The Perfect Skincare Regimen… What is the Perfect Regimen?
I have gone back and forth with this my entire life. I have tried different methods, multiple steps, high-end and low-end products. Ultimately, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not a 10-step routine day/night kind of girl, can anyone relate?
Skincare shouldn’t be complicated. Skincare shouldn’t be restricted to one brand. It should be simple and what works for you. I have actually gotten better results by keeping things simple, effective and for me. Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, finding the right products and routine can make all the difference in achieving healthy, radiant skin. This is my comprehensive guide to building an effective skincare regimen tailored to your unique needs!
First things First… Know Your Skin Type & Identify Conditions!
Determining and understanding your skin’s type and specific conditions and/or characteristics are the first steps in creating an effective, personalized skincare regimen.
I was taught that there are 3 main skin types. Skin types are genetic but can be affected by diet, environment and all together change with age over time.
- Dry skin: Pores are small, almost non-visible. Skin is clear, minimal oil and can be slightly sensitive
- Oily skin: Larger pores that are visible. Skin is oily and shiny, not sensitive but prone to acne
- Combination skin: Non-visible and visible pores. Non-visible are usually on the outer areas (jawline, outer cheeks, forehead near hairline) while larger pores are centrally located (nose, glabella and chubby part of cheeks). This skin type is usually dry all over but oily in the t-zone area.
When skin typing, I am always going to recommend a professional, but here is a quick method you can try on your own at home. The “Face Wash Method” is super simple. You wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Next, take a towel and lightly pat your skin dry. Be careful not to scrub or rub with the towel. Just pat it dry, then wait about 30 to 60 minutes. While you wait, don’t apply anything else, leaving your skin bare. After waiting, look at your skin in the mirror. If you can’t really see any pores right above your jawline, your skin feels tight and you have no shimmer on forehead & cheek bones, you have dry skin. Oily skin will have noticeable pores and be pretty shiny all over your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Finally, with the face wash method, you’ll know you have combination skin if, you have no visible pores on jawline but nose & cheeks have larger pores. You will also have a shiny glow in all of the right places.
So now you know your skin type, yay!
You get to the store and there are a thousand products that aren’t just for dry, oily or combo skin. There are products for acne, dark spots, wrinkles, oily, dry… your head is spinning! These are skin conditions… Skin conditions are circumstances that affect the appearance, quality and working order of the skin. Nowadays, skincare has an additional layer to consider when choosing products. This is actually nice because each skin type can have something different going on, allowing specific ingredients to be used in order to target the condition while maintaining the integrity of the skin type. When choosing a skincare regimen these are the top conditions that manufacturers are highlighting in their product lines.
- Sensitive skin: everything stings
- Dry or Oily skin: flaking or greasy before noon. Seasons affect these conditions
- Acne Prone or Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation: sun or aging spots, melasma
- Aging/Mature: fine lines, sagging lifeless skin, reduced hydration, crepe skin
Everyone should have the basic 4 Steps in their arsenal of products: cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen. Additionally, some conditions will determine whether you need more steps or specific ingredients.
Develop Good Habit… Consistency is Key
Consistency is key to seeing results from your skincare regimen. Studies show that doing something for 21-days, will create a habit. You are worth it!! Establish a daily routine and stick to it, allowing time for products to work their magic. Remember, skincare is a long-term investment in your skin’s health and beauty.
In Conclusion…
Building a skincare regimen tailored to your skin’s needs doesn’t have to be daunting. Skincare could change or stay the same for long periods of time. Your skin type will likely stay the same for years and only change as you age. Conditions will come and go… The important thing to remember is that when choosing, chose for you at that moment. By following these simple steps and listening to your skin’s cues, you can achieve the healthy, glowing complexion you’ve always desired. Here’s to happy, healthy skin!
Stay tuned for Part II of this blog… in the next couple weeks, I will be talking about some of my favorite products and recommendations for each of these steps.
