Skincare Products to Consider For Your Routine

We're all pretty familiar with the skincare basics. You wash, you moisturize, and you protect. The right skincare products are an essential part of a healthy routine. That's why you need to be sure you're making the best choices for your skin type.

Unfortunately, with the sheer number of products available on the market, finding the right products for your ideal skincare routine can be quite overwhelming. That's because every person is different, and their skin needs are just as versatile.

Not quite sure how to begin developing the perfect skincare routine for you? In this article, we'll help walk you through the essentials so you can find the right skincare products for your unique skin.

What Skin Care Products Should I Include in My Routine?

We've put together a list of some skincare products to consider using as part of your routine that will keep your skin looking healthy and silky smooth.

Clay Masks are a popular choice and are best known for absorbing excess oil from the skin. However, masks are not a one-size-fits-all. It'll takes a while to find the one that's right for you but the search is absolutely worth it. A high quality cosmetic clay formula is a very effective deep cleanser, can help manage dry skin and prevent mild forms of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Skin Exfoliators are another essential tool to consider as part of your skincare routine. They are used to remove dead skin cells and debris that clog pores. Skin exfoliators come in two primary categories:

• Physical Exfoliators remove dead skin from the top layer of the skin and usually come in the form of a scrub or a brush that you gently scrub across your skin to lift away dirt and debris.
• Chemical Exfoliators are a form of acid that breaks down the dead skin cells and lifts them from the top layer leaving a wonderful new layer to give you are healthy glow. These exfoliators usually come in the form of creams, gels, lotions, or even serums. Although this type of skin exfoliator is more effective than a physical exfoliator, it’s more likely to cause irritation and dryness if it is left on for too long so proceed with caution.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a type of chemical exfoliator that help remove dead skin cells and debris from the top layer of the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are typically used in the cosmetic industry to treat signs of aging. They can also be used to improve the texture, tone, and pigmentation of the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids have become more prevalent in recent years, with many companies adding them to their skincare product lineup.

Moisturizers are an essential in your skincare routine. They help protect and soothe your skin while keeping it hydrated. Moisturizers are especially essential during the winter, and as you age because your skin naturally becomes drier and requires extra moisture.

Dry Brushes are a form of physical exfoliation used on dry skin to help remove dead skin cells and debris. A dry brush is a soft, roundish brush made of wood and plastic. It comes in both short and long handles to be used on all parts of the body.

Mild & Gentle Cleansers are great for sensitive skin and can help cleanse and remove all traces of makeup. Most mild & gentle cleansers are free of harsh chemicals used in chemical exfoliators and moisturizers.

Toners help prepare the skin for moisturizing products and help to refresh and tone the skin. Toners can also be used to help restore your skin's natural pH level and remove dry or dull skin from the skin’s surface.

Spot Treatments are products used to treat specific areas on the face. They usually come in the form of a gel or cream that you apply directly to the targeted area. Spot treatments are great for targeting blemishes, acne, rough patches of skin, and other areas that need special attention. Spot treatments can be used in combination with other skincare products or as a standalone. You probably would not include one in your routine per se, but it's always handy to have one around for those occasional emergencies.

Natural Oils are an important part of a healthy skincare routine. They are an excellent way to moisturize your face and keep it hydrated. Most natural oils also have antioxidant properties that help to fight free radicals which can cause premature aging and damage your skin. However, if you have naturally oily skin, you may want to skip this product.

Sunscreen is an absolute must-have in any skincare routine because it protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. If you don't wear sunscreen, you can develop dark sunspots and wrinkles. A lot of moisturizers these days include SPF but they often leave a white residue on the skin. You can rub in that residue but it's not always the greatest feeling as you go about your day feeling a little over-creamed.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has many benefits for your skin. It helps stimulate the production of collagen, which is the main structural protein in your skin. Retinol is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin against the free radicals that can cause premature aging. Although it helps correct uneven and dull skin, using too much retinol can cause skin irritation.

Serums are powerful products that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients. They are beneficial for targeting specific skin issues, such as wrinkles, discoloration, and acne. Because serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients, they can be too strong for some people. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to negative reactions to skincare products, you may want to start with lower concentrations of the active ingredients first. It's also a good idea to test a small spot on your skin first in case you get a reaction.

How to Build an Ideal Skin Care Routine: 3 Tips to Get You Started

Skincare routines can be overwhelming, but when you get it right, it’s so worth the effort! You feel great, you look great, and you can repeat and iterate a good routine that’ll last for years. Here are three tips to get you started on the right track!

Your skin type is a very important factor in choosing your skincare products. You need to find products that are designed for your particular skin type to get the best results. If your skin type is dry, choose products rich in moisturizers. If your skin is oily, choose products that can mop up and control that excess sebum. If your skin is sensitive, choose gentle products that don't irritate your skin. If you don't know your skin type, it might be worth having a professional perform a skin analysis so you know what kind of products will most likely work best for you.