over-drying. If you find your skin reacting badly to toner, opt for an alcohol-free one. If your skin is still feeling red and flaky, toner may not be for you. Remember, everyone’s skin is different. After cleansing or exfoliating, apply a quarter-size amount of toner to a cotton ball and gently swipe over the face. Use toner once daily to keep skin from over-drying.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is the queen of all skin care methods. It keeps skin feeling feathery soft, looking baby smooth and staying radiantly youthful for days to come. Moisturizing is key. It is a non-negotiable. In the morning, after toning or cleansing, apply a thin layer of SPF packed moisturizer to the entire face and neck. We love Mario Badescu’s Oil Free SPF 30 moisturizer, as it is non-greasy, oil-free, and easily absorbs. At night, after toning apply a heavier cream to all areas of the face and neck. Mario Badescu’s Chamomile night cream is great because it is gentle and oil-free, while still delivering a heavier texture for nighttime repair and nourishment.
Face Mask
Oh the ever-debated facial mask phenomenon. Finding one that works for you is like striking gold. Trust us, we’ve been through them all. Our all-time favorite once again goes to Mario Badescu’s Strawberry Tonic facial mask. First off, the scent is so good you just want to taste it. Second, the texture is grainy and thick, and it feels cold to the touch. It is so refreshing and clears out pores like it’s nobody’s business. Apply a thick layer to a clean face, avoiding the eye area. Gently massage into problem areas and leave on until you can feel the mask begin to tighten. Rinse off with warm water, or a wet cloth and gently wipe off. Follow with moisturizer and prepare to be amazed. Note: these steps work for all face masks.
There you have it folks, skin care in a little less than a thousand words. Remember your skin is precious, delicate and needs to be taken care of. You can’t stop the clock, but you can slow it down by taking care of your healthy, beautiful skin.
(Feature Photo via Making Magique)
