With so many products available on the market and beauty bloggers, estheticians, and other professionals all recommending something different, knowing the proper way to care for your skin can seem so overwhelming. In this post, we’re getting back to basics to give you a foundation for establishing a skincare routine that will give you healthy, radiant skin.
Start with an oil cleanser.
Washing your face on a routine basis is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. In a perfect world, you should be washing your face every morning and night and NEVER go to bed without removing your makeup, but we’re all guilty of not being as diligent as we should be. One of our favorite products is the Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil from Tatcha, it’s an oil cleanser and makeup remover, combining two steps into one. So if you struggle with washing your face consistently, start by using a product like this and get into the habit of washing your face at least every night before bed.
The notion of washing your face with an oil-based cleanser may seem counterintuitive, like a breakout waiting to happen, right? Oil cleansing is actually great for your skin because, unlike traditional cleansers, it effectively washes away dirt and grim without stripping or drying out your skin. In fact, it cleanses, hydrates, and exfoliates all at the same time!
Incorporate a Vitamin C serum.
There’s been a lot of talk about the skin benefits of Vitamin C lately and with good reason! It’s a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tones. We like The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension because it’s 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid, clean, and inexpensive. You can quickly apply it every morning and night. Whether you’re looking for anti-aging properties or preventative measures, everyone should be using a Vitamin C serum.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
When people talk about their favorite moisturizer, they’re really talking about hydration. As we get older, our skin gets drier and drier. This is because our skin loses the natural Hyaluronic Acid it produces over time. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, working to retain and preserve moisture. So hydrating externally is just as important as hydrating internally (i.e. drinking lots of water!). We like The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid serum because again, it’s clean and inexpensive. Apply it every morning and night, it can also double as an under eye serum. We also like Mario Badescu’s facial sprays for added hydration throughout the day. Just toss one in your purse and keep the other at your desk and spritz your face anytime you’re feeling dry.
Don’t skip the SPF!
SPF protection is SO important, we cannot stress this enough! Sun exposure degrades the collagen and elastin in our skin as well as leads to discoloration. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen every single day, even during wintertime! We like Supergoop! Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50, keep it in your purse so it’s always handy. We also like Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45, apply it over your makeup to set it and go.
A basic skincare routine doesn’t get much easier than this. You can use the products we’ve recommended here or do some research to find ones that you think would work best for you. Whatever products you end up using, just remember the big three: cleanse, hydrate, and spf!