Going into the store or shopping online for skincare can be so confusing and intimidating. there's so many different products!! Let me guess this has happened to you- Your friend told you this cream was so good, but then you saw a Tik Tok telling you, you have to have this other serum, and then you also heard through the grapevine that you shouldn’t use that because ….. Blah blah blahhhhhh…….
First off let me just say this- Establishing your specific skin type before you buy anything is essential to getting the best results with your products. Everyone's skin is different. So, while we all want anti-aging benefits, not all of us have dry skin, so not all of us will benefit from a super rich, creamy, thick, daily moisturizer.
How do you know your skin type?
Try this-
Wash your face and dry it and then wait about 20 mins… Now assess- If your skin is shiny or greasy, then you have oily skin. If your skin is feeling tight or dull, then you have dry skin.
Think-
When you get out of the shower or out of the sun- Is your skin red or not? If your skin is reactive to heat, and turns red, then you probably have sensitive skin or redness prone skin.
Do you get dark spots from the sun or after a breakout? (This is not the same as having freckles that appear in summer time.) The dark spots are known as age spots or sun spots, or hyperpigmentation. If this is you, you need something for brightening or lightening,
How do you know if you have large pores? When you look at your cheeks, nose or chin, do you see distinctive dots? If yes, then you most likely have large pores and oily skin.
For different skin concerns, there's key ingredients that you'll want to look for when selecting your products. Here's a guide with some of the most popular ingredients and easy keywords to identify your skin concerns:
Salicylic acid- Acne, dark spots, smoothing texture
Glycolic acid- acne, wrinkles/fine lines, smoothing texture, dark spots
Hyaluronic acid- wrinkles/fine lines, hydrating
Kojic acid- dark spots, acne
Lactic acid- wrinkles/ fine lines, hydrating, dark spots, acne, smoothing texture
Vitamin c- dark spots, fine lines, redness prone
Retinol- wrinkles/fine lines, dark spots, acne, smoothing texture (don't use if pregnant, or breast feeding)
Bakuchiol- (Retinol natural alternative safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding). Fine lines, Wrinkles, dark spots, acne, smoothing texture
AHA or BHA- Fine lines/wrinkles, smoothing texture
Niacinamide- Sensitive, acne prone, redness prone
If you have sensitive skin, skin conditions, or are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other major illness or disease please consult your dermatologist or doctor before trying new products.
Why are serums good?
Serums have smaller molecules than lotions and creams. Therefore, serums absorb into your pores easier and faster than creams or lotions. This makes them more effective, giving you quicker results.
How many products can I use??
Can I use them one after the other??
Great questions!
Depending on your skin tolerance, and the strength of the product, I recommend no more than 2 serums per routine. Apply two in your morning routine and two in your nightly routine. Serums should be applied before your moisturizer and after your toner.
Try this simple skincare routine :
Cleanse
Exfoliate (only do this step 1-2x a week- either am or pm)
Tone (spray or use with a cotton pad)
serum 1
serum 2
Moisturize/ spf (spf only for daytime) (use a thicker cream at night)
Tip- Don't forget to apply products to your neck!!!
Lastly, the other most important thing when getting a new product is the consistency or type of product.
Use this guide to select the best type of product:
Cream cleansers- dry or sensitive skin
Gel cleansers- acne prone or oily skin
Foaming cleanser- sensitive or oily skin
Astringent or witch hazel- oily or acne prone skin
Kaolin clay- Normal, dry, or sensitive skin
Bentonite clay- oily or acne prone skin
Aloe- all skin types
Tea tree oil- oily or acne prone skin
Lavender or rose oils- dry or sensitive skin
Oil free products- acne prone or oily skin
Thick creams- dry skin
Drying lotion- acne prone skin
Milk cleanser- dry or sensitive skin
Additional Skincare Tips & Tricks -
Use warm or cool water when washing your face
Use a moisturizer daily, especially if you have oily skin
Use your ring finger when applying anything around your eyes
Use a moisturizing lip balm before applying your lip stick
After popping pimples, clean with hydrogen peroxide and apply ice for 2-3 minutes if swollen
Apply products in an upward or outward motion
Let product dry before applying the next product
Include an spf in your daytime skincare routine
Shake up your products before using them
If you shave your face, always start with clean skin and moisturize afterwards
Have more questions about product ingredients or skincare tips? Ask me! Feel free to comment below. I’m always happy to help!!