MARCH 19, 2023 - WRITTEN BY CARLINA R.
a less shiddy skincare routine 🧖♀️
From 12-step routines to infrared face masks, the world of skincare can be intimidating! But don’t stress, (you’ll get wrinkles!) we’re here to demystify the world of skincare and help you build an epic self-care routine.
Cleanser: the first step in any skincare routine is to get rid of any dirt or pollutants on your face with a gentle cleanser. If you wear makeup, you may want to start with an oil or a cleansing balm to break down the makeup, following with a water-based cleanser.
Toner: the purpose of a toner is to balance the skin after cleansing and give the next few steps of your routine a nice base to absorb into. The simplest and most effective application is just using your hands, but you can also opt for a cotton round or ball.
Serum: You’ve probably heard the elusive term ‘serum’ — but what are these magic potions? In essence (pun intended), serum is an umbrella term for any concentrated active ingredient or blend of ingredients that are like supplements for your skin. This is where you can really personalize your skincare regimen and incorporate ingredients to target specific skin concerns, from ageing to acne to dullness.
Moisturizers: Whether you’re a 12-step Korean skincare girlie or an ‘I wash my face with water’ type, everyone should have a good moisturizer that’s suitable for their skin type. As our skin ages, it loses the ability to retain moisture, and after cleansing our skin it’s important that we introduce this moisture back. Not only do moisturizers prevent hydration from escaping our skin, capping our skincare routine off with a good moisturizers helps lock in all the nutrients we applied in the previous steps.
SPF: As any dermatologist or French grandma will tell you, the most important step in any skincare routine is sunscreen! Protection against UV rays is paramount — even in the winter and on cloudy days — to avoid premature aging, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and skin cancer. Sunscreens have progressed a long way since the opaque zinc pastes of the early naughties, so don’t be afraid they will all make you oily or ruin your makeup. Look for a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) formula with at least 30 SPF.
Protecting and caring for our skin throughout our lives is not to be underestimated! It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but find a less shiddy skincare routine that works for you.