With so many fabulous skincare products on the market, it can be intimidating to put together a simple and effective skincare routine for day and night time. If the confusion with layering skincare products is your primary concern, then you’re in the right place! Let’s take a closer look.
The Basics of Skincare
The correct application of skincare products makes a huge difference. An easy way to remember the layering process is to first apply the products with the thinnest consistency, followed by thicker creams. You want to use products containing active ingredients to penetrate and serums that need to be absorbed evenly. Let’s look at how we broke down a simple skincare routine.
- Cleanser
Whether it’s day or night, a good cleanser is irreplaceable. When you wake up or reach home after having a long work day, your skin will be covered with impurities, sweat, and dead skin cells. We recommend rinsing your face with warm water and a cleanser designed for your skin type to start off with a clean canvas. You can never go wrong with a hydrating cleanser with minimal fragrance and chemicals.
- Toner
There’s a common misconception that toners are harsh and irritating. This is because old-fashioned toners were used to balance skin’s pH after using harsh ingredients. The trend has changed – toners contain tonic acids, hydrating acids, and antioxidants. However, toning is not required and can be skipped if your skin does not need it.
- Serum
Adding a night serum to your daily skincare routine can benefit your anti-aging journey. Concentrated serums are usually free of fillers, and gentle. They contain active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to provide a youthful appearance: vitamin C for hyperpigmentation, hyaluronic acid to lock moisture in your skin, niacinamide for facial redness, and much more.
Retinols have quickly grown in popularity, thanks to their beauty benefits. It combats every skincare issue, whether it’s fine lines, pores, uneven complexion, or acne. Consult a dermatologist to incorporate vitamin A in your skincare routine.
- Eye cream
In your 20s, applying eye cream at least once a day (preferably in the evening) will maintain the health of your skin surrounding the eye. Regular use will boost collagen and elasticity in your eyelid skin while helping to prevent fine lines. Choosing an eye cream with sunscreen is even better for daytime use. Look for ingredients such as caffeine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Moisturizer
Don’t ever skip this step! Moisturizers have heavier formulas than other products since they lock in hydration and moisturize the skin. No matter how acne-prone and oily your skin is, every skin type requires a hydrating moisturizer to prevent dryness—moisturizers containing humectants including glycerine and hyaluronic acid work best.
- Sunscreen
Sun protection is the last step in your daytime skincare routine. Protection is key. It’s your first line of defence against skin cancer. Always opt for sunscreens with SPF 30 or more for maximal protection against UV radiation.
Wrap Up
Once your skin adjusts to a basic skincare routine, you can add spot treatments and other oils and products here and there. Additional steps include acne treatments, facial oils, exfoliators, and face masks. Remember, less is more. Sticking to a few products with essential ingredients will benefit you more. Trust the process and stay consistent with your skincare routine.
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Didsbury Dental for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
