Tag Archive for: skin care

When it comes to skincare, there are certain ingredients that have become staples in the industry because of their versatility and effectiveness. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA’s) are two such ingredients. These acids have become popular because of their ability to improve a range of skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation to wrinkles and dullness.

AHA’s and BHA’s have distinct properties, but when they’re combined in certain products—especially serums—they offer unique and powerful benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore what sets AHA’s and BHA’s apart, how they work on the skin, and the advantages of using them in tandem.

The Basics: What Are AHA’s and BHA’s?

Both AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants. They help shed the outer layers of dead skin cells, which promotes new cell growth. However, they differ in the way they interact with the skin.

Alpha-hydroxy acids

AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from natural sources. Some examples include glycolic acid which comes from sugar cane, lactic acid which comes from milk, and citric acid which is derived from citrus fruits. Since AHAs are water-soluble, they primarily work on the skin’s surface to dissolve dead skin cells. AHAs improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and encourage hydration. These benefits are particularly beneficial for dry or sun-damaged skin.

Beta-hydroxy acids

BHAs are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve in oil. They work to clear pores and minimize blackheads. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. It’s known for its ability to work within pores to dissolve sebum and prevent clogging. Because BHAs are fat-soluble, they’re best suited for oily and problematic skin types.

The Benefits of AHAs in Skincare

AHAs are renowned for their exfoliating properties, but they offer a range of additional benefits:

  • Brighter Complexion
    • By exfoliating dead cells from the skin’s surface, AHAs reveal fresher, brighter skin. This promotes a healthy glow.
  • Improved Skin texture
    • Regular use of AHAs can lead to smoother, softer skin. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with rough or bumpy skin.
  • Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles
    • AHAs stimulate the production of collagen, which is an essential protein that keeps skin firm and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why it’s often used in “anti-aging” solutions.
  • Reduced Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
    • AHAs accelerate cell turnover, which helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
  • Increased Hydration
    • AHAs increase moisture retention within the skin by binding water molecules to the skin, which helps keep it plump and hydrated.

The Benefits of BHAs in Skincare

BHAs provide a different set of benefits, particularly for oily and problematic skin types:

  • Cleaning out Oil-Filled Pores
    • Due to their oil-soluble nature, BHAs can soak into the lipid layers of the skin, allowing them to reach deeper into the pores. They can help dissolve oil, and clear out clogged pores.
  • Soothing Properties
    • BHAs like salicylic acid are naturally soothing. This property makes them gentle on the skin, even though they work on a deeper level. BHAs can help reduce redness and soothe irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin types.
  • Exfoliation Without Drying
    • Some exfoliating ingredients can be harsh on the skin. BHAs exfoliate without stripping the skin’s microbiome and essential moisture.
  • Reduction of Blackheads and Whiteheads
    • Because BHAs target oil within the pores, they can reduce blackheads and whiteheads, which improves the skin’s overall appearance.

Why Do Some Skincare Products Combine AHAs and BHAs?

Using AHAs and BHAs together can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. When a high-quality skincare product combines these acids, it can provide comprehensive exfoliation, target different layers of the skin, and treat various issues at once. Here are some of the primary benefits of using products, such as serums, that contain both AHAs and BHAs:

  • Enhanced Exfoliation
    • Since AHAs work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs work on the oils within, the combination provides a dual-action exfoliation that leaves the skin thoroughly refreshed from the surface to the pores.
  • Addresses Multiple Skin Concerns
    • Using both AHAs and BHAs means you can address concerns related to texture, pigmentation, and clogged pores all at once. AHAs improve texture and glow, while BHAs improve clogged pores.
  • Balanced Skin pH and Enhanced Absorption
    • The acidic nature of both AHAs and BHAs helps lower the skin’s pH temporarily, which supports the active penetration of other active ingredients. This maximizes the efficiency of additional ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
  • Reduced Risk of Over-Exfoliation
    • Combining lower concentrations of AHAs and BHAs in a single product allows for a gentler approach to exfoliation, rather than using high concentration of a single acid on its own.

Skin Serums as a Delivery Mechanism

Serums are one of the best delivery mechanisms for combining AHAs and BHAs. Their lightweight consistency allows for even distribution and quick absorption of the active ingredients. In general, serums are designed to soak into the skin. Moisturizers on the hand, sit on the surface of the skin and lock in hydration.

Additionally, since serums are usually applied after cleansing and before other steps in your skincare routine, they can create an effective base for the other products and moisture that your skincare regimen involves. This is one of the ways that high-quality serums enhance the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.

Tips for Using AHAs and BHAs Together

While combining these acids can provide many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the strength and concentration of these kinds of products in order to avoid potential irritation. As you incorporate these acids into your routine, be careful to:

  • Start with a patch test: apply the product to a small area of your skin first to ensure there is no adverse reaction
  • Use sunscreen daily: these acids increase sensitivity to the sun. Always use sunscreen to prevent damage to the skin from UV radiation
  • Monitor frequency of use: you don’t need to use AHAs and BHAs daily. A combination serum can be used two to three times per week and still be effective. Find the rate of use that works for you and your skin type

In Conclusion

AHAs and BHAs are staple ingredients in skincare products respectively. But the benefits of combining these ingredients in one product are remarkable. An AHA/BHA serum can provide a balanced, multi-functional approach to skincare. Whether you’re looking to brighten, smooth, or clear your skin, these acids are a crucial part of almost any skincare regimen.

Enjoy a more radiant, youthful complexion with AHAs and BHAs.

A bad sunburn can ruin even the best moments. Between the pain and the peeling, it can be days—a week even—before your skin returns to normal. Discomfort aside, excessive UV exposure can damage your DNA. And that’s always bad news.

To avoid all this, it’s best to slather on some sunscreen. Easy enough, right? Well, sort of.

When it comes to choosing sunscreen, the options may be overwhelming. Between active ingredients, SPF ratings, and so much more, there’s a lot to unpack. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.

Why Use Sunscreen: The Dangers of UV Rays

Avoiding the discomfort of a sunburn is all the motivation most of us need to wear sunscreen. But sunscreen isn’t just about preventing sunburns. It’s about protecting your skin to keep it healthy and happy throughout your life.

Fun in the sun has many benefits. Sunshine helps you get the vitamin D you need, can boost your mood, and may even help reduce stress. But the effects of the sun aren’t all positive. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays—UVA and UVB—that can damage your skin. UVB rays, which have a shorter wavelength than UVA rays, are responsible for sunburns. UVA rays don’t cause burns, but they penetrate more deeply into skin cells. Both types cause DNA damage, which may lead to genetic mutation.

Brief exposure to UVA and UVB rays probably won’t cause noticeable skin damage, but over time these rays can damage skin cells and age your skin prematurely. As skin ages it loses elasticity causing wrinkles and creases to form—UV exposure may accelerate this process.

So how can you avoid this? Shutting yourself in your house isn’t exactly practical, and thankfully it’s not your only option. With a little bit of preparation—and a lot of sunscreen—you can enjoy the sun’s benefits while still protecting your skin.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two main types of sunscreen on the market: mineral (also called physical) and chemical. Both types of sunscreen protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays, but they achieve this in different ways. Let’s take a look at each:

  • Mineral sunscreen: Mineral or physical sunscreens typically have one of two active ingredients: titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They sit on your skin’s surface and block UV rays from entering. In other words, they act as a physical barrier or shield to protect your skin. Mineral sunscreens used to be thick, leaving the skin with a visible white sheen after application. Nowadays, sunscreen manufacturers use nanoparticles (larger, broken up particles) in their sunscreen ingredients to help lessen this effect. Some sunscreens even add a tint to reduce this sheen even more.
  • Chemical sunscreen: Rather than blocking the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb them. When you’re in the sun, a chemical sunscreen lets UV rays enter, but a chemical reaction converts the harmful UV light into heat which is released off your skin. The ingredients typically found in this type of sunscreen are avobenzone, aminobenzoic acid, octocrylene, octisalate, and oxybenzone.

At this point, you probably have one big question: which type of sunscreen should I use? That depends.

Neither chemical nor mineral sunscreen is inherently better than the other. Both achieve the primary goal of sunscreen: preventing UV rays from damaging the skin for a period of time. There are, however, a number of pros and cons of each to consider.

Some of the chemicals used in chemical sunscreen—especially oxybenzone—have received negative press due to safety concerns. With that said, more research is needed to determine if these ingredients are actually harmful. And for now, they remain cleared by the FDA.

Another concern with chemical sunscreen is skin allergies. For people with sensitive skin and certain skin conditions (melasma and rosacea), its ingredients can cause allergic reactions or make existing skin conditions worse. If you experience these side effects, try switching to a chemical sunscreen with different active ingredients or move to a mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens also do not offer immediate protection—they take 20–30 minutes to absorb into the skin before offering sun protection.

If you’re worried about exposing your skin to the ingredients in chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen is probably a better fit for you. Its two main ingredients—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—have been approved by the FDA for decades. And as mentioned above, it can be better for sensitive skin.

Because it sits on top of the skin, mineral sunscreen doesn’t have to be absorbed to be effective, meaning it gives you immediate UV protection after it’s applied. But this form of  sunscreen also has its drawbacks. As it sits on your skin, it may clog your pores to contribute to or exacerbate acne breakouts. And let’s face it, nobody loves the white sheen of sunscreen—something that’s much more common with mineral sunscreens.

What is SPF: Demystifying Sunscreen Strength

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of sunscreen is SPF. This rating, a number shown on the front of most sunscreen bottles, indicates the strength of the sunscreen. But what does it actually mean? Let’s break it down.

SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, measures how well any given product protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Going into the sun without any protection at all can be considered as 0 SPF—the baseline against which all sunscreen products are measured. A sunscreen with a rating of SPF 15 means it takes 15 times the amount of sun exposure for your skin to burn than wearing no sunscreen at all.

It’s important to note that SPF does not measure the amount of time you can spend in the sun without getting burned. Rather, it measures the amount of solar exposure required to burn your skin. And these two things are subtly different. Consider the following example: one sunny morning you spend an hour outside at 9 a.m. and come inside without the slightest hint of a burn. The next day you spend one hour outside at 2 p.m. and get a slight sunburn. How is this possible? While the time spent in the sun was the same, the UV index was not. At 2 p.m. more of the sun’s ultraviolet rays were reaching the earth—and your skin.

As it turns out, our eyes aren’t too good at judging the UV index. Weather, altitude, and location can all affect UV index causing UV rays to be more or less intense, even if it looks cloudy. Many weather apps show the UV index throughout the day. So when in doubt, just double check. And always wear sunscreen when you’re outside.

How and When to Use Sunscreen

When it comes to sun protection, it’s crucial you use sunscreen correctly. This isn’t as simple as throwing some on in the morning and going about your day, but it’s not complicated either. Read on for a rundown of how to use sunscreen to get the best results.

  • How much sunscreen is enough? When applying (or reapplying) sunscreen, it’s important you use the correct amount. Dermatologists recommend applying about one shot glass—or 1.5 ounces—of sunscreen for your body and an additional teaspoon for your face. If this seems like a lot, that’s because it is. Most people under-apply sunscreen, ending up with uneven and partial coverage.
  • When should I reapply sunscreen? Regardless of your sunscreen’s SPF rating, you should reapply it at least every two hours. If you go for a swim, reapply when you get out of the water. And if you’re sweating heavily, be sure to reapply your sunscreen more frequently as your sweat may wash it off of your skin. Mineral sunscreens offer immediate protection, but it’s a good idea to wait 30 minutes after applying chemical sunscreens before heading back into the sun.
  • When should I wear sunscreen? If you’re going to be in the sun at all, it never hurts to wear sunscreen. Many skincare and cosmetics companies offer low SPF products (usually around 15 SPF) designed for daily use. And if you’re planning to be in the sun for a longer period of time (30 minutes and up) or plan to be out when the UV index is the highest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF. Oh…and don’t forget to reapply every two hours!

Sunscreen Myths and Misconceptions

In today’s world sunscreen is widely available and commonly used. But there are still a number of myths and misconceptions that need to be cleared up.

One of the most common sunscreen myths is that it actually causes sunburns and increases damage to your skin. There’s not any evidence to support this claim, but there is a possible explanation as to why people might think this way. And it all comes down to not using sunscreen correctly. Here’s the situation: when people wear sunscreen they sometimes feel it enables them to disregard other sun-exposure best practices. They stay out for hours without wearing protective clothing or reapplying sunscreen. As discussed, it’s absolutely vital to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. So in this case, sunscreen is not causing sunburns but it is leading to riskier behavior.

This takes us right into another myth about sunscreen: anything over SPF 50 is actually bad for you. Again, there isn’t any evidence to support this conclusion. Researchers have observed the same pattern of riskier behavior from those who apply a higher SPF sunscreen. Even if you are wearing 75 SPF sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied every two hours or after swimming.

The Bottom Line

If you’re going to be basking in the sun, sunscreen is a must—it protects your skin, keeping it elastic and healthy for years to come. Apply more sunscreen than you think you need and reapply every two hours. If you find that sunscreen is causing your skin to break out, don’t drop it entirely. Instead try switching to a chemical sunscreen or finding one that’s formulated for acne and sensitive skin. With all of the products available, it’s worth finding the sunscreen that works best for you, your skin, and your lifestyle.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/chemical-vs-mineral-sunscreen-whats-difference/

https://blogs.cdc.gov/cancer/2019/05/01/the-truth-about-sunscreen-7-facts-that-will-set-you-straight-for-skin-protection-this-summer/

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/

https://cen.acs.org/business/consumer-products/What-in-sunscreen-and-how-does-it-protect-your-skin-from-the-sun-rays/99/i27

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/

https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/sun-protection-factor-spf

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/07/sun-skin

As your body’s largest organ, your skin is your first line of defense against toxins and external threats. And it’s also the first thing people see, so we take care of it to look our best. Luckily, your skin’s function and appearance are connected.

Dry, cracked skin is more vulnerable to environmental effects. On the other hand, plump and hydrated skin functions how it should, sealing out irritants and locking in moisture.

And though you may not have heard of them, ceramides are one of the most important components of your skin. They’re masters at protecting and helping retain moisture. Recently, ceramides have even become a key ingredient in many skincare products. These creams and moisturizers fortify your natural ceramide levels to help support your skin’s health.

What Are Ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids that make up about 50% of your skin’s composition and play a primary role in the function and appearance of your skin barrier. The rest of your skin consists of layers of cells that are constantly dying out and refreshing themselves with new cells. You’re likely familiar with the epidermis and dermis skin layers, but it may surprise you that these layers of tightly packed cells rely on a biochemical “seal” for the skin to function properly. This makes ceramides every bit as important to your epidermis as your skin cells themselves. Think of ceramides as the glue that holds your skin cells together to form a functional barrier. The healthier this barrier is the more it protects, even keeping your skin better hydrated.

When applied topically, ceramides can support moisture levels and keep the skin barrier healthy. Ceramides can be synthetic (man-made) or natural, like the ones found in your outer layers of skin. To really understand what they are, let’s dip into the biochemistry. Don’t worry—we’ll make it quick and easy.

All ceramides are made up of a compound called sphingosine—a chain of carbon atoms with an amino acid bonded to it. When sphingosine binds to other fatty acids, it forms ceramides. There are 12 distinct types of ceramides, named ceramide 1-12, based on the type of sphingosine it is and the kind of fatty acid that binds to it.

Why do Ceramides Matter?

Skin problems may emerge if your ceramides are not functioning properly. Age and sun damage can reduce the effectiveness of your natural ceramides. Eventually, as ceramide levels are depleted, a weakened skin barrier can lead to drier, more problematic skin. The metric that cosmetic scientists use to measure skin hydration is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Dry or irritated skin has higher TEWL, and reduced water-binding capacity.

Ceramide-rich skincare products help to support and balance your skin, and reduce TEWL, even after ceramide levels have diminished.

The skin-nurturing benefits of ceramides can:

  • Fortify your skin’s protective barrier
  • Help your skin retain moisture
  • Rejuvenate your skin’s appearance
  • Support plumper, smoother-looking skin with fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles

The Right Ceramide Products for You

Proper packaging keeps your ceramide products performing at their best. As you look for quality ceramide products, avoid glass jars or clear packaging. Many of the most popular “antiaging” skincare ingredients are sensitive to oxidation and can lose their effectiveness when exposed to light and air. So, look for tubes or opaque bottles with pumps and airtight dispensers.

If a product contains ceramides it will be listed in the ingredients. Also look for ceramide-related ingredients like phytosphingosine and sphingosine. All of these support your skin’s natural production of ceramides when applied topically. And it may be even easier—with such sought-after benefits, many products display these ingredients front and center on the package.

Ceramides are beneficial for all types of skin, even sensitive skin, because they are a natural component of your epidermis. If you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine or are still a novice in the world of skincare, try a product with ceramides and experience the benefits of moisturized, healthy-looking skin!

beautiful skin in the snow

beautiful skin in the snow

For many, winter conjures images of beautiful, frozen landscapes: snow covered trees, icicles, all that good stuff. For others, the associations are less pleasant: cracked skin, chapped lips, and endless applications of moisturizer.

Love it or hate it, winter can wreak havoc on your skin. And the same is true of summer, though its effects on skin are of a different variety.

If you already have a skincare regimen in place, these seasonal changes can be frustrating. Who wants healthy, hydrated skin three seasons a year, only to have dry skin all winter? No one does. Fortunately, most of these seasonal skincare fiascos can be avoided. All it takes is a little foresight and some slight adjustments to your existing skincare routine.

Skincare and the Seasons: How the Weather Affects Your Skin

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the elements. And so it’s only natural that your skin changes as the weather shifts. Most of these changes have to do with the amount of moisture in the air.

During the winter, the air is cool and, for the most part, dry. Because the air is less humid than in the summer, your skin dries out much faster. This can lead to chapped and cracked skin, both of which you probably want to avoid altogether. The good news is that these effects can usually be mitigated with a slight adjustment to the moisturizing step of your skincare routine—but more on that later!

The summer typically has the opposite effect on skin. In the warmer months, the air is far more humid than it is during the rest of the year. High humidity can cause your sebaceous glands—which produce the oil on your skin—to overproduce oil. This often results in excessively oily and shiny skin.

Your seasonal skin care needs will also depend on your skin type. If you have oily skin, for example, you may find that the winter doesn’t dry your skin out too much. Summer, on the other hand, might compound and increase your skin’s natural oily tendencies. Similarly, if you have naturally dry skin, it may be perfectly hydrated during the summer, but cracked and dry during the winter.

Knowing your skin and the way it’s affected by the weather is the first step in maintaining healthy skin year-round. The second step is adjusting your skincare regimen accordingly—which we’ll dive into in the next section.

Seasonal Skincare Regimen for Oily Skin

If you have oily type skin, your usual skincare regimen should have you covered three seasons a year. That is, during winter, spring, and fall, you shouldn’t have to stray from your usual cleanser, toner, moisturizer, or SPF protection. It’s the summer weather—heat and humidity—that could throw off your skin’s balance.

As you probably know—either from research or personal experience—oily skin doesn’t do well with heavy cream and lotions. Though they cleanse and moisturize just fine, these types of products tend to exacerbate the oiliness of already oily skin. And so your skincare routine for oily skin probably includes lighter, thinner products: gels, liquid cleansers, etc.

During the summer months, you may have to make some adjustments to the moisturizing and protecting steps of your routine. If you find your skin becoming excessively oily and shiny in the heat of the summer, start by adjusting your moisturizer. Are you using a moisturizing lotion? If so, you might try switching to a gel moisturizer for the summer. Or if you are using a moisturizer and a separate product for SPF protection, consider consolidating the steps and using a moisturizer that also provides sun protection.

Remember, you’re not reinventing the wheel. These adjustments to your skincare routine don’t have to be huge. Give yourself a week to see results and then check back in. If you’re still struggling to control oily skin, make some more adjustments.

Seasonal Skincare Regimen for Dry Skin

If your skin is naturally on the dry side, you likely have what’s known as dry type skin. For most of the year, your skincare routine should stay pretty consistent: a cream cleanser, your toner of choice, a cream or lotion moisturizer, and a layer of moisturizing SPF protection. During the winter, however, you may need to take the moisturizing step of your skincare regimen to another level.

Typically, this means using a heavier cleanser. And in the world of skincare products, heavier means thicker. If you usually use a moisturizing lotion, but find it insufficient during the winter months, try a cream moisturizer.

A facial oil is another approach you can try to help tackle dull and dry skin. It can be applied after your normal moisturizer to help lock in hydration and condition the skin.

More Sun Means More Protection

The final step of a well-rounded skincare routine is applying protection. This comes in the form of products with an SPF—or sun protection factor—rating. Typically, this is sunscreen, but these days many moisturizers and even makeup products provide some sun protection.

Now this might seem like a no-brainer, but it needs to be said: the more sun you are getting, the more you need to protect your skin.

If you spend hours on end in the sun during the summer months, ramp up your UV protection. This could mean using a stronger sunscreen (you should be using at least SPF 30) or reapplying more frequently throughout the day. And ideally you should be doing both.

Skincare Changes to Avoid

Adjusting your skincare routine can be scary, even when it’s necessary. Finding the perfect combination of products takes time and consistency—and changes often seem to threaten that delicate balance. So how can you adjust your skincare routine with the seasons without throwing off the balance you’ve worked so hard to maintain?

It’s not as hard as it sounds. You just have to focus on small changes. If you make multiple changes to your current routine, it will be difficult to determine which product is the problem if the new routine doesn’t work for your skin type.

Any new moisturizers or other products that you try, should only be added one at a time. If the individual change to your skincare routine gives you healthy, vibrant skin, it’s a good sign that you’re giving your skin the nutrients and care it needs.

Consistency is Key

If you have a regular skincare routine, you know that consistency is key. The same is true for your seasonal skincare adjustments. Any change you make is only as good as the consistency with which you implement it. Sure, sunscreen one day a week is better than no sunscreen at all, but only just. So buckle down and commit to your changes. If something works, stick with it. If you don’t see the results you want, try something else. And if all else fails, consult a dermatologist.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/beauty/get-skin-ready-for-summer-swimwear

https://www.dermstore.com/blog/skin-for-all-seasons/

https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/should-i-change-my-skin-care-routine-with-the-seasons/

https://www.vogue.com/article/winter-skin-care-products

https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-dry-skin-in-winter

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/the-ultimate-summer-skin-care-routine-in-8-simple-steps#moisturize

skincare application

skincare application

Skincare is often approached from an aesthetic standpoint. After all, most people want to feel good about the way they look. And healthy-looking skin is a great place to start.

But skin does so much more than simply dictate the way we look. Skin is the largest organ in—or on—your body. It protects you from bacteria, environmental factors, and the sun’s UV rays. It gets cut and scraped and stands up to the wear-and-tear of daily life. Needless to say, skin plays a pretty important role in your day-to-day health.

Here’s the good news: there are countless skincare products on the market. For those of us new to the skincare world, however, this can be a little intimidating. If you’re looking to start caring for your skin but don’t know where to start, look no further. This crash course in skincare will have you crafting a personalized skincare routine in no time.

The 4 Basic Skin Types

Before selecting products to improve your skin’s appearance, it’s important to know what you’re working with. Everyone’s skin is a little bit different, but it usually falls into one of four general categories: normal, oily, dry, or combination.

  • Normal Skin Type: As the name suggests, the normal skin type is, well, pretty normal. It’s not too dry, not too oily, and doesn’t have many noticeable imperfections. Additionally, normal type skin doesn’t have any particular sensitivities.
  • Oily Skin Type: If your skin is shiny or has a dull sheen to it, there’s a good chance you’ve got oily skin. Other hallmark features of the oily skin type are enlarged pores and blackheads. There’s also a good chance your face will feel slightly oily to the touch.
  • Dry Skin Type: As opposed to oily skin, dry skin has small pores and almost no shine to it. It may feel rough to the touch, have more wrinkles and creases in it, or be slightly less elastic than other skin types.
  • Combination Skin Type: As you read through the skin types above, did more than one seem like it described your skin? If so, you’ve probably got combination skin. This skin type refers to any combination of the skin types listed above. It’s very common to have an oily T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin), for example, while the rest of your face is normal or even dry.

Once you’ve identified your skin type, it’s time to start thinking about your skincare goals. But more on that in the next section.

Identifying Your Skincare Goals

You wouldn’t take cough syrup to treat a broken foot—it’s not the right tool for the job. Similarly, your skincare products should align with both your skin’s needs and your personal skincare goals. Are you trying to clear and reduce the appearance of wrinkles? Or simply keep your skin clean and hydrated? Whatever your end goal is, it will determine how you build your skincare routine.

Finding the right products can be tricky, but most skincare routines should follow the same four basic steps: clean, tone, moisturize, and protect (in that order). Within each of those four steps, there are countless products to choose from. As you select products for your skincare routine, pay attention to the active ingredients in each item you select. Different ingredients will have different effects—and you will want to choose ingredients that have the effect you want.

So what does this look like in practice? If you are creating a skincare routine for dry skin, you will want to choose a cleanser that’s gentle and can clean without removing all the oils on your skin. Similarly, you would want to stick to non-comedogenic products, which are specifically designed to avoid clogging pores. After all, using a pore-clogging skincare product would be a little counterintuitive, wouldn’t it?

How to Build a Skincare Routine: A Step-By-Step Guide

You’ve got the basics down, now let’s put it all together. How do you take all this information—your skin type, your skincare goals, etc.—and create a personalized skincare routine? Just like anything else in life, take it one step at a time.

Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is the process of removing dirt, grime, and other impurities from your skin. Precleans by removing makeup with a gentle makeup remover. Some cleansers are gentler than others, meaning they dry out the skin less and are less likely to cause skin irritation. If you have sensitive or dry skin, you will probably want to stick to a gentle cleanser, such as the Celavive Postbiotic Cleanser.

A quick rule of thumb for cleansers: if you have dry and sensitive skin, use a cleanser that comes as a lotion or cream; if you have oily skin, use a foaming cleanser. As mentioned above, the active ingredients in cleansers vary from product to product, so be sure to review the active ingredients before purchasing cleanser.

Step 2: Prep

After cleansing, you will want to prepare your skin. Part of this step is toning. Toning is a loosely defined step in skincare routines. It is sometimes described as the process of “balancing” the skin—that is, giving your skin any nutrients it is missing. Some toners include active ingredients that act as additional cleansers, helping to remove debris and unclog pores. Because the cleansing process can be a bit abrasive for your skin, many toners include botanical ingredients that help soothe the skin.

Step 3: Correct

This step is where you can personalize your routine through serums, eye creams, and masks. Tailor your selections to your goals and adjust as your skin’s needs evolve.

This phase is all about supporting your skin’s natural healing and renewal processes. Look for products with high‑quality, active ingredients that target your specific concerns. A well-formulated, high-potency serum, such as the Celavive Resurfacing Serum, can make a noticeable difference by delivering concentrated ingredients that exfoliate and help the skin appear brighter.

The skin around the eyes is the most delicate area of the face. Using an eye cream specifically formulated for this area helps provide gentle care while supporting hydration and maintaining a smooth, healthy-looking appearance.

For an added boost, consider using a sheet mask once a week. It’s an easy way to give your skin extra hydration or targeted treatment when it needs a little more care.

Step 4: Hydrate

Just like staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy, keeping your skin hydrated is an important aspect of skin care. And the best way to keep your skin hydrated is by including a good moisturizer in your daily skincare routine.

The most effective skin moisturizers tend to use plant-based oils to hydrate the skin. Different skin types do best with different types of moisturizers. If your skin is oily, you should use gel moisturizer. These tend to be mostly water-based, as opposed to oil-based. If you have dry or combination skin, opt for a moisturizer that comes as a lotion or cream.

When it comes to skin damage, one culprit is usually responsible: the sun’s UV rays. Even on cloudy days, your skin is exposed to UV rays that can dry it out and damage it. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: sunscreen or other SPF rated products.

Most experts recommend wearing a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF daily. This will help keep your skin protected throughout the day, reduce visible wrinkling, and help keep in moisture. (For your nightly skincare routine, you can skip the SPF.)

Consistency is Key

Like most health-related processes, skin care requires consistency. You can’t slap some cleanser and lotion on your face one night and expect to see immediate results—it takes time. Many active ingredients—like vitamin X, niacinamide, peptides, and exfoliating acids—deliver their best results overtime.

As you build your skincare routine, be sure to implement it daily. If you aren’t seeing the results you want, give it a couple of weeks. (There is an exception: if a product irritates your skin, don’t hesitate to swap it for something else.)

Once you have practiced your skincare routine consistently for two to three weeks, evaluate the results. If you aren’t seeing progress towards your goals, it might be time to re-evaluate the products you are using. And remember, be gentle with yourself. If you miss a day, there is always tomorrow to start again!

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965206X16000280?via%3Dihub
https://www.nytimes.com/guides/tmagazine/skincare-routine
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049607370/build-a-basic-skincare-routine-in-three-steps
https://askthescientists.com/science-of-skincare/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-treatments/art-20045814