Get Clear Skin in 5 Easy Steps
Make a Splash: Remedies for skin problems are readily available.
Your New 5-Step Skincare Routine
By Melissa Perrault, Cosmetology Advisor
Let me make something perfectly clear . . . your skin! When entering the world of skincare, finding a practical routine that delivers results and is easy to follow can be challenging. Follow these 5 simple steps to begin your journey to healthy, balanced, safe, and efficient skincare. Here’s the plan.
1. Pre-cleanse: Apply an oil-based cleanser to your dry face and neck. Massage into skin, and remove with a cotton pad or microfiber towel. The oil will gently break up any makeup, sweat, or product built up from the day. A pre-cleanse will allow your regular facial cleanser to penetrate deep inside your pores without first working past makeup and residue. No mascara left behind here! Personal favorite: Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Oil.
2. Cleanse: On damp or dry skin, massage your regular cleanser into your face and neck to deep cleanse your pores and surface layer of skin. Ah, here’s where you get that squeaky clean feeling. Personal favorite: MILK Vegan Facial Cleanser
3. Exfoliate: Look at that! You’re half way done already! Apply your exfoliant onto damp skin and gently massage, letting the product do the work. Exfoliating can be done chemically or physically, and I recommend using either 2 to 3 times a week. The purpose of exfoliating your skin is to remove dead skin cells from the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, allowing new healthy cells to grow in their place. This causes your white blood cells to promote healthy new collagen and elastin production to keep your face smooth, taught, and clean. Personal favorite: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliating Creme Cleanser
4. Tone/treat: Now, your skin is a bit vulnerable at this point. Completely clean and exposed to the outside world. Intentionally apply products to target and treat your problem areas. Some of the most common products used here are:
• Toners for redness and sensitive skin
• Hyaluronic acid for hydration and tightening
• Retinol for acne/breakouts
Personal favorites: Thayers Toning Mist and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
5. Moisturize/protect: And last, but certainly not least, after all our skin has been through, it needs to be moistened and protected from external components, namely sun, makeup, and dirt. Moisturizing and wearing SPF 15+ are vital daily steps to your best skincare routine. Apply moisturizer to the face and neck twice a day—leaving your heavier serums, cremes, and under-eye products for nighttime. Personal favorite: Skin Script Peptide Restoration Moisturizer
Skin is our body’s largest organ, protecting us from external elements. By investing in your skincare routine, you’re investing in yourself. Connect your body’s ability to protect and heal with your mind’s ability to aid it. The vibrant results will glow from the inside out. —Melissa
