First up, the basics.
The three basic steps everyone needs in a skincare routine include:
Cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by products or steps, this is where you should start. For my minimalistic people or my guys that don’t want a bunch of steps, this is for you.
Cleanse.
Typically, in the morning & evening, but the morning cleanse can be just a quick rinse with water if you have very dry or sensitive skin. Pick a cleanser based on your skin type. If you have dry/sensitive skin – Look for creamy, milky cleansers. If you have more normal/oily skin – Look for gel or foaming cleansers.
Moisturize.
Apply a moisturizer both AM & PM, again this can be dropped in the morning if you are using an SPF that is in a more moisturizing vehicle and doesn’t feel very dry. Moisturizers are very personal, so make sure to find one that works for you. Generally speaking, if you have more dry/sensitive skin – Look for a thicker formula. If you have more oily/acne-prone skin – Look for a lighter lotion or gel consistency.
Sunscreen.
As always, this should be used every morning at the end of your morning routine. The key to this is finding a formula you really love. I often use a tinted formula for my face & a non-tinted formula for my neck, hands, & any other exposed areas.
Stick with a basic regimen for at least 4-6 weeks to ensure your skin is tolerating the products well. Once you have an established basic routine, you can consider adding active ingredients based on your individual skin concerns or goals.
And just a quick reminder – you absolutely don’t have to add anything from here! But for those of you that are interested in building upon this basic regimen, this part is for you.
What are “actives?” These are just products that include active ingredients used to help address a skin concern. So you pick active ingredients based on what you’d like to address. You’ll notice many actives (for example, retinoids) have multiple benefits and are used to address a variety of concerns.
Here are a few examples of skin concerns and some active ingredients that can help:
Anti-aging:
Retinoids, antioxidants, AHAs, hyaluronic acid, peptides, growth factors
Acne:
Retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, AHAs
Hyperpigmentation:
Antioxidants, azelaic acid, kojic acid, AHAs, hydroquinone, retinoids, niacinamide
Dryness:
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, lactic acid, ceramides, glycerin, peptides, squalene, shea butter, petrolatum
Redness:
Azelaic acid, niacinamide, sulfur, licorice root, aloe, caffeine, feverfew
Choose a couple of ingredients to incorporate into your routine based on the skin concern or goals you have. Many products integrate many ingredients that will benefit you, so I recommend sticking with adding just a couple of well-formulated products.
Other things to keep in mind as you are building your regimen:
#1 Incorporate new products one at a time to avoid irritation and see how your skin reacts.
Give a new product at least 4-6 weeks before adding in something new.
#2 Less is more.
You don’t need all the ingredients above. Pick a few effective ingredients you want to incorporate based on your concerns and stick with them. Using too many active ingredients can cause irritation and dryness.
#3 Avoid layering and mixing too many products or ingredients during the same routine.
Many of the ingredients mentioned, like retinoids, chemical exfoliants, salicylic acid, or vitamin C, can be irritating on their own, so they are best at separate times or on alternating days.
#4 Stay consistent.
Many of these products take time to really notice improvement.
Okay, so let’s put this all together. Here is an EXAMPLE regimen (the primary concern is preventative aging, stimulating collagen, and improving the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles).
Morning – Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, apply an antioxidant serum, moisturizing sunscreen
Evening – Remove makeup with a cleansing balm, cleanse with a gentle cleanser, use a retinoid 3 nights a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights) / use a chemical exfoliant 1 night a week (Sunday nights), use a moisturizer every night
Keep in mind these are GENERAL guidelines – not rules, so you can definitely be flexible depending on what feels best for your skin!
If you’re wondering what products I recommend, I have linked a bunch of derm-approved products in my Shop My profile or Amazon storefront, so check those out if you are feeling overwhelmed!
