Gorgeous, healthy skin is achieved from a wide range of influences. Genes definitely play a large role, however, your daily habits are much more important! Are you drinking enough water? Do you spend significant hours in the sun? There are tons of recommendations, product reviews, and even personal opinions all over the internet guiding you in multiple directions. Let us help you to sift through all of this information, so you can decide exactly what products are right for your personal skincare routine. Make sure to follow us @askderm on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to be the first to know all of our exciting news!
The Keys to a Successful, Complete Routine:
Cleanse - Remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities.
Tone - Balance your pH levels for refreshed skin.
Moisturize - Provide your skin with the hydration it needs to keep you looking your best.
Protect - Regular SPF application is key to providing your skin with the ultimate protection for youthful longevity.
Your personal skincare routine should protect all of your favorite qualities, while simultaneously targeting problem areas like uneven skin tone, blemishes, or aging. It should also provide regular nourishment to regulate the skin for a comfortable, healthy complexion. Remember that there is no magic wand when it comes to your skin, changes take time. Before moving on to the next product, allow at least 6 weeks of regular use for changes and improvements to take place. The biggest key to healthy skin is simple - consistency.
Do you know your skin type? Before getting started with your routine, it’s crucial to know your skin type and goals. Are you oily and looking to fight initial signs of aging? Dry and focusing on your uneven skin tone? Take a few minutes to determine this and you are much more likely to achieve the skin you desire.
Today’s post is written in the order of application. Ensure all of your products are applied based on the below recommendations for optimal results!
CLEANSER
Cleansers are used to remove makeup, dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants. This step refreshes the skin, and also allows it to better absorb the remaining products in your skincare routine. For best results, make sure you are completing this step twice a day. Most importantly, do not confuse exfoliators with cleansers. Exfoliation should only be performed one to two times per week, and its purpose is to brush away dull, dead cells for a smoother finish.
| Skin Type | Cleanser Type | What to Expect | Product Recommendation |
| Dry, Irritated, Red | Cream/Lotion | Very gentle, and will not strip away oils but rather seals in moisture for lasting protection. |  |
| Sensitive | Oil/Cream | Good oils are used to remove the bad oils left on the skin's surface. Often containing a wide array of natural oils to prevent and treat existing irritation. |  |
| Oily, Acne Prone | Foaming Liquid | A light and airy product that's effective without feeling heavy or too intense for your fragile skin. |  |
| Mature | Liquid | Impurity removal without stripping away your valuable natural oils to ensure a cleansed yet balanced surface. |  |
TONER
Toners have definitely evolved over the years, and they are filled with amazing benefits. This is not necessarily a mandatory step, however if you are serious about your skincare routine it is definitely recommended. Toners give you that extra level of attention and ensure all makeup or other heavy products have been completely removed. They also aid in minimizing the appearance of pores for a smoother, more even texture. If you have oily skin, toner is great for balancing out your pH levels which results in less excess sebum and the appearance of normal looking skin for much longer throughout the day.
Did you know? Toners are available in multiple forms. In addition to the most common cotton pad application, you can even pour a small amount into clean hands and apply, or opt for a spray bottle formulation.
SERUM
There is a serum for everyone, and this step is sure to be your favorite! Serums are highly concentrated and deliver powerful ingredients deep into the layers of the skin. The molecular structure is small, which is perfect for many skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and more. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, and Peptides.
Helpful Tip: Don’t mix products! Each step of your skincare routine is meant to be applied individually. Give each product the chance to absorb before moving on to the next step. This will insure you are getting the most out of each step and not diluting anything for less than desirable results. Also make sure you focus on antioxidants in the AM and Retinols at night!
MOISTURIZER
Moisturizers keep your skin from drying out and help it to retain moisture, in addition to providing a protective barrier against the environment. Ingredients vary greatly depending on your specific skin type and needs, which is another reason it’s important to know your personal requirements and goals. This step is also crucial to fighting wrinkles which helps you to maintain a youthful and radiant complexion.
| Skin Type | Moisturizer Type | What to Expect | Product Recommendation |
| Dry, Irritated, Red | Cream | A larger oil content than lotion, which deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin. Commonly used in cold seasons or dry climates. |  |
| Sensitive | Lotion | A lightweight, and fragrance free formula to provide a moderate amount of moisture without weighing down the skin. |  |
| Oily, Acne Prone | Gel | The ideal amount of hydration, will quickly absorb. Water based and lightweight formula. |  |
| Mature | Balm | An all-in-one formula to protect against multiple ailments and encourage well balanced, radiant skin. |  |
Day Cream VS Night Cream:
The biggest difference between a day cream and a night cream is protecting vs. repairing. Daytime moisturizers are formulated to shield you against environment aggressors like sun damage and free radicals, while night time products will contain ingredients like retinol to increase cell turnover as well as boost moisture levels. Can you get away with just one moisturizer for both day time and night time? Definitely. But, like the rest of your overall health, putting in the extra work is sure to show.
EYE CREAM
The skin around the eyes is incredibly delicate, and requires extra attention. It’s important to note that products which work seamlessly for the rest of your face may cause irritation to the eyes. The skin in this area is more sensitive than the rest of the face, and if you give it a little extra attention now you will be very happy you did in just a few years from now. Choose eye creams that contain Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Neuropeptides, and Vitamin C and E. Make sure to avoid fragrance or any harsh additives.
SUNSCREEN
Apply, apply, apply! It may seem repetitive to hear this, but that is because it truly is that important. Serious conditions like cancer can occur, as well as less serious but still unwelcome effects like fine lines, wrinkles, an increase in pore size, dark spots, and more. To save time, choose a daily moisturizer with SPF built in! Make sure you’re using an SPF of at least 30 to protect against harmful rays. There are even several foundation options on the market with SPF included for makeup wearers. A common misconception is that SPF isn’t needed for rainy or cold days, or for those who only spend a small amount of time outside. However, regardless of your daily routine, SPF is still a crucially important key to healthy, youthful, and glowy skin.
SKINCARE TOOLS
Facial brushes are an amazing choice for anyone looking for a deeper clean than what is possible with traditional methods. All skin types benefit from a motorized brush! The pulsations stimulate blood flow, dislodge impurities, and provide a spa-like experience. You will also notice a smoother, more even surface due to the daily gentle exfoliation. Many tools are available on askderm.com, and treat a wide array of skin concerns like acne, uneven skin tone, initial signs of aging, and more. View all of the available tools here.
