PERFECT SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR FLAWLESS SKIN

Written by ELLA i SKiN on May 14, 2021.

Getting the perfect skincare routine for flawless skin doesn’t have to be difficult. We know, it can be daunting and confusing about where to begin. Well the fact that you want to develop a routine is a great start!

Having the perfect skincare routine doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict 12-step regimen of non-negotiable skincare products every day. It simply means consistently using a few quality products that work for your skin, preferences and lifestyle.

Having great skin isn’t just about genetics, it comes from having healthy daily habits. Maximizing your skincare regimen means using skincare that works for your skin. Don’t just buy a bunch of willy-nilly products and hope for the best. Not only is that hard on your skin but hard on your wallet! Try to fight the urge to impulse buying a bunch of random products, no matter how good their advertising campaign is. Try to research skincare companies and the ingredients they use to make sure they will be right for your skin type.

TIP: Give it time. Consistence, commitment and commitment. Perfect skin does not happen overnight.

Know your Skin Type

The goal of having a skincare routine is so your skin is functioning at its best. Soft, supple skin without irritation or breakouts. To do this, you will want to make sure you know what type of skin type you have.

The Perfect skincare routine for flawless skin means building a great skincare routine

Cleanse

A good skincare routine starts with cleansing your face. Daily cleansing is essential for healthy and radiant skin. A quality gentle cleanser can boost skin’s hydration, prevent breakouts and prep skin for effective absorption of other skincare products. Clean skin will enhance the penetration of active ingredients into deeper layers of the skin.

The type of cleanser you use is more important than you might think. We love cream cleansers that are gentle, natural and appropriate pH for skin.

When choosing a cleanser, April W. Armstrong, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of California Davis recommends on WebMD to “Always use a gentle cleanser, since harsh soaps can trigger the skin to increase oil production.” – Beauty Stat

Check out our natural anti-aging cream cleansers here.

Toner

Is a facial toner really necessary? Well, no, it is not the make-or-break for great skin health. However, if you are looking for the secret skincare weapon, you might consider adding a toner as a permanent fixture on your vanity.

A toner can deliver hydration to skin and remove any residue or dead skin cells off the skin’s surface. It gently refreshes skin and improves skin tone. Toning your face will restore the pH levels of your skin so skin is purified and prepped to absorb other skincare products, like serums and moisturizers.

It (toner) can have a major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores (hello, aging skin). Toner also restores your skin’s pH level, smooths skin by refining rough patches and improves skin tone. So many benefits! – Neutrogena

Vitamin C Serum (Morning Routine)

Vitamin C should be the first serum applied and something that should be used every day to protect skin from sun damage and environmental aggressors. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and neutralizes free radicals, improving dark pigment and wrinkles.

L-Ascorbic Acid: The Real Deal

The most biologically active form of Vitamin C is L-Ascorbic acid. This popular form of vitamin C is found in most serums and has a reputation for having high penetration. It is often paired with Ferulic and Vitamin E to improve stability and effectiveness. Start with a lower percentage (10%) and work your way up to 15-20% Vitamin C for the most beneficial results.

TIP: L-Ascorbic acid is water soluble and oxidizes when exposed to air and light. Look for opaque bottles and keep serums containing L-Ascorbic acid in the fridge to prolong its shelf life.

For oily or normal skin, L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C and can be the most beneficial, while for dry and sensitive skin, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble vitamin C, is less irritating. – Vogue

If your skin is dry or sensitive, you might find L-Absorbic Acid too harsh for your skin. Fortunately, there are other derivatives of Vitamin C, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, textrahexyldecyl ascrobate, or an organic analogue.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is very promising oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that is becoming more popular in medical grade skincare products. It’s building quite the reputation in the world of skincare due to its’ ability to penetrate to the deeper layers of skin, providing incredible antiaging results.

Other serums and/or treatments

Serums are the heavy lifters when it comes to your skincare routine. Although they are not totally necessary, you are doing your skin a disservice by not including them. They are packed with active ingredients that penetrate deeply into skin to restore cell growth.

TIP: Apply apply serums from lightest to thickest consistency.

Not an exhaustive list, but here are some serum ingredients you might want to consider adding to your regimen:

Hyaluronic acid
Growth Factors
Apple Stem Cells
Arbutin

Night time only – this would be where you add your retinol and/or acne treatment if it is part of your skincare routine.

Eye Cream

To use an eye cream or not… that is the question. A dilemma not all dermatologists seem to agree on. Why would we need a separate product for under our eyes when we use a moisturizer? No one says you must use eye cream – do what works best for you!

However, we do suggest an eye cream. The skin under the eyes is the first to show aging because it is much thinner and more delicate. An eye cream is a skincare product that tailors to skin issues for the delicate skin and to target concerns, such as dark circles and eye bags.

Did you know? Eye creams are formulated to match the pH of your tears so are gentle enough not to cause any irritation or reactions.

Moisturizer

Moisturizing is one of the best ways to keep you skin its happiest and healthiest. Moisturizing daily helps keep skin balanced so it doesn’t become too dry or too oily. Balanced skin ensures the outer layer of skin is functioning properly, reducing the chance of skin problems and irritation.

For the daily routine, it is going to ‘lock in’ the moisture, strengthen skin barrier and provide a protective layer against daily stresses.

For nighttime, it is going to seal in the active ingredients to optimize the skin’s regeneration process.

SPF (Morning routine only)

The most important step! All anti-aging skincare routines should consist of sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more. Wearing SPF every day, all year round, is one of the best ways to protect your skin from premature aging and cancer. Over time, without wearing sunscreen, you are going to accumulate damage in skin, such as discolouration, dark spots and wrinkles.

Only purchase sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. That is the minimum rating recommended by most dermatologists and medical boards worldwide. – Paula’s Choice

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