Back to Skincare Basics

In the past few years, the need for proper skincare has become a trending topic, and honestly, yay! I love that people are discovering that proper skincare is not just something to do for aesthetics, but also something to do to maintain optimal skin health and functioning. If you are new to skincare, though, all of the information thrown your way can be confusing, so let's simplify it!

First, you don't need a 10-step skincare routine and don't listen to anyone telling you that you need more than three steps. If you want it, go for it! For some, it can be a relaxing and luxurious experience, for others a 10-step routine sounds like absolute torture and not something they ever want to do, so don't do it! Keep in mind, if you are trying to address concerns you have with your skin you may need more than three steps, but that isn't the place I recommend starting if you have never had a routine.

So what are the steps that everyone should be using?

Step 1: Cleanser

Your skincare will not be able to work properly if you are not adequately cleansing your skin. Double cleansing in the morning is not recommended, but please do it at night! You need to properly remove all of the oil and dirt from the day and then properly cleanse your skin afterwards.

Step 2: Moisturizer

Moisturizer. Everyone should be using a moisturizer! Yes, even if you are dealing with oily or acne-prone skin. Find one that works for you and use it twice a day.

Step 3: Sunscreen

SPF needs to be used 365 days a year. If you are a human being with a heartbeat, you need to be using sunscreen. There are some cases (like my night-shift workers that come and go in the dark) where I may tell a patient that they don't need to use sunscreen, but as a general rule of thumb, you should be applying your sunscreen in the morning at the very least and ideally reapplying every two hours.

Okay, those are the steps, but what does that look like day to day?

Morning:

1. Cleanse

2. Moisturize

3. SPF (30+): reapply every two hours

Evening:

1. Cleanse (oil or balm cleanser)

2. Cleanse (foaming or gel cleanser)

3. Moisturize

Your morning and evening routine does not need to be complicated for you to start taking care of your skin. If these are all the steps you want to do and you're happy with where your skin is at, then you can stop here. If you want to address a skincare concern that isn't being addressed within these steps, talk to a professional and they can help you address your concerns.