If you thought healthy skin came from genetics alone then I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you are sadly mistaken. I only say that now because I used to think the same, so you’re not alone. In fact, it took me quite some time to determine how important non-genetic factors were. Our daily routine, for example, impacts our skin just as much, if not more, than genetics. But with articles upon articles out there that are easily overwhelming, no wonder it’s so hard to establish a healthy skin care routine. What’s a girl gotta do to get all the information compacted into one? Here are the steps and products I’ve found to work for my own dry, sensitive skin in addition to other skin types including; oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. Just a quick disclaimer, most of these products are also recommended by dermatologists as mentioned in product descriptions and can be purchased from various retail stores.
Before anything, find out what your skin type is as it can guide you to the correct routine and products that benefit your needs.
Step 1: Cleanse
You would be shocked if you knew how much dirt and oil lives on our skin’s surface after a day of work and classes. If you don’t get that stuff off, you’re in for a rude awakening in the morning. Even if you take morning showers, cleansing your face at night and the morning will make a huge impact.
Cleansers According to Skin Type:
Dry: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser ($14)
Oily: La Roche-Posay Purifying Foam Gel Cleanser ($15)
Combination: Purity Made Simple Cleanser ($24)
Sensitive: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($12)
Step 2: Tone
I never knew what toner was until about six months ago, if I’m being honest; but the day I found the one, I was set for life. Toner is an optional step but can be used to pick up the extra dirt and oils that the cleanser forgot and balance the pH of your skin (something I learned from my dermatologist). In summary, it’s basically just an extra cleansing step that is most often applied at night.
Toners According to Skin Type:
Dry: Thayers Alcohol Free Lavender Witch Hazel Toner ($8)
Oily: Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil-Free Toner ($6)
Combination: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($9)
*The Ordinary is my absolute favorite brand and caters to all skin types. I am extremely biased as it is inexpensive and I use it all the time.
Sensitive: Eau Thermale Avene Toning Lotion ($20)
Step 3: Serum
Many times this is the most expensive component of a skin care routine. For that reason alone, many people forgo serums and skip straight to the moisturizing step. But I promise you that the extra money is worth it to address your skin’s needs. It penetrates the skin and goes further than moisturizers can. It can also be applied in the morning and nighttime.
Serums According to Skin Type:
Dry: The Ordinary Hyaloronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7)
Oily: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6)
Combination: L’Oreal Revitalift Vitamin C Serum ($20)
Sensitive: Dear Klairs Rich Soothing Serum ($21)
Step 4: Moisturize
Moisturizing is probably one of the most if not the most important step of your routine so if you’re going to skip a step, this is not the one. Moisturizers hydrate your skin and seal the underlying serums and toners. If you get lucky, your moisturizer might have sunscreen built in for easier application in the mornings.
Moisturizers According to Skin Type:
Dry: Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Moisturizer ($16)
Oily: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer w. SPF ($8)
Combination: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($11)
Sensitive: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($6)
Step 5: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is only necessary for the summer right? Quite the contrary, it is necessary year-round as the sun is always out—no matter how cold it is outside. In order to prevent skin cancer, early-aging, and skin discoloration, it would be smart to add this to your routine. Trust me, it might not seem like a big deal now, but it will catch up to you. Wrinkles are inevitable as we age, but we can reduce the appearance of them by pushing back the age they may start to appear.
Sunscreens According to Skin Type:
Dry: Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector ($20)
Oily: Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen ($10)
Combination: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Vitamin C Sunscreen ($15)
Sensitive: Vanicream Unscented Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin ($16)
Just wait. You’ll be feeling like a brand new person after trying out all these new products!
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