How to build a basic skincare routine

Skincare is not one size fits all, and your skincare routine should be customized to your skin's specific needs. Your skincare regime should not be a daily or nightly chore but something you look forward to.

Creating an entire regime can seem daunting, so let's break it down into the four essential steps in any skincare regime.

Step 1: Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin

A cleanser is meant to "take the day off," meaning it takes off makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and debris off the skin so that everything you apply after is going on to a clean canvas.

· If your concern is acne, opt for benzoyl peroxide for dry acne-prone skin and salicylic acid for oily acne-prone skin.

· If your concern is dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, use a gentle cream cleanser that won't strip or irritate the skin.

· If your skin is oily, use a clarifying cleanser with salicylic acid to keep oil at bay.

Step 2: Choose a serum that is targeted toward your skin goals

Serums and highly concentrated and have smaller molecules than moisturizers, so they should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizer.

· If your concern is acne, look for serums with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, or fulvic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria.

· If your concern is acne scarring, sun damage, or overall uneven or dull skin. Opt for a brightening serum with antioxidants and vitamin C.

· If your concern is dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, opt for a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or epidermal growth factors.

Step 3: Choose a moisturizer that is right for your skin

Your moisturizer packs everything in and keeps the skin's barrier intact.

· If your concern is acne, look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer (which means it won't clog the pores), and in most cases with acne-prone skin, look for a skin-repairing, gentle moisturizer to help repair and calm the skin while using acne-targeted cleansers or serums.

· If your concern is oily skin (yes, oily skin still needs moisturizer!) Look for a lightweight, water-based moisturizer.

· If your concern is dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, look for a thicker moisturizer with aloe, ceramides, growth factors, peptides, or hyaluronic acid.

Step 4: Choose a sunscreen you LOVE and will use

Now here's the most crucial step in your routine, sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, AKA why we get sun damage, sunburns, and why we show signs of aging.

There are two types of sunscreens; Chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreens absorb and neutralize UV rays that come in contact with the skin.

Active ingredients to look for when choosing a chemical sunscreen:

· Oxybenzone

· Octinoxate

· Avobenzone

· Homosalate

· Octisalate

· Octocrylene

Physical sunscreens or sunblocks reflect or block UV rays that come in contact with the skin.

Active ingredients to look for when choosing a physical sunscreen:

· Zinc Oxide

· Titanium Dioxide

All skin types and concerns can benefit from the two kinds of sunscreens, which come in many textures, pigments, finishes, etc.

The best sunscreen for you is the one you LOVE and will put on every day.

Still trying to figure out where to start or have more questions?

Schedule an in-person or online consultation, and let's build your routine together and get you glowing!

With love,

Sarah

SK Esthetics

SKesthetics.org

Instagram: @SK_Estheticss