By no means am I an expert, but I believe I have carefully crafted and perfected my skincare routine after watching multiple dermatologist videos and skincare expert videos and would love to share my knowledge.
Do: Fragrance-Free Products
If there's one big thing I learned, it's that fragrance is a big no-no for leave-on products such as toners, moisturizers, serums, oils, etc. It's okay for cleansers since they get washed off but still not ideal. Particularly anything with rose, citrus, or any essential oils... AVOID!
Do Not: Makeup Wipes
Not only are makeup wipes terrible for the environment, but they are also terrible for your skin. It's no coincidence that your face is red after using a makeup wipe. It is because they are very harsh and rough on the skin.
Sure they can be convenient when you're tired, lazy, or even after a night of drinking, but try your best to nor use them often and your skin will thank you. Keep reading to find a great alternative to makeup wipes.
Do: Chemical Exfoliators
AHA & BHA chemical exfoliators are a fantastic way to gently exfoliate dead skin on your face. Physical exfoliators especially ones such as the St. Ives Apricot Scrub can be very damaging and create micro-tears in your skin! When using chemical exfoliators be sure to follow the instructions as it can be damaging if the instructions are not followed.
Also be sure to not rub towel dry your skin after this can also be damaging!
It's also important to note that you are not using an at-home chemical peel that is usually given by a professional.
I include a great chemical exfoliator that I use at the end of the article! Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient to have in cleansers, or even as spot treatment because while it is a gentle exfoliator it helps to clean out the pores and also prevent them from excess oil production and getting clogged!
Do Not: Witch Hazel/Toner
Witch hazel and other astringents are too harsh and drying for the skin and should just be avoided. In general, toner is an unnecessary step when you properly follow the next tip.
Do: Double Cleanse
This is the best technique I've learned! Start off with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm (remember fragrance-free) to remove any makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities on your face.
This will replace your harsh environmentally-unfriendly makeup wipes. I usually rub it around for about a minute or two.
Rinse it off with a washcloth. Do not just use any random oil in your house and especially do not use coconut oil it is comedogenic, which means it clogs your pores, which is a big no-no.
Then go in with a water-based cleanser to remove water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt from your face. If you do these two well you will get off all makeup and won't have to use a toner!
Do: Moisturize
Regardless of if you have dry or oily skin it's very important to moisturize to help out your skin barrier after cleansing. Oily skin can be caused by the overproduction of sebum from not having enough moisture!
Gel moisturizers are great for oily skin while if you have dry skin you might need something heavier.
Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great ingredients to have in your moisturizers. The fragrance is not a great ingredient for your moisturizers!
Do Not: Extreme Temperatures
Your skin does not like extreme temperatures, so don't use extremely hot or extremely cold water on your face. Use lukewarm water!
Do: SUNSCREEN
This is the most important step. It's so important to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Always wear sunscreen, and of course, skip the fragrance!
Always use at least SPF 30 (and nothing over 50 is necessary they all work the same past SPF 50)!
Of course, after reading you are probably asking for some recommendations for products that fit these. I can tell you what I use and that they work great. This is also the order that I use the products in!
My Recommendations
Oil-Based Cleanser:Clinique Take The Day Off Balm
Water-Based Cleanser:CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (I also use the foaming one sometimes)
Chemical Exfoliator: The Ordinary AHA + BHA Peeling Solution. I use this only once a week if even that. Never use it more than once a week!
Serum: Hyaluronic Acid Serum from The Ordinary (must be paired with moisturizer on top) and the Niacinamide Serum from The Ordinary
Moisturizers:Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is great for oily skin and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ is great for dry skin or for in the winter.
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a great cheap alternative for oily skin and the The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is great for dry skin.
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