How To: Curate a Skincare Routine
Whether you’ve been using skincare for ages, or you’re just now finding out that bar soap shouldn’t be used on your face, the question about what the “perfect” skincare routine consists of has probably been on your mind. Obviously, everyone’s skin is different, so everyone’s routines won’t look exactly the same, but knowing the key components is helpful!
It all comes down to three basic steps: Cleanse, moisturize, and treat the skin.
Cleanse:
The trickiest step in a skincare routine is finding the right cleanser. You’ll want something that will be gentle enough to not strip your skin of its natural oils, but strong enough to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil so that it’s not sitting on your skin overnight.
Oil Cleansers: These are great for any skin type! Yes, even those of you with acne or oily skin! This type of cleanser is very nourishing, non-stripping, and is great at removing make-up. It’s perfect for any season, but especially as we transition into the colder months, as it will also help to add some moisture back into your skin. If you’re someone who normally only cleanses with a makeup wipe, this would be a great transition product for you, as it’s easy to use and works as a 2-in-1!
Gel Cleansers: These are best suited for someone with oily skin, as it will help to rebalance sebum production. They’re also great during Summer because they can help with any shininess or sweat that builds up on the skin from the heat and humidity.
Cream Cleansers: This type of cleanser is great for those with sensitive or dry skin, as they tend to be more emollient and contain hydrating and healing ingredients.
Tip: Needing to cleanse your face both morning and night is a myth! If you make sure to thoroughly cleanse at night, you can skip your morning cleanse, thus saving you time and product! This can also be beneficial for those with dry skin, as it will help you to avoid stripping your skin.
Moisturize:
Moisturizing the skin is what we believe to be the most important step, as this not only conditions the skin, but helps to provide a protective layer against environmental factors as well. Hydrated, balanced skin is happiest, and this can’t occur without the help of a good moisturizer!
Choosing the right one comes down to two things:
Your specific skin type
Skin concerns you would like to address
You can pretty much follow the same guidelines for your moisturizer as you would for a cleanser. For dry and dehydrated skin, you’ll want something that contains ingredients that can dive deep into your pores to hydrate from the inside, out (such as hyaluronic acid). If you have acne-prone skin, look for something that is geared towards calming and balancing the skin, while also healing any blemishes or irritation. Oils are, again, perfect for any skin type, but especially those of you more on the oily side, as these help to rebalance sebum production in the skin!
Treatment:
This step is vital because, as mentioned, not all skin types are in need of the exact same routine. What sort of treatment your skin needs is best decided between you and your esthetician, as they can take a proper look at your skin and diagnose what is going on. For some, it can be a serum for a specific concern, a weekly mask, or it could be as simple as adding an exfoliant to your routine. As our skin changes with the seasons, as well as with what may be going on in our lives (stress, lack of sleep, etc), so will this step in your routine. All the more reason to make sure you’re getting your regular facial! 😉
Your skin is the largest organ on your body, which means it deserves the most amount of love and attention you can give to it. Make sure to spoil it with safe, nurturing ingredients, and a facial or two!
As always, we’re here for you if you have any questions or need advice on what would work best for your skin-type!
Warmly,
Team Toccare