Every person knows their own skin better than anyone else. But, there is a basic formula of skin care steps that everyone should include in their regimen that ensures they are getting the best results!
Whether you are using a foaming, gel, milky, or creamy cleanser depends on your preference as well as skin type (see our instagram post to find out which is best for your skin). Either way, there is no doubt you need a good cleanser to have healthy skin.
In an interview with Today, Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist, the secret weapon to healthy skin is face toner.
"Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen," she said.
That's not all toner can do. King outlined some additional benefits:
Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your face with it will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores.
Our skin is naturally acidic, typically with a pH balance of between five and six (on a scale from 0 to 14). But that balance can get out of whack after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of soap. When this happens, your skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels (and that may result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance quickly.
Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.
Some toners are humectants, which means they help to bind moisture to the skin.
Toner can also be used in lieu of washing your skin when it's oily or dirty. It will leave your skin revitalized even when you're on the go.
Toners containing glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can help to prevent ingrown hairs, so it also aids in grooming.
I personally started revamping my skin care routine when I started working at Skin Ink & Laser and learned of all the benefits certain products can have when you include them in your daily skin care regimen.
Eye cream is my favorite skin care product because I see the greatest results! I can go to bed looking like the witch from Snow White and wake up looking and feeling like a Kardashian - all in a night's work.
From this.... (those dark circles though)
To this....
Obviously the changes are not that drastic but it certainly feels like it sometimes, and with reason!
According to Patricia Farris, MD., "Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye, so they tend to be thicker. They contain more oil than a regular facial lotion, and they have a lot of active ingredients aimed at the problems we see around the eyes."
The skin around the eyes is more fragile, more prone to dryness, and quicker to show age and fatigue. Squinting and constant movement of the eyes also hasten the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles. Eye creams address some of these issues!
GET YA SOME. You'll thank me later.
Moisturizer's basic job is to add moisture to dry skin and to keep it from drying out again. But moisturizer can have so many more benefits.
1. Prevent Dryness
Cold weather or hot weather, air conditioning or indoor heat; did you know that all of these environmental factors can suck the moisture right out of your skin? Not to mention those hot showers and baths that feels amazing but can dry out skin. That’s where a good moisturizer comes in. It not only replaces moisture that’s already been lost but helps prevent future loss.
2. Slow The Signs of Aging
Fact: Hydrated skin is younger-looking skin. You’re thinking, “why do I need to think about that now?”. Because it’s never too early to start preventing future fine lines and wrinkles. And that plump, firm feeling you get after giving your face a dose of hydration is actually helping to slow down the process.
3. Help Fight Acne
It might seem strange to add more moisture to already oily-prone skin, but it actually makes sense. Think of it like this: When your skin gets dry, it sends a message to your glands to produce more oil that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. So, if skin is properly hydrated, it can actually help stop it from producing more oil than it needs.
4. Protection From The Sun
We can’t tell you enough how important it is to use a product with SPF, even in colder months. Since dermatologists recommend using SPF every day, why not go for a 2-in-1 moisturizer that contains sun protection?
5. Soothe Sensitive Skin
Got red, irritated skin? Have dry, itchy patches? Sensitive skin needs extra special care. Look for a moisturizer that has soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, and honey, just to name a few.
To take your skin care regimen up ANOTHER level, there are AM and PM moisturizers that have different benefits to your skin.
My personal favorite night-time moisturizer is EltaMD's PM Therapy. It
We sell EltaMD's AM and PM Therapy at Skin Ink & Laser, so if you are looking to take your skin care routine to the next level, stop by and purchase your own!
In conclusion, if you are wanting to take extra care of your skin, make sure to add the right of cleanser, toner, eye cream, and AM/PM moisturizers for your skin type to your daily regimen.......AND DON'T YOU DARE FORGET THAT SUNSCREEN!
