This post covers everything you need to know about a proper skin care routine and what steps you need to take to get that glowing skin.
Skin Care Routine Steps:
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Let me begin by saying your skin is the largest organ of your body. It debatably has the most important job – protecting you. Being the only exposed organ, it is the first in line for any harm that comes your way. Your skin is tough, but it works hard and eventually that hard work shows – whether you like it or not. (yes, I am talking about aging people.) Dark spots. Fine lines. Dry, patchy hyper pigmented skin. Acne. Winkles. These are all results of yes, getting older, but also your skin getting warn out. Basically, what i’m saying is that your skin is exhausted. It needs to be cared for and treated like a million dollar investment because it is your skin.
Think of it like this: We all know if you eat healthy, work out, take your vitamins you feel better and see results. Well, it is the exact same when it comes to what you put on your skin and how you care for it.
So what I am getting at is a simple skin care routine can go a long way.
You wear your skin every day for the rest of your life. In order to prevent it from looking out-dated, you have to keep up with proper maintenance.
disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you complete a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Best Skin Care Routine:
Step 1. Cleansing.
First step in the skin care routine is cleansing your face. My go to cleanser is MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER By L’OREAL with the round cotton swabs. It is the easiest, mess free wash that leaves you clean.
FACTS: Micellar water is made up entirely up micelles, which main job is to easily wipe away all the impurities in the skin that everyone suffers from (without even knowing) These impurities include sebum, pollution, toxins from outside, oil and makeup that wasn’t properly washed off.
- Perks of MICELLAR water
- very gentle on skin
- helps keep skin clear of acne
- great for all skin types
- lightweight/easy to apply
- you dont have to wash it off
- hydrates and nourishes
I bought my Micellar Water from my local CVS for $10 and a 100 pack of the swabs for $5. A little bit goes a long way so the bottle lasts for a good amount of time. This is an easy alternative to expensive makeup wipes or timely facial cleansers you have to scrub off.
Click here to read more about the best facial cleansers for clear & healthy skin!
Step 2. Exfoliate.
There are few things I love more than a good face exfoliator. It leaves my skin looking perfectly smooth, healthy and GLOWING. Personally, I try to exfoliate my face 3-5 times a week, but it is important to note that all skin types are different and have different reactions. If you are new to exfoliating, then I highly recommend starting off slow with maybe 1-2 times a week then build yourself up as your skin adjusts.
- Science behind exfoliation:
- Exfoliation increases cell turnover. So, in other words, you are removing the dead/dull cells on the surface of your skin allowing room for new, fresh healthy looking ones. Which in turn creates the “radiant” glowing look.
- increases blood circulation
- behind moisturizing, exfoliation is one of the most important steps in your skin care routine
I have several different exfoliators that I like to switch back and forth between. (If you want to read the full list of my favorite exfoliators and why, click here!) That being said, my current go to is the Pink Clay Mud Mask. I love this one because you can feel the results immediately after. (plus the all natural mud masking is a great touch) I always pat dry my face with a towel before applying to get the full perks of it. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend starting off with this pink clay one because it is for all skin types. Also, leave your face a little bit more damp so the beads don’t irate the surface of your skin.
Another favorite exfoliator of mine is the Coffee Exfoliating scrub. This is the perfect way to wake your skin up in the morning and the benefits are huge! I use the coffee one all over my body with this dry brush. (If you use self tanner, this is a very important step!)
To read more about it go to My Exfoliating Skin Routine.
Step 3. Toner.
Applying a toner after you cleanse and exfoliate your face is an important step that many people forget about.
Facts: The main job of a toner is to close your pores and tighten the cell gaps after cleansing. It also can aid in removing any missed oils, makeup, toxins, etc. that your cleanser didn’t get too. My favorite benefit of a toner is the rebalance aspect in your pH levels. It helps hydrate your skin and rejuvenate it to the proper levels for a healthy look.
While there are many toners I use (different ones target different issues) my current go-to toner is the Glow Tonic by PIXI. If I am just doing my standard daily routine, I grab this bottle and quickly rub it all over my face (avoiding the eye area) with one of the Cotton Rounds.
- Perks of Glow Tonic
- no harsh smell
- doesn’t burn face
- brightens skin
Step 4. Face Mask (optional).
While this step is very optional, it is also very important if you want to make the most of your skin care.
I do a face mask around 2-5 times a week depending on my mood. There are hundreds of face masks I am OBSESSED with and all for completely different benefits. Calming, glow, moisturizing, blemishes, pores, acne, blackheads…. you name it. I listed my current top 3 face masks that target different areas.
Shea Moisture: Overall my favorite brand for mud masks. I like this brand because it is affordable, and they have tons of options to choose from. (my favorite is the Frankensence & Mere)
Premium Face Mask: This mask is great for overall skin health. It has collegen boosting + retinol + Bentonite Clay + Vitamin infused. Basically a wonder drug for your face. (note: It is SO much cheaper on Amazon than in stores!)
Green Tea Volcanic Mud Mask: I included this mask because so many of you ask me about acne prone skin and this mask does WONDERS for acne. (promising review below)
5.0 out of 5 starsIf I could give a million stars I wouldApril 20, 2018 Verified Purchase Literally the BEST thing I have ever put on my face. I’m only three days ALL of my acne is gone. My skin looks like glass it’s so smooth and shiny. Not even an oily shine. Just a healthy bright complexion. My scars have been reduced dramatically! And for the first time in my whole life, I can leave my house without foundation or concealer. It was like magic. I could cry right now I’m so happy. I’ve tried everything known to man to fix my skin and I finally found it. I will forever buy this mask and continue using it. I truly couldn’t be happier.
Amazon. Verified, promising review.
To read about the best face masks to use and what to use them for, click here 🙂
5. Serum
A facial serum is the “pre workout” to your moisturizer. It enhances your moisturizer and helps seal hydration. Depending on which one you get, there are different benefits.
My favorite skin serum lately has been the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum. I have been using this for 3 weeks now and have noticed a significant glow. This serum improves discoloration and balances skin for youthful skin. (The vitamin c dose is especially important for these upcoming summer months)
Lastly another favorite serum of mine that is more on the affordable side is the Maelove Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum. It is a 4 in one package that has Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. This serum has crazy reviews from very trusted brands. “It is just as good as the other high end serums, but half the price” I found it on Amazon, but if you go to Maeloves actual website it is much cheaper!! ($27)
6. Moisturizer
A good face moisturizer is usually peoples first approach they take when they decide to start taking care of their skin.
The moisturizer I SWEAR by is Clinique Drastically Different. This moisturizer is from a very trusted brand and has great ingredients. It is important to know what you are putting on your face and if your moisturizer is actually doing its job. (typically, face moisturizers you get from generic stores such as Walgreens or Target could be doing more harm than good!)
I also love Cliniques Moisture Surge Cream. It is a little more expensive than the Drastically Different, but I love the gel texture and it leaves me feeling more moisturized.
7. Face Oil
The only face oil I use and hiiiighly recommend is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid serums hold 1,000 times its own weight in water. This leaves your skin dewy and CLEAR. When you apply this oil after using the Clinique moisturizer, the formula traps the moisturizer in intensifying the affect.
Hyaluronic acid aids in rapid skin repair. If you struggle with fine lines, dry patches or hyper pigmentation this is the serum that does wonders. (Personal experience: I have noticed a significant difference in the fine lines on my forehead when using this every night for one month.)
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the key ingredients to look for when deciding how good a skin care product is. While it is already in a lot of stuff, there is nothing that tops having a pure hyaluronic serum.
Yay all done. I hope this helps you figure out the best skin care routine for you!! Send me an email or leave a comment if you have any questions or need further recommendations 🙂
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