How To Get A Good Skin Care Routine!

Looking for how to get a good skin care routine? Well look no further! Here I have listed step-by-step routines with several great products to achieve your dream skin. Telling you what each product achieves, why you should incorporate it into your routine, and more! We will be focusing on:

-Step-by-step Routines

-Benefits

-Why you should use these products

-Routines targeted toward your specific skin type

-Skincare Tips

-And more : )

-With! (Bonus video further down!)

How to get a good skin care routine from: Nytimes.com

Cleansing:

Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine, says the New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.

Find Your Facial Cleanser

The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients. 

What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean Exactly?

This term frequently appears on product labels and is used by skin-care experts but not always defined in simple, clear language. Here’s a quick explanation: If a product claims to be non-comedogenic it means that it shouldn’t clog pores or trigger acne — either by occluding the skin, blocking glands or irritating the hair follicle. The claim is not regulated by the F.D.A., however, and many companies do their own internal tests to determine whether a product should be considered comedogenic or not. (Some common known comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil and cocoa butter.) Typically, the fewer ingredients a product has, the easier it is to determine if it will cause any reactions. (Source)

Toner:

How to Use Toner

For many, the word “toner” brings to mind stinging astringents from the ’80s. “The original was an alcohol-based product that was used to dry up oily skin and remove any leftover dirt following cleansing,” Dr. Nazarian says. Today’s formulas, however, have evolved. Think of them as supplements — these thin liquids deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion. Most experts, the New York City aesthetician Jordana Mattioli says, consider toner to be optional: “It can be a good way to add in specific ingredients that you may not have in your other products or add another layer of skin-replenishment.” If you have the time and inclination, here are some hero ingredients to look for: 

• Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.
• Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, seal in dewiness and plump skin to subtly treat fine lines.
• Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.

What is Toner?

“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else,” Mattioli says. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and pass it over your face. But, as Mattioli points out, “You end up losing a lot of product.” 

Tip: “Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Just pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it on.” Or if you prefer, you can pull apart a cotton pad “so it’s not so thick before putting toner on it,” Mattioli advises. Most formulas can be used morning and night, but you might want to use those with exfoliating acids only at night or every other day. (Source)

Serums:

Treating With Serums

Simply put, serums are powerful skin allies. Filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients, these elixirs can mitigate a number of issues, from dark spots to wrinkles. “Even if you don’t have any specific issues, everyone still needs a general antioxidant serum in the morning to protect from daily aggressors,” Mattioli says. While there are “limitless options” for ingredients, Nazarian singles out her hardworking favorites. To handle specific issues, look for these products:  

• Hyaluronic acid to seal in hydration and strengthen the barrier function (the top layer of your skin) to prevent moisture loss.
• Vitamin C to help brighten dull skin and decrease dark spots with continued use.
• Retinol, vitamin B3, peptides to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins in the body that help prevent lines and skin sagging. 
• Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide to calm redness and irritation by decreasing inflammation, and improve acne with its antimicrobial effects.

Helpful Hints and Pointers

If you have multiple concerns, you might want to use multiple formulas.“I recommend treating different areas with different products,” Mattioli says. “Maybe you’ll use a vitamin C serum all over but then dab on [another] for hyperpigmentation on just a few spots.” Just run any combination by your dermatologist to avoid any potential reactions. 

To save time, don’t try mixing a serum into your moisturizer. This “lessens the ability of the serum to absorb effectively,” Dr. Nazarian says. “Products should be applied one by one.” 

Not all serums are applied with the same frequency. “This varies with the ingredients,” Dr. Nazarian says. “I prefer antioxidants in the morning because they give you additional protection from the environment, and most of us don’t use enough sunscreen as is,” Mattioli says. Yet certain ingredients are best when slathered on at night. For example: “Retinols are not sun-stable and will degrade if applied in daytime,” Dr. Nazarian explains. Bottom line: Read the label instructions carefully. (Source)

Moisturizing:

The most basic function of a moisturizer is to hydrate and soften the skin. “Essentially, moisturizers assist in preventing water loss through the outer layers of skin,” Dr. Charles explains. “They can also complement the naturally found protective oils and other building blocks within the skin, such as ceramides.” This is one product that doctors recommend using year-round, for all skin types. “Skin naturally loses the ability to retain moisture as we age,” Dr. Nazarian insists, “and daily activities, such as washing, can strip natural hydrators from the surface.”

The Difference Between a Day and Night Cream

Creams you apply in the morning are equipped to protect your skin from the environmental aggressors you’ll face when you leave the house—many contain antioxidants to minimize pollution-based free radicals and sunscreen to shield you from ultraviolet radiation. They typically have a lightweight consistency. Night creams, on the other hand, focus on repairing any damage you might have picked up with ingredients like retinol to speed cellular turnover and counteract dark spots. These creams also replenish moisture levels, which naturally dip in the evening, with emollients that often create a rich, thick texture. 

Eye Creams, Explained

Can you survive without an eye cream? Absolutely. But, if you have specific concerns — like hyperpigmentation, dryness or puffiness — you might want to try one. “The skin around the eyes is quite thin and delicate, and more likely to react to irritating ingredients than other areas,” Dr. Nazarian says. “Therefore, dermatologists typically recommend an eye cream that considers the potential sensitivity and has more tolerable concentrations of active ingredients.” 

For undereye bags and inflammation, caffeine, peptides and hyaluronic acid can be soothing, Mattioli says. “Dark circles can be due to visible veins or actual discoloration common in darker skin tones,” she says. “Look for brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid and niacinamide.” Insider tip: Steer clear of strong retinols (which can sting and create redness) and fragrance, to avoid any eye irritation. (Source)

Sunscreen:

Protect With Sunscreen

All of the experts we consulted unanimously agreed on one thing: thatsunscreen is, hands down, the most crucial skin-care product. It’s “of utmost importance as part of your year-round regimen,” Dr. Charles points out. “Daily and consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, textural imperfections, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help to prevent the formation of certain skin cancers.” To make it easy to remember, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.

Decoding Sunscreen Formulas

There’s a lot of debate over which sunscreens are best and safest for your complexion. You have two types of ingredients in formulas: 

• Chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are absorbed into your skin to counteract the damage from ultraviolet light

Pros:

• Lightweight, easy to apply and transparent on the skin.

Cons:

• Can irritate and cause reactions in those with sensitive skin.
• Certain ingredients like oxybenzone have raised health concerns and carry a “high hazard” rating on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.
• Physical ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that sit on top of your skin to deflect or prevent UV rays from entering your body.

Pros:

• Very little risk of irritation or health concerns.

Cons:

• Often leave a white or grayish tint on the skin, particularly in those with darker skin tones.

Insider tip: “I typically advocate the use of sunscreens that contain a combination of physical and chemical blocking components,” Dr. Charles says. “These will provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and typically do not create any visible residue.”  

Sunscreen Application 101

Consider this your rule of thumb, according to Dr. Nazarian: “Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours. Chemical sunscreens should be applied directly to clean skin, while physical blockers can be applied last in your skin-care regimen, but before makeup is applied. About two tablespoons of sunscreen are appropriate to cover your face and exposed areas of your body; within that amount, use a nickel-size dollop to cover your face.”

All of the experts we consulted unanimously agreed on one thing: thatsunscreen is, hands down, the most crucial skin-care product. It’s “of utmost importance as part of your year-round regimen,” Dr. Charles points out. “Daily and consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, textural imperfections, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help to prevent the formation of certain skin cancers.” To make it easy to remember, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad spectrum SPF of at least 30. (Source)

BONUS: Here’s a great video on how to get a good skin care routine! With amazing facts, tips, and advise : )

Ask an Esthetician: The Perfect Regimen For Your Skin Type. How to get a good skin care routine from: Byrdie.com

Balanced Skin:

Your Menu

Cleanser (Morning/Night): A sulfate-free cleanser with a gentle lather, like Renée Rouleau’s Purifying Face Wash ($37) or Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38), promises to help keep your skin blemish-free.

Toner (Morning/Night): Avoid ingredients like SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; “These [ingredients] are commonly found in toners and should be avoided,” Rouleau cautions. Try Cremorlab Mineral Treatment Essence ($48) for a boost of energizing, brightening hydration.

Moisturizer With SPF (Morning): “When you moisturize, do two applications, one on the face and one on the neck,” Rouleau says. She adds, “Sun protection isn’t just about the number—it’s about how generously you apply it.” A light moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 will protect your skin from the sun and hydrate without clogging your pores. Rouleau suggests looking for ingredients like dimethicone, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid).

Antioxidant Serum (Night): Rouleau suggests looking for an antioxidant serum with brightening ingredients like vitamin C and algae extract, as well as naturally revitalizing ingredients like rosemary and peppermint. We’re fans of Caudalie Reveratrol Lift Firming Serum ($82).

Moisturizer (Night): At night, you can go with a creamier moisturizer, sans SPF, meant to nourish your skin while you sleep. Try Tatcha’s The Water Cream ($68).

(Source)

Dry Skin:

Your Menu

Cleansing Lotion (Morning/Night): “A no-foam, no-lather, super-mild cleansing lotion is best for those with dry skin,” Rouleau says. Try her line’s Calming Chamomile Cleanser ($36) or Clarins Cleansing Milk With Alpine Herbs ($49).

Toner (Morning/Night): To rebalance your skin’s pH level, restore moisture, and protect against environmental stress, try Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner ($34).

Antioxidant Serum (Morning): Rouleau recommends using a highly potent antioxidant serum (look for vitamins E, A, and C) during the daytime to help prevent collagen breakdown—just make sure to follow with SPF. We love Skin Inc Supplement Bar Vitamin A Serum ($35).

Moisturizer With SPF (Morning): A hydrating moisturizer with SPF is the final step in your a.m. skin routine. Try Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 ($34), which contains hydrating ingredients meant to help your skin retain moisture while guarding against UVA/UVB rays.

Retinol Serum (Night): Rouleau recommends incorporating an over-the-counter retinol serum into your regimen five nights a week. “I prefer serums over creams because they have smaller molecules and can better penetrate the skin,” she says. Some of our favorite retinol serums for dry skin include Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM ($65) and Chantecaille Retinol Intense+ ($140).

Eye Cream (Night): “Look for an eye serum with peptides because they’re good for boosting collagen activity,” Rouleau says. Try Youth to the People Superfood Peptide Eye Cream ($35).

Hydrating Moisturizer (Night): “Some ingredients I recommend to look for in moisturizers are rose hip seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, phospholipids, cranberry oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil,” Rouleau says. “All of these ingredients mimic the natural lipids in your skin and do a better job of repairing your skin’s moisture barrier.” Try Perricone MD Nourishing Moisturizer ($69) or Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Moisture Binding Cream ($75) for a big dose of moisture that doesn’t feel greasy.

(Source)

Oily Skin:

Your Menu

Cleansing Gel (Morning/Night): “In the case of oily skin, oil breeds bacteria, and bacteria leads to breakouts,” Rouleau says. “Wash your skin three times a day if possible. The more oil, the more breeding ground for blemishes.” She recommends using a gel or foam cleanser that’s free of sulfates. “You want agents that will cut the oil but you don’t want to dry your skin out with too many detergents,” she says. We love The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Face Wash ($67).

Toner (Morning/Night): Rouleau says to look for an alcohol-free toner that has ingredients like sodium PCA (a humectant meant to hold water to your skin), geranium (an essential oil good for cutting oil), and witch hazel (a natural astringent without the drying effects of alcohol).²

AHA/BHA Serum (Morning): Any serum with alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids will help reduce the appearance of large pores as well as brighten dull spots.³ If you have acne-prone, look for ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil to keep your skin clear. Try Ren Radiance Perfection Serum ($56). 

Oil-Free Moisturizer (Morning/Night): Lest you think your skin’s oil production warrants skipping moisturizer, know this: Your skin might actually get oilier when it’s dehydrated, by overcompensating. With this in mind, choose a light, oil-free moisturizer with sodium PCA and glycerin in the ingredient list—they’re humectants that are meant to help your skin retain moisture. Our oily-skinned editor reaches for Intraceuticals Hydration Gel($89).

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (Morning): “Oily skinned ladies are the least likely to use sunscreen because they can’t find one compatible to their skin type,” Rouleau says. “Definitely look for zinc oxide sunscreens because those will leave a more matte finish to your skin. Plus, it’s a natural antibacterial and ideal for people prone to breakouts.” Try Rouleau’s Weightless Protection SPF 30($56). If you can’t find an SPF that works for you, try a mineral-based powder like Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($65) to act as your sunscreen.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Zinc is an essential mineral that is needed for numerous healthy bodily functions, including boosting the immune system, healing wounds, and assisting in DNA/protein synthesis and growth. Applied topically, it’s shown to aid in wound healing and regeneration, as well as protect the skin by deflecting UV rays.⁴

Retinol Serum (Night): “Retinol is good for oily skin because it helps your pores look smaller with continued use,” Rouleau says. Try Verso Super Facial Serum ($130) or RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum ($25).

(Source)

Combination Skin:

Your Menu

Cleansing Gel (Morning/Night): Start with a cleansing gel like Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($14). If your skin starts getting too dry, you can switch to a cleansing lotion like OSEA Ocean Cleansing Milk ($54).

Toner (Morning/Night): Try a simple balancing witch hazel toner like Thayer’s Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner ($9).

AHA/BHA Serum (Morning): AHAs and BHAs minimize the appearance of pores and brighten up dull skin.³ If you’re acne-prone, look for ingredients like salicylic acid and tea-tree oil to keep your skin clear. Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum ($49) is fine like wine. 

Lightweight Moisturizer (Morning/Night): “Combination skin doesn’t need an oil-free moisturizer, but it does need a lightweight one,” Rouleau says. Try Fresh Peony Brightening Moisture Face Cream ($73) for a silky texture and a dose of hyaluronic acid.

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (Morning): Just like with oily skin, zinc oxide sunscreens are great for combo skin, thanks to the matte finish. Try Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 ($34).

Retinol Serum (Night): A retinol serum is pretty much a friend to all skin types, and combination skin is no exception. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane ($14) is super affordable, yet potent. You’ll wake up with practically brand new skin.

(Source)

Sensitive Skin:

Your Menu

Cleansing Lotion (Morning/Night): A gentle, sulfate-free cleansing lotion like Peet Rivko Gentle Skin Cleanser ($28) will get rid of your makeup and any impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.

Alcohol-Free Toner (Morning/Night): Ingredients like white tea extract, green tea, chamomile, and bisabolol are all calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients to look for in toners and moisturizers.² Rouleau also says beta-glucan is an ingredient that helps support your skin’s immune system to make it less sensitive over time. Try Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Treatment Lotion With White Tea ($25.

Fragrance-Free Moisturizer (Morning/Night): When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, make sure to find one that doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions.⁵ Avoid alcohol and synthetic dyes as well if your skin gets irritated easily.

Zinc Oxide SPF (Morning): “Zinc oxide sunscreens are the least likely to irritate sensitive skin,” Rouleau says. “Titanium dioxide sunscreens are good, but not as compatible with medium and darker skin tones because they can leave a white cast.” Try CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 ($12) or Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($28).

(Source)

Aging Skin:

Your Menu

Cleansing Lotion (Morning/Night): For aging skin specifically, Rouleau says to remember your neck when it comes to cleansing, treating, and sunscreen—it’s a secret spot that often shows the first sign of aging. Try Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm ($64)

Toner (Morning/Night): Some toners have AHAs and BHAs in them, like Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner ($23), which helps gently brighten mature skin.

Antioxidant Serum (Morning): Rouleau suggests looking for an antioxidant serum with brightening ingredients like licorice and vitamin C, to fade dark spots and discoloration. Korres Black Pine 3D Sculpting, Firming & Lifting Face Serum ($75) will brighten as well as plump fine lines and wrinkles with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and resveratrol.

Moisturizer With SPF (Morning): For moisture and sun protection with an antioxidant kick, try Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 ($29).

Physical Exfoliator (Night): Skin gets more delicate as it ages, which is why Rouleau says a gentle physical exfoliator with round beads works best on aging skin—especially on your neck.

Retinol Serum (Night): Depending on the severity of your wrinkles, you may want to visit a dermatologist for a prescription retin-a. Confused about the difference? Check out our ultimate guide to retinol.

Eye Cream (Night): Look for an eye cream with peptides meant to absorb easily, like Skin Laundry Wrinkle Release Eye Cream ($30).

Hydrating Moisturizer (Night): A moisturizer with retinol, like Verso Day Cream ($110), is meant to smooth fine lines and prevent future ones from forming.

(Source)

I hope I helped you find out “How To Get A Good Skin Care Routine!” New to abbynmiddleton.com? If so, check out my latest post on “What Beauty Products Are Toxic?” And if you liked this post, you might also like: “35 Best Facial Cleansers For All Skin Types” Stay tuned for new posts every week! 🙂