Life is busy, stressful, and often unkind to our skin.You’re possibly wondering “what skincare products do i need?” It can be challenging to know which skin care products are worth investing in and which you can ignore.
The key is to focus on products that contain proven ingredients (without unnecessary fragrance or dye), as well as those that address specific concerns you may have about your skin, such as dryness or oil production.
With so many options out there for different skin types, budgets, and concerns, we have compiled a list of the top skin care products every woman needs to stay gorgeous! A good skincare routine should be tailored to your skin type, but there are some products that are universally beneficial.
Cleansing
Cleansing is the first and most important step in any skin care routine since it is the first step to removing dirt and oil buildup. Cleansers come in many forms including bars, creams, gels, and liquids. When choosing a cleanser, as someone who has acne prone skin, look for ingredients that are specific to acne-prone skin like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Acne-prone skin is generally more oily and prone to clogging pores, so we recommend choosing a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Avoid heavily fragranced cleansers as much as possible, as fragrances can cause irritation and dryness. Look for cleansers that are oil free and non-comedogenic.
To get the best results from your cleanser, cleanse your skin twice a day, morning, and night. Use warm water to open your pores and make it easier to remove dirt and oil. Some women prefer to cleanse in the shower to save time, but for the best results, always use a separate cleanser to thoroughly remove your makeup and daily dirt build-up after you wash your face.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of gently removing dead skin cells by using a chemical or physical agent, such as a cleansing scrub, chemical peel, or physical scrub. Exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin since it stimulates new, healthy skin cell production. In fact, most dermatologists recommend exfoliating once or twice a week.
The best time to exfoliate is while or after you shower, since the steamy environment will open your pores and make it easier to remove the dead skin cells. Look for chemical or physical exfoliants that are non-abrasive and are recommended for your skin type.
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to your skin that causes the upper skin cells to peel off in 24 hours while physical scrubs are tools that gently rub against your skin to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation is crucial for getting rid of acne and blackheads, as well as preventing wrinkles. Every skin type can benefit from exfoliation.
Toning
Toning is the process of using an astringent or toner after cleansing to balance your skin's pH and remove any remaining dirt, oil, and makeup residue. Toners usually have alcohol as the main active ingredient since it is the most effective way to get rid of all the impurities from your skin. However, it is best to look for a toner that is alcohol-free and contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or witch hazel.
These ingredients are great for acne-prone skin since they help to reduce redness, inflammation, and breakouts. All skin types benefit from toning. Good toners for dry skin are hydrating, anti-aging, and contain humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
For oily skin, look for toners that calm your skin and help control oil production. Normal skin types can use any toner, but if you have sensitive skin, it is best to use a toner with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Face Masks
Face Masks are a great way to treat your skin to an extra boost of hydration or moisture, antioxidants, nourishment, and vitamins. Some face masks include ingredients like clay, charcoal, yogurt, or fruit extracts.
Depending on your skin type, there are several mask types and ingredients that can greatly benefit your skin. Look for masks that are designed for your skin type, such as dry, oily, or combination, or for a specific concern like anti-aging or hydrating. Some masks can be used weekly or even daily if you want to boost your skin's hydration or glow.
All skin types can benefit from face masks. Depending on your skin type, certain mask ingredients can help address certain skin concerns like dry skin that may need more hydration, or oily skin that may need *calming and pore-reducing ingredients.
Eye Care
While you may not think of your eyes as a part of your skin, they are. And just like the rest of your skin, your eyes require regular care and attention. You can improve the health of your eye area by using eye creams, serums, or patches that include ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, peptides, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.
These ingredients are proven to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. For a more intensive eye treatment, try an eye mask that includes cooling ingredients like mint, cucumber, or collagen.
Some eye creams and serums come in dropper bottles that are specially designed to be easier to apply around the eyes. While women of all ages can benefit from eye treatments, eye care is especially important for women over 35, since this is when signs of aging around the eyes begin to appear.
In-Shower Facial
An in-shower facial is a treatment that you do at home on a regular basis. It is similar to a facial in that you are cleansing, exfoliating, and applying a face mask. The difference is that you do it in the shower. The warm water and steamy environment make your pores easier to open and cleanse, making it easier for your products to penetrate your skin.
Using a loofah or exfoliating glove to cleanse your face will help remove dead skin cells and increase the penetration of your skin care products. A face mask can be applied to help hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin. The in-shower facial is a great treatment to do at home since it is quick, easy, and uses materials that you already have in your house. It can also be done more frequently than a regular facial, so you can schedule it every one or two weeks to get the most out of your skin care routine.
Proven Anti-Aging Strategies
Anti-aging encompasses a variety of methods that can help you achieve a youthful appearance and protect your skin from harmful UV rays and other aggressors. There are several proven ways to protect and improve your skin, including staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, using sun protection, and using skin care products designed for anti-aging. Some of the most effective anti-aging strategies include using retinol or peptide serums, sleeping deeply, and drinking plenty of water.
Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, can be very effective in reducing wrinkles, sun damage, and pigmentation. Peptides are amino acids that can help your skin retain moisture and plumpness. Sleeping deeply for at least 7 hours will help your body repair and maintain healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water can help hydrate your skin, improve your digestion and metabolism, and reduce inflammation in the body, which can reduce wrinkles over time.
Morning Skin Care Routine
The best time to apply skincare products is right when you wake up (after showering, of course) in the morning before you put on makeup or sunscreen. This ensures that your skincare products are fully absorbed into your skin. Before applying skincare products, make sure to cleanse and tone your skin to remove impurities and open your pores.
After cleansing and toning, apply an eye cream to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, protect from harsh environments, and hydrate your skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, apply a lightweight moisturizer that has SPF built into it or one that is specifically designed for your skin type. For acne-prone skin, apply an acne treatment that contains ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Evening Skin Care Routine
A good evening skincare routine is the key to healthy, glowing skin. It can be hard to remember all of the products you need and how to use them, so here is a quick rundown of what you should do before bed.
Having a good skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Below are the products that you need in your evening skincare routine:
- Exfoliating scrub: A good exfoliating scrub will help remove dead skin cells and reveal new, healthier skin cells. It also helps to prevent blackheads from forming.
- Night cream: Night creams are rich in antioxidants that help to fight free radicals that cause aging. They also lock in moisture from the day cream, which can make your skin feel dry during the night if not moisturized properly.
- Eye serum: Eye serums can be used as an alternative to eye creams because they are more concentrated and have fewer ingredients than eye creams do. Eye serums are great for maintaining healthy and vibrant eyes.
Remember
Skin types can change as you age, so be sure to talk to your dermatologist if you are unsure of your skin type. These are must-have products and simple routines. Make sure to sign-up so you are notified for more blog posts & information to improve your skincare!