Let’s face it. We all have our own skincare routine that we follow hoping to slow down the aging process. We buy expensive serums and experiment with those cool Korean facial masks. We go to spas and we exfoliate with products that promise to remove dead skin and reveal a more youthful look. Skincare takes some serious effort! But what if I told you that all your hard work was actually doing nothing to your skin and is probably making it worse because you were doing your routine all wrong?
After washing and exfoliating, you apply your serums and creams and you feel good about yourself. You’re refreshed and you skin feels smooth. You’re ready for your day. Well let me be the one to tell you that your routine is off. Way off! To achieve a beautiful even skin tone not only on your face but your entire body, there are 7 key things to know:
Popping pimples is making your complexion worse-our hands are covered in bacteria. That's a fact. Touching an already-inflamed zit is delaying its healing process. Popping pus out a whitehead doesn't actually make it go away and more than likely will lead to scares.
Using more product doesn't lead to better skin- its been said by dermatologists over and over again "too much product can clog pores." Additionally, certain ingredients shouldn't be mixed. Avoid using retinol and other exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide-at the same time. Any combination of these can really dry out your skin.
The best products for your skin isn't expensive!- Most dermatologist actually prefer skincare products that are found local drugstores, Amazon and Super Walmarts! (i.e CeraVe & Dove) SHOP ALL MY FAVORITES RIGHT FROM THIS LIST!
Your neck and chest need just as much attention as your face- Most people don't realize the neck and chest are exposed to the same kind of damage-causing agents as the face. To keep both in good shape, apply facial moisturizer to your neck and SPF to your chest-it burns more easily than other parts of the body.
Do most of you skin-care routine before bed-before bed, feel free to double cleanse, exfoliate or apply a mask, serum, night cream, or toner. The skin repairs itself overnight, so things like retinol and thick moisturizer are best used in the evening. In the morning, splash your face with water and use a bit of simple moisturizer (i.e. aloe vera gel or vitamin e gel).
During the summer months, store all your products in the fridge-when it gets hot out, feel free to throw every product in the fridge. It makes application more relaxing and refreshing and wont affect your products quality, either.
Layer products from thinnest to thickest- your skin is like a sponge-apply the thinnest, water-like products (like serum) and the follow with heavier moisturizers and oils. Oils create a barrier between the skin and air, so its best to do them last.
SPF is key!!!- Sunscreen is the MOST IMPORTANT SKIN-CARE STEP because it protects your from premature skin aging caused by the sun and cancer-causing UV rays. (Tip: I noticed on my brown skin that the SPF lotion leaves a bit of white residue. Try blending the lotion with a few drops of liquid luminizer, aloe vera gel or vitamin e gel for better skin absorption).
My absolute favorite SPF lotion is Neutrogena Age Shield: Face