5 Steps to a Complete Skincare Routine- Simplified
Taking care of your skin does not have to be complicated! I think we see the array of products out there and our head starts to swim because we think we need an 85 step routine and just as many products to make it happen. (spoiler alert: you don’t!) Below I will break down the 5 things your skin REALLY needs on a daily (and sometimes even just weekly) basis to have healthy, glowing skin (no botox necessary.) Understanding these steps is so helpful because you can turn to your bathroom counter and see what you have, how to use it, and what might be worth incorporating.
Let’s dive in!
CLEANSE: The first step in any routine is to cleanse. This gets all excess oil, impurities and makeup off your skin before you apply anything else. Finding the right cleanser is important! Dry skin needs a cleanser that will nourish and not strip natural oils from your skin. Oily skin might need more exfoliation. Some cleansers have anti-aging built in and others are more simple. If you are totally new to taking care of your skin, find yourself a good cleanser and moisturizer (Step 4) and start there! It is amazing what these two things can offer your skin!
PREP: I think this is the most “fluffy” of all the steps. If you are a skincare queen you will LOVE a good toner or essence to really round out your routine. They can offer a lot! But if you are newer to a multi-step routine, this is the last one I would worry about adding in. That said, toners and essences help level out your skins pH so it can best absorb what comes next! The benefits of a toner can range from brightening to reducing pore size, mattifying or hydrating. This is a great place to further customize giving your skin what it needs.
TREAT: This is the step that packs the biggest results: usually a potent dose treating a specific skin concern. You might target: acne, pore size, extra hydration, protection via antioxidants, for results like smoother, brighter, clearer or firmer skin. This is my favorite place to splurge for noticeable results. After you have your cleanser and moisturizer set this is the next thing I would add in. A Vitamin C Serum is a great place to start for hydrated, glowing skin that is protected from environmental stressors.
PROTECT: The (almost) final step in your routine is your moisturizer. These not only help lock in your skins moisture to help your skin feel healthy and smooth, but can also deliver added benefits like anti-aging or acne control. You might use the same one morning and night OR you might enjoy a lighter AM moisturizer and thicker PM one.
BOOST: This is where we can have some fun! Once you have established a good skincare routine with your cleanser and moisturizer, you can focus in on more specific needs you want to address. These might include:
Face oils- hydration boost
Sunscreen (AM) - not really an extra- you should be wearing sunscreen every day! You can usually find one that is integrated into your moisturizer or foundation!
Eye cream (PM)- helps with bags, fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area
Masks (2-3x per week- insert between steps 1 & 2)- I LOVE a good mask! They can do a lot for your skin’s texture and tone.
Targeted exfoliation - physical and/or chemical (2-3x per week - usually with or right after cleansing) - another step I just LOVE. Helps get rid of dull built up skin which speeds up your skins natural regeneration process. I would steer clear of exfoliation that is built into your daily routine (think Morning Burst Cleanser… you know the one) as this can exhaust your skin. You don’t want to exfoliate any more frequently than every other day.
I know finding a good routine can seem tricky! But I hope this breakdown helps you understand where to start, what is most important, and how to add in products later. You know I am a sucker for clean beauty so this is where I tell you to do your research and make sure what you are buying is ACTUALLY clean, non-toxic and safe for you! Using the EWG Skin Deep Database as a resource is a great place to start.
Need help finding clean prouducts that actually perform? Reach out (email, comment below, message on social) and I will help you design a skincare routine completely customized for your needs!
