When I was younger, my grandmother would always give me skincare products to subtly remind me of the importance of taking care of my skin. Of course, as a child, I never took her advice seriously until I reached puberty and began to see the consequences of my ignorance. Through testing different products, receiving regular facials and conducting research, I soon developed a skincare routine that not only keeps my skin healthy and clear but boosts my self-confidence and soothes my mind for the day.
As someone who is constantly rushing about, my skincare routine has become a small pocket of time for daily self care, something I start my day with after my morning workout and end my night with before bed.
Here are a few key steps in any skincare routine:
1. Cleanser
Washing your face is the bare minimum in skincare, and you cannot just use body soap. Finding the right cleanser depends on your skin’s needs, whether you have sensitive, dry or oily skin. The three main types of cleansers include gel, foam and cream cleansers; whichever kind you choose, make sure you are washing your face at least twice a day.
Current cleanser of choice: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil-Free Facial Cleanser
2. Toner
The purpose of a toner is in its name: to tone by hydrating and balancing your skin. Just as you exercise to tone your body, making this a consistent step will produce better results. Choose a toner rich in antioxidants and nutrients to best prevent skin damage while brightening your face.
Current toner of choice: The Face Shop’s Green Natural Seed Antioxidant Toner
3. Serums and oils
Think of serums as boosters and oils as fortifiers for your skin. Since serums are composed of smaller molecules, they penetrate deeper into the skin to address specific issues, while oils have larger molecules that take the most effect on the skin’s outer layers.
A variety of serums exist with different goals, including evening skin tone, softening texture or brightening and firming the skin. Oils serve a more general purpose of nourishing, protecting and hydrating your skin — they can even be used in place of a moisturizer. You don’t need to have both in your routine, but they do hold different purposes based on your skincare goals.
Current serum of choice: Ye Hwa Dam’s Plum Flower Revitalizing Serum
Current oils of choice: Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+
4. Moisturizer
Keeping your skin soft and hydrated is the essential function of any moisturizer, but the type you choose will depend on your skin’s needs.
Current moisturizer of choice: The Face Shop’s Chia Seed Hydro Lotion
5. Sunblock
Before stepping outside, don’t forget to apply a lightweight sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and prevent wrinkles and skin cancer.
Current sunblock of choice: Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick
6. Facial massage
Massage your face with a gua sha in the morning and jade roller at night to depuff and define your features, which also helps your skin absorb all of the serums, oils and nutrients better!
Additional steps in my nighttime skincare routine:
7. Eye Cream
Minimize wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness around your eyes with a revitalizing eye cream.
Current eye cream of choice: Nu Skin Tru Face Ideal Eyes
8. Lip Mask
Current lip mask of choice: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Bonus: Do a face mask at least once a week!
With any routine, consistency is key! This list barely scratches the surface of skincare, and only you can decide the products that work best for you. But hopefully, this guide provides you with the essentials to help you get started on your journey toward healthy, glowing skin!
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