It’s time to get your skincare routine on point with cruelty-free skincare products. Without a doubt, you know that the best way to have great skin is by using a routine. However, figuring out what products to use and what order can be daunting. No worries, we’ve got you covered with this skincare 101 guide to the must-have products you need for great skin.
1) Cleanser – If you want your hydrating and moisturizing products to work, you need to start with a high-quality cleanser. And you’ll actually want two. The first will be an oil cleanser to remove makeup. The second will be a cream cleanser to further clean your skin and remove any remaining impurities and environmental pollutants.
2) Toner – This is an essential product people have left out for too long. Gone are the days of those nasty toners that reek of alcohol. These days, there are much better options available to help you balance your skin’s pH levels and remove any final traces of makeup or dirt. A high-quality toner will help revitalize your skin and get it ready to receive the other products in your routine.
3) Serum – A serum is a product of many faces. You’ll see ones for pore-minimizing, anti-aging, calming, brightening and hydrating and filled with antioxidants. But which is right for you? That depends on your skin type and concerns. Serums are a powerhouse of active ingredients that can do wonders for your skin, so it’s essential to find the right one for you.
4) Eye Cream – The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, so it needs some extra love in the form of eye cream. This product is specifically designed to hydrate and protect the skin around your eyes and reduce puffiness and dark circles. They’re slightly different from general moisturizers, being a little thinner and easily absorbed by that soft skin around the eyes.
5) Moisturizer – A good moisturizer is essential for healthy, hydrated skin. And like with cleansers and toners, you’ll want to tailor your moisturizer to your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a light, gel-based moisturizer that won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, look for a richer moisturizer. If you’re unsure or have combination skin, we recommend trying some samples to find the perfect moisturizer for you.
6) Treatments – This category can contain a variety of products, from masks to peels to spot treatments. If you have a specific concern like large pores, acne or wrinkles, then you’ll want to find a treatment that is specifically designed to address that issue. For example, masks are a great way to give your skin a boost of hydration or detoxification, depending on the ingredients. Peels can help brighten and smooth the skin, while spot treatments can target specific areas of concern.
7) Night Cream – While you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, so it’s essential to give it some extra love at night with a good night cream. This product is usually heavier than a regular moisturizer. It is designed to work overnight to hydrate, repair and protect your skin. In addition, they often contain specific ingredients to help with this — antioxidants — giving you that fresh and healthy look in the morning.
Some Extras to Add to the List
These aren’t products. They’re habits. But just the same, you need them to make sure you’re giving your skin the best chance to look its best.
- Extra Water – Nothing can help skin like staying hydrated. Water is an essential component of healthy skin, so make sure you’re drinking enough each day. It’s recommended that you get at least eight glasses, but more is always better. To help make it happen, get a designated cup or tumbler and an app to help remind you to drink up.
- Extra Sleep – Getting enough rest is crucial for your overall health, and that includes your skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your face in the form of dark circles and dull skin. So make sure you’re getting at least seven to eight hours each night to help keep your skin looking its best.
- Extra Healthy Food – Certain food will do wonders for your skin, and some will make skin problems worse. So make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods to give your skin the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. And limit processed foods, sugary drinks and alcohol, which can lead to skin problems.
Three More You’ll Need: a Routine, Consistency, Patience
Having the best products to care for your skin and some healthy habits is good, but there are a few more things you’ll need if you want healthy skin for life:
- Routine – A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Still, it does wonders to ensure you’re using your products in the way and order they’re meant to be used. That means cleansing, toning and moisturizing every day, no matter what. It also means using treatments and night creams regularly.
- Consistency – This goes along with having a routine. If you want healthy skin, you can’t just use a product once and then never again. You need to be consistent with your skincare routine, using the products in the correct order and at the proper frequency. This is how you’ll see results.
- Patience – Just like with anything worth having, good skin takes time. You won’t see results overnight, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your routine. You’ll start to see improvements in your skin’s health and appearance over time if you do. We recommend taking some “before shots” and updating them every so often. Then, you can look back a couple of months down the line and be proud of the results your hard work has achieved.
Class Dismissed
So there you have it — skincare 101 — the basics of what you need to know about must-have products and how to create a routine to help you use them correctly. By following these simple tips, you’ll give your skin the best chance to look and feel its best.
If you’re unsure where to begin when purchasing your first proper set of products, a face gift set is a great way to try out a few different skincare products and see which ones work best for you. Then, adjust your routine and products as needed. Class dismissed!
