Skincare 101
One of my most asked questions is, “What is your skincare routine?” This is by far my FAVORITE question ever! For someone to see my skin and TRUST me to give them the breakdown is quite flattering, if I do say so myself…lol. So here it goes—I’m going to break down all the steps for a good skincare routine.
First and foremost, you want to know what your skin type is. A lot of us are influenced by trendy products, but the truth is, those products won’t always work for our skin. Understanding your skin type will help you identify what are the right products to use.
5 Skin Types
Normal skin. Balanced skin; not too oily or dry.
Oily skin. Skin that produces excess oil (sebum), often leading to shine and enlarged pores.
Dry skin. Skin that lacks moisture, leading to tightness, flakiness, and sometimes irritation.
Combination skin. A mix of dry and oily areas often with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and drier cheeks.
Sensitive skin: Skin that is easily irritated by products, environmental factors, or even weather changes, often leading to redness, itching, or burning.
Once you identify your skin type, you’re ready to start your skincare journey.
So, what is a good skincare routine? There are two key ingredients to healthy skin. Skincare isn’t just about what you apply to the surface; what you consume plays a big role too. Good nutrition and properly nourishing your skin are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
What I…
Drink for healthy skin
Water. This is your best friend! Keeping your skin healthy is all about staying hydrated leaving you with soft, moisturized skin. Try to drink about a gallon of water a day, to keep the bad skin away.
What I avoid drinking
Carbonated/Sugary drinks. Limit your intake of refined sugars and alcohol, I promise you the moment you subtract these from the equation, you will start seeing that glow.
Food I eat to have healthy skin
Avocado
Berries
Nuts & seeds
Dark Chocolate
Green Tea
Read more about what these foods can do for you and your skin, skinhealthfoundation.org
Now for the Fun Part. Layering and Application
The ultimate skincare routine is all about cleansing, restoring, treating, nourishing, and protecting.
Step 1. Cleanse
Cleansing is crucial. It removes everything sitting on your face, like makeup and sunscreen, that’s been marinating all day.
I start by making sure my face is a little damp. I then go ahead and apply an oil based cleanser massaging it into my face for about a minute or so. (ps. I’m a little extra, you don’t have to do it that long lol, 30 seconds should do.) Then you rinse and pat dry.
Since I have oily skin, cleansing is super important to prevent breakouts and clogged pores… trust me, you don’t want that.
Step 2. Double cleanse
Like I said I’m a little extra, but it works for me. Double cleansing allows for the rest of the gunk to go bye bye. Removing remaining dirt, sweat, or impurities. This time around you want to use a water based cleanser. (Gel, Foam, or Cream) to cleanse pores and ensure the skin is fully clean and prepped for the rest of your routine.
Step 3. Toner
Toners help restore your skins pH balance. Depending on the formulation, toners can also target specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, oil control, or soothing irritation.
Step 4. Serum
Serums are my favorite part. Incorporating the right serum into your routine can significantly enhance your skin’s appearance and overall health. Unlike moisturizers, serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering ingredients more effectively.
Step 5. Moisturizer
Locking in with a moisturizer is key to keeping your skin hydrated and maintaining its natural barrier, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.
Step 6. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a MUST! It’s for everyone and it is the easiest way to keep your skin safe and healthy in the long run. No matter the weather, sunny, cloudy, or rainy.
