Dry skin, uneven pigmentation, sun damage—the list of problems that can plague the skin is a long one. So, too, is the list of skincare products that counteract skin issues to strengthen, enliven, and give the skin a youthful glow. Maybe you’ve found a small collection of products that work for you. However, if they’re applied in the wrong order, you could be missing out on their full benefits.
1. Cleanse
Always start your skincare routine with cleansing. Natural oils, dirt, and makeup can dull the skin or even clog pores and lead to breakouts. All of those substances can also get in the way of the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients from your skincare products.
Most people with dry, normal, or sensitive skin do best with a gentle facial cleanser like SkinResourceMD’s Total Facial Cleansing Gel. This type of formula cleanses without overdrying the skin.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin should choose a cleanser that helps with oil control and acne prevention. For example, SkinResourceMD’s Tea Tree Deep Clearing Facial Cleanser contains tea tree oil and willow bark that naturally break down oils and kill bacteria that cause acne. They’re combined with other ingredients that cleanse but don’t overdry or irritate the skin.
2. Skin Toners
Toners prepare your skin for moisturizers, antioxidant serums, and other skin treatments. There are different types. Some remove impurities or moisturize, while others control acne. Choose a toner that complements your skin type and the other skincare products you use.
For example, if you have dry skin, SkinResourceMD’s Visibly Moist Toner can help moisture penetrate to the skin’s deeper layers. Oily skin may benefit from an astringent, like Pore Purifying Astringent, a type of toner that breaks up oils and fights the bacteria that cause acne. Toners aren’t absolutely necessary, but they can clear the skin and open the pores so that your other skincare products are more effective.
3. Wrinkle treatments and antioxidant boosts
Cleansers and toners clear the skin of anything that can potentially block additional skin treatments. The next step is to apply wrinkle treatments, exfoliators, or antioxidant serums and boosts that treat specific skin issues.
If you have acne scars or discoloration, Crystal Clarity Exfoliation Scrub helps remove dead skin cells using microcrystals that gently reveal healthy skin. Baobab Skin Correction Facial Cream treats uneven pigmentation while providing healthy doses of vital antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E, and F. Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Serum exfoliates while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You don’t have to pick just one. These types of products can be layered on top of each other or alternated in their use. For example, you can apply an antioxidant serum in the morning and a wrinkle treatment at night.
4. Moisturizer
Every skin type —dry, normal, oily, sensitive— needs a daily moisturizer. Moisturizers should be applied at least once a day but preferably after every time you cleanse the skin. They’re essential for maintaining the skin’s natural balance. Most people are worried about oily skin causing acne and blemishes, but dry skin can stimulate the skin to produce an overabundance of oil, too.
Lightweight moisturizers such as Oil Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer work well for all skin types, particularly sensitive and oily skin. This formula contains antioxidants from green tea and coffee berry extracts that help repair damage done by and resist future damage done by free radicals. Dry, sensitive skin can benefit from Ultra Rich Biolipid Cream, a deeper hydrating cream. It contains natural plant extracts that reduce redness and help repair the skin’s deeper layers.
5. Sunscreen
Sun protection completes any skincare routine. However, it should be applied last because it can potentially prevent other skincare products from absorbing into the skin.
When it comes to sun protection, not all sunscreens are of equal value to your skin. Physical sunscreens use ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin. These sunblock’s like Essential Solar Protector and Hyaluronic Facial Solar Protector don’t seep into the skin like chemical sunscreens. Consequently, they’re a safer option for long and short-term health.
SkinResourceMD’s sunscreens also act as moisturizers. In the case of the Hyaluronic Facial Solar Protector’s tinted formula, it also provides wrinkle treatment and acts as a foundation for one less step in your daily skincare routine.
Developing your skincare routine
Get to know your skin. Do dry patches form? Is your face shiny by afternoon? Choose products that will complement your skin and help it maintain a healthy balance of moisture and oil control. You may need more moisturizing products than someone whose main concern is preventing acne breakouts.
Start with a good cleanser and moisturizer and expand your routine to address skin issues specific to you, whether that be wrinkles, dry skin, or uneven pigmentation. Creams, lotions, and serums should all work together to highlight your skin’s natural radiance.
