THE BASICS OF A GREAT SKINCARE ROUTINE

"Do you have one?… A basic routine?" *take a minute to look at yours*

 So there are a few steps that are essential before we add all the good stuff like our serums, antioxidants, retinols, and "ingredients that sound amazing." They are as follows:

CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURIZE/ SUNSCREEN. 

 CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURIZE/SUNSCREEN.

 *one more time*

 CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURIZE/SUNSCREEN 

 Having a sturdy routine helps you with a few things: 

 1.) It protects and repairs the Skin's barrier or acid mantle 

2.) Figuring out which products (as you add or subtract) are helping or hindering you the most 

3.) When your skin goes out of alignment (i.e. random crazy breakouts, strange dry patches, etc.) you can always come back to your basics or starting point and “begin” again.

 Cleansers: This is your first step! 

My personal philosophy is a cleanser has one job: ridding the face of dirt/ pollutants. A cleanser sets your skin up for the following steps in your routine and gives it a good basis to go off of. I personally, like gentle cleansers with no  "treating" ingredients (which would be cleansers with  that "treat some type of issue”), as my skin can get too dry, making the other active products that I use in my routine more intense or abrasive. However, I am not against them, consider your lifestyle, if you know you can't commit to many steps then you may want to combine your cleanser with treatment or exfoliating ingredients. I feel gel cleansers are a good middle of the road as far as texture for most skin types, but consider, your own skin type. For example, if you are more prone to dryness, you may do well going a little heavier with a cream cleanser.

 What I'm using: https://imageskincare.com/products/ormedic-balancing-facial-cleanser

 Toning : Now this is completely up to you!

Toners have a few jobs: “removing excess cleanser, helping to adjust the PH balance, and can provide a tightening effect on the pores”. Now as skincare has evolved, we have moved away from harsh alcohol based formulas, they are much more gentle. PSA: Oily and combination types we do not need to dry out our skin to heal it, stay away from formulas with alcohol. I typically use a toner to help remove excess cleanser especially on days I wear makeup and need a more thorough cleaning and I almost always use it as a hydrator before applying my moisturizer, somewhat allowing my moisturizer to "trap" the hydration. 

My rule of thumb is we don’t want our toners (especially on an everyday basis) to dry out our skin, it is completely unnecessary. Do be cautious, of witch hazel tonics, and or astringents (which are usually alcohol based). 

 What I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Store-Rosewater-Glycerin-Ounce/dp/B001U2BUJW

 Moisturize/ Sunscreen :

You can combine these as plenty of moisturizers do have sunscreen in them, I have both separately. On its most basic level moisturizers are to help protect the skin and MOISTURIZE, they are “usually easily penetrated into the skin and leave it ready for sunscreen or makeup application”. There are many subcategories, such as night/day creams but  I will not bore you with the details here. At its most basic level, moisturization is key. Based on how your skin behaves through out the day will determine the texture, lightness or heaviness you may lean towards. 

 What I'm using: https://www.sephora.com/product/barrier-lipid-boost-jelly-P442837

Sunscreen : We need protection, the SUN and its UVA/UVB rays are the number one reason of early aging. Its power although divine is quite destructive to our skin. I recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. It is imperative that you wear it, and even on cloudy days. And no, you do not need a sunscreen at night!

What I'm using: https://eltamd.com/product/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/

*I have linked all products of what I am using so that you may research. I also posted a video on my instagram and YouTube, showing my quick routine and the products I’m using.

Much love, 

Courtney