Hello,
This is Martha Thomas, head of customer care for Tree of Life Beauty, and I want to welcome you to our blog where we discuss important ways to age gracefully, "how-tos" for keeping skin healthy as you age, and so much more.
This week we will discuss “How to Establish A Skincare Routine" If you missed any of our past blog posts, please check them out here on our website.
Please be advised that we are not doctors or dermatologists, and this article should not be taken as medical advice or any medical statement. Any questions or issues involving your skin-care needs should be taken up with a physician, and we highly recommend you consult with your doctor before taking up any skin-care regimen.
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Setting time aside in the morning and at night for a skin care routine is a great way to work towards better skin health. It’s also an excellent way to implement a habit of self care. But what steps should you include in your skincare routine? Where do you start a skincare journey? With a little thought, anyone can establish an excellent skincare routine that improves both skin and life.
Identify Your Skin Type and Challenges
When establishing a skincare routine, it’s important to first consider what kind of skin you have. Knowing your skin and your skin’s challenges will help you decide not only which products and methods you should add into your routine., but also what results to look out for as you implement your new routine.
Oily: If you have oily skin, you have probably found yourself with more than just a youthful shine on your forehead, nose, or cheeks. Oily skin is caused by the secretion of too much sebum, or the natural oils your skin produces. It’s characterized by large pores and greasiness, and is often accompanied by acne.
Dry: Regular dryness, flakiness, tightness, and even itchiness are the telltale signs of dry skin. This skin type is caused by too little sebum secretion. Those with dry skin often notice their skin is brittle and easily irritated.
Balanced: Sometimes referred to as normal skin, balanced skin is has small pores, normal sebum production, and an even color.
Combination: If you find that your T Zone is greasy and your cheeks are flaky or balanced, you have combination skin.
Environment, Maturity, and Blemishes: Beyond your basic skin types, you also need to consider other quality aspects and external factors when it comes to your skin. Do you live in a colder or warmer climate? Is the air dry or is it more humid where you live?
Basic Steps
With a knowledge of where you’re starting and where you want to go with your skin, you can start with a basic foundation of cleansing, treating, and moisturizing.
Cleansing: Whether you just rolled out of bed, or you’ve come home after a long day out and about, cleansing your face is an essential way to start your skin care routine. When selecting a cleanser, take into account your skin type and goals. Also be sure to select products with high quality ingredients.
If makeup is a part of your daily routine, consider double cleansing. First, use an oil based or micellar cleanser to remove your make up. Then, follow up with a purifying cleanser to give your skin a deep cleaning.
Cleansing is not a step you should skip regardless of your skin type or goals. Without a proper cleansing, your skin will not be able to properly absorb the ingredients of your next steps.
Treating: A freshly cleansed face is a face that’s ready to receive the nutrients and active ingredients of toners, serums, and other products. Those skincare goals and challenges you identified? Target them by applying toners and serums in the second phase of your skincare routine.
Moisturizing: Moisturizing is a crucial step in every skin care routine. Both throughout the day and overnight, your skin loses moisture. Replace that moisture and prevent further moisture loss by finishing your routine with a moisturizer. Just like with every other step, consider your skin type and goals when selecting a moisturizer. For oily skin, lightweight and oil-free is often the way to go. For dry skin, choose a moisturizer that will work extra hard to retain that moisture. Regardless of your skin type and goals, be sure to add a moisturizer to your routine.
Add Ons
While the cleanse, tone/treat, and moisturize formula is common in the skin care world, there are other products that can be added to your routine. Once you feel comfortable with your new skincare routine, consider adding on a few extra steps. Exfoliants can remove layers of dead skin. Eye creams can help alleviate under-eye bags for a less tired look. Spot treatments can target blemishes and problem areas directly.
Things to Keep in Mind
While developing a skincare routine can improve your skin, be sure to give yourself time to see results. It can take 30 to 60 days to see results. Please be patient and allow your skin time to respond to the new routine.
By taking into account your skin type and goals, starting with basic steps, and eventually adding on extra tools, you can build a worthwhile skincare routine. With a little time and a little consideration, you’ll have a truly beneficial routine established in no time!
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