Being a team of estheticians and makeup artists, we are very familiar with the delicate nature of our skin. The face in particular can be very sensitive and requires extra attention. Not only do we all have different skin types, but different routines and different budgets. That’s why we want to focus on the basics with this article, but giving your face what it needs.

WHY IS SKIN CARE IMPORTANT?

Of course, you want your skin to look good. For some of us that means preventing crows’ feet. Others are concerned with dark spots, rosacea, acne, psoriasis, etc. You’ll be happy to hear that many of the tips in this article result in better looking skin. But it’s more than that.

Your skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects us from pathogens and faces a variety of environments while doing so. A proper skin care routine helps keep your skin strong and healthy. A key factor in maintaining proper skin care is knowing your skin type

YOUR SKIN TYPE

Working with a skin care professional can help you determine your skin type. You can also figure it out on your own. A good way to start is to think how your skin feels without any products or makeup on. If you wake up, wash your face and start your day with nothing on your skin, you’ll determine your skin type within a few hours. If your skin gets a little greasy, or shiny, you likely have “oily skin”. If it feels dry or flakey, that’s “dry skin”. Many people also have “combination skin”, where one area (usually the T-Zone) is oily, but the rest is dry. “Sensitive skin” means it gets irritated easily. If you don’t experience any of these, then consider yourself having “normal skin”.

Knowing your skin type isn’t about feeling bad, or shameful. When you know your skin type, you’re better able to predict how a product will react on your face. Remember, this is about giving your face what it needs.

BASIC SKIN CARE STEPS

It doesn’t have to be complicated. There are only three requirements for a good skin care routine.

1. CLEANSING: Removing all your makeup at night (as well as all the pathogens that are still clinging), is necessary for your skin to properly breathe, and absorb any cream or serum you apply next. Try to stay away from toners that are alcohol based, since they’ll dry your skin. Exfoliating should be a gentle process, and used minimally. Something like this mask from Detox Diva gently exfoliates, removing those free-radicals, without harshing your skin.
2. MOISTURIZING: We recommend having a daytime and a night time skin cream. Night time moisturizers are usually thicker and packed with beneficial ingredients. While day products are lighter to go under makeup. You can also find many day creams with SPF in which is actually the final key requirement for great skin.
3. SUNSCREEN: We’re all very aware, in this day in age, how much damage the sun can cause. But we need sun, it tops up our vitamin D, and is a wonderful mood booster. Regularly using a day cream with SPF is a good habit to get into. We often only use sunscreen when we know we’ll be out in the sun for a while, such as gardening or at the beach. Getting to work, walking to and from our car, or to the mailbox can take its toll on our skin. Over time that exposure adds up, which is why a day cream with SPF is a great backup.

THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

Now that you have your routine down, you just have to figure out what your face needs.

• If aging is your biggest concern, look for products with retinoids (such as retinol and vitamin A). Vitamins B and C are essential, and peptides (amino acids that build up collagen) are helpful as well.
• For acne sufferers, scrubs with alpha and beta hydroxy acids are great for removing the dead skin cells that can build up. It’s worth trying benzoyl peroxide, it can eliminate the kind of bacteria that often causes inflamed acne.
• If you’re worried about scars or hyperpigmentation, vitamin C can help. Different strengths of hydroquinone are available both over the counter and by prescription. They help to brighten and even out your skin
• Dry skin can be treated with Hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the skin. Squalene oil mimics the oil our skin naturally produces. To gently manage signs of aging without irritating your dry skin, try Bakuchiol, which is a plant extract that is often used as an alternative to retinol. Aloe vera is also beneficial for dry or irritated skin.