You want a good skincare routine that provides results but you don`t know where to start, I`ve got you covered!
The first step to any skincare regimen is learning your skin type, this will decide what products you will use, how many products you will use and how you will be using them. The next step will be to actually start your routine, this is the easiest part and then all you have to do is be consistent and let the products wok there magic!
When you`re layering your products you should remember that you always apply your products from lightest formula to heaviest because the heavier the product the harder it is to penetrate. So lets get into the proper way to layer your skincare shall we.
1. The Cleanser
When you wake up in the morning its not truly necessary to wash your face, simply splashing some warm water on your face and patting it dry will suffice. There are a few exceptions to this, if you sweat heavily at night or you go to the gym in the morning before you do your skin care routine, by all means wash your face!
However, when you are washing your face before bed you want to make sure you double cleanse— that means exactly what you think it does, wash your face twice.
The first cleanse will be an oil-based cleanser which will be used to strip the oil-based products from your skin like makeup and sunscreen.
Product Recommendation: Glow Facial Bar
The second cleanse will be a water-based cleanser which will remove the water soluble products like sweat ad dirt.
Product Recommendation: African Black Soap Facial Wash
2. The Toner
Toners are a great for refreshing your skin and removing any excess dirt you have on your skin before going in with your serums and moisturizers. Like most of the steps within a complex skincare regimen, including a toner in your routine is completely optional. Depending on your skin type the type of toner you use will differ...
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For dry or sensitive skin, you want to use a toner that consist of hydrating ingredients that soothe the skin.
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For acne-prone skin, your toner should consist of hydroxy acids that will help prevent breakouts and clogged pores.
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For oily skin, you want to include a toner with alcohols or witch hazel that can be used to tighten your pores helping your skin produce less oil.
- For combination skin, it is essential that you find a toner with hydration booster and gentle exfoliants like vitamin C and vitamin E.
Product Recommendation: Soothing Aloe Facial Toner
This product is safe for all skin types as it is a hydrating formula.
3. The Serums
More than likely you have a few of these in your arsenal and forgot about them. Serums are tailored to the skincare concern you want to be treating and contain the necessary ingredients to treat and protect your skin from the specific concern you a targeting.
In the morning, everyone`s skin could benefit from using a Vitamin C serum to protect your skin from the damage that the sun will cause to you skin, like hyper-pigmentation and dark spots.
Your nighttime routine should include a serum that is filled with hydrating properties like Hyaluronic Acid. At night while you`re sleeping the Hyaluronic Acid draws moisture to your skin keeping it well hydrate through out the night.
If you have dry or dull skin you need this hydration to help plump and hydrate the skin.
Product Recommendation: Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This product is filled with key ingredient that will help your skin flourish morning and night!
4. The Eye Creams
Like I said before, this is another one of those optional steps in a routine. Eye creams are not necessary but can be very beneficial if you are concern about the anti-aging effect of your routine or decreasing the puffiness and dark circles around your eyes.
If you are going to use eye creams you need to remember to be very gentle around your eye area and ensure that the product is gentle as well because they area around your eyes are sensitive and are far more likely to become irritated faster that any other area of your face.
Product Recommendation: Estée Lauder`s Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme
5. The Moisturizer
If you`re looking to have soft or glowing skin, no matter your skin type you need to be using a moisturizer, this is nonnegotiable. There is a formula out there that will be perfect for your skin you just need to find it.
Your moisturizer should be applied after the bulk of your products because it is used to lock in the moisture from the lighter products used prior to its application. Because moisturizer is a great for hydration of the skin, you can use the same formula both morning and night.
Product Recommendation: Green Tea SPF Moisturizer
6. The Facial Oils
Because facial oils are heavier than moisturizers they should be applied at the end of your routine. Remember when i told you that you want to apply lightest to heaviest because it helps with penetration, this is why you apply it last. Oils can penetrate everything else you applied but nothing in your routine will be able to penetrate an oil.
Different skin types require different oils, so you will need to do research based on your skin type and your skin concerns to find the right ones for you if you are choosing to include a facial oil in your skincare routine.
Product Recommendation: Calendula Glow Facial Oil, Citrus glow Facial Oil or Rosie Glow Facial Oil.
7. YOUR SUNSCREEN
This is arguably one of the most important steps in a skincare routine besides cleansing. Applying your SPF daily and in the morning and a few times throughout the day will really work wonders on your skin. The consequences to not wearing sunscreen are premature aging, hyper-pigmentation and unfortunately skin cancer. You should be applying at minimum, SPF 30 or higher, at least 30 minutes before you are going outside— even if the sun isn`t shinning.
Product Recommendation: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
If you are just starting out please read this last part!
Having a skincare regimen does not have to be hard, just take it slow at the beginning and remember a few things—
For starters a skincare routine does not need have to be long or expensive, it can be as basic as:
- Cleanser: A face wash that removes make-up, dirt and oil from your skin.
- Moisturizer: A lotion or cream emulsion that`s used to hydrate your skin.
- Sunscreen: Used to protect your skin from the sun`s harmful rays.
Consistency is key. If you want the result you need to act like you want them, put in the work but also give your products time to work.
Healthy skin is hydrated skin!