The “Perfect” Skincare Routine

1. Cleansing. Washing your face should be the first step of any skincare routine. In the morning, you want to use a water-based cleanser to remove any dirt, excess oil, sebum (an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands), or dead skin cells, and prep your skin for the rest of your products. My recommendation is to wash your face with your fingers for at least 60 seconds. This is called the 60-Second Rule, coined by esthetician Nayamka Roberts-Smith, and it seriously changed my skin. According to Roberts-Smith, this method “allows the ingredients in the cleanser to actually work…softens the skin and dissolves sebum blockages better. Texture and overall evenness improves.”

2. Toner. Applying a hydrating toner is essential after cleansing to restore your skin’s pH level and prep it for more products. You should apply it morning and night, with a cotton pad or your hands. Personally, I use my hands because that way you save product, and it’s more eco-friendly than cotton pads. There are also exfoliating toners, which are just chemical exfoliants and cannot be used in the same way as hydrating toners.

3. Moisturize. Moisturizing locks in all of your hard work, hydrating and softening the skin. There’s really nothing else to say about it but: moisturize your face.

4. SPF. Do you think just because you’re sitting inside all day on Zoom the sun’s UV rays won’t hunt you down and attack your skin? Well if so, you are incorrect. It is critical to apply sunscreen every day, no matter the weather. And using a lotion-sunscreen hybrid  isn’t going to cut it, you should use an SPF 30 to 50 sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using one-fourth to one-half teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck. This amount equates to using two fingers-worth (index and middle fingers) of product, also known as the two-finger rule. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re spending time outside.

1. Double Cleanse. Double cleansing goes beyond your standard morning cleanse, first utilizing a cleansing oil or cleansing balm, then a water-based cleanser. Cleansing oils and balms will loosen up any dirt, makeup, or excess sebum, making it easier for the water-based cleanser to clean everything up. According to Dermstore, “Oil attracts oil and is therefore more effective at removing it.” Finding an oil/balm cleanser for your skin type is crucial, as you don’t want to use anything that can irritate your skin. You should gently massage your dry face with oil/balm cleanser for around 30 seconds, rinse it off with water, and follow it up with the water-based cleanser.

3. Exfoliate. It’s time to exfoliate! And don’t even think about picking up that St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I see you…put it down. There are two types of exfoliants, chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliants include AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acid), BHAs (beta-hydroxy acid), and PHAs (polyhydroxy acid). They rid your face of dead skin cells and regenerate your skin. Physical exfoliants do the same things, except they come in the form of a scrub.  The main exfoliant in St. Ives Apricot Scrub is crushed walnut shells, which can create microtears in your skin with prolonged use. If you use a physical exfoliant, make sure it’s not too rough on your skin. If using a physical exfoliant, exfoliation should be your second step and toning should come after. You should only be exfoliating two to three times a week, especially if using a physical exfoliant. Both chemical and physical exfoliants can cause irritation, so be careful when using either method.

4. Treatments and Serums. Serums deliver specific active ingredients to the skin including moisture retention, anti-aging, hydration, brightening, and many more. There are a bunch of different serums and treatments that can do a lot for your skin, and work specifically for your skin type. Don’t be afraid to find a serum or two that’ll work for you! Apply by putting a few drops on your fingers and massaging into the skin.

5. Moisturize. Finish off your skincare routine by sealing in your products with a cream.