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Achieving healthy skin hinges on your skincare routine. Yet, navigating through a sea of promising products can be overwhelming. Adding to the complexity is knowing how and when to apply your skincare for optimal results. Here is a guide to streamline your skincare routine and kickstart your journey to healthy skin.
Skin Care Step One: Cleanser
Cleansing your skin is an essential part of your skincare routine, whether it is morning or night. In the morning, a face wash is recommended to help remove harmful free radicals—unstable atoms that can damage our skin cells—that accumulate overnight as we sleep. At night, cleansers help remove makeup, oils, and other impurities that build up on our skin throughout the day. The specific cleanser you should use depends on your skin type and needs. Oil-based pre-cleansers are effective at removing makeup and oil from the skin’s surface, but some people may require a second cleanser to leave their skin feeling thoroughly clean and refreshed. Consulting with a skincare specialist can help you better understand your skin’s needs and determine which products and ingredients will work best for you.
Skin Care Step Two: Toner
At night, toners should be applied before any serums, especially if you are using retinol or tretinoin. A pH-balancing toner is particularly beneficial in this case. Toners help eliminate any lingering impurities, preparing your skin to better absorb serums and creams. Since toners vary in strength and formulation, it is wise to seek guidance from a skincare professional to select one that best suits your skin type.
Skin Care Step Three: Serum
Serums deliver potent vitamins and ingredients to your skin. Which serum you use depends on your skin type and the time of day. Vitamin C Serums work to brighten the skin and are best used in the morning after cleansing. Retinols or tretinoin reduce signs of aging and are best applied at night after toning.
Skin Care Step Four: Moisturizer
Apply moisturizer after serums, allowing a few minutes for the serum to absorb fully. Moisturizers protect the skin barrier and lock in hydration, ensuring skin stays plump after cleansing. If you have oily skin, hydrating moisturizers or lotions typically work the best. In the morning, opt for a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to shield against UV damage and premature aging. Wait about 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before starting your makeup routine for optimal protection.
More Professional Skin Care Tips
All skincare products’ effectiveness is determined by your skin, and what might work for one person’s oilier skin may not work for another with dryer skin. It is important that you speak with skincare specialists about your skin type and what products or ingredients to implement or avoid. While forming a skincare routine can be a daunting task, finding good products and a stable routine that works for your skin will leave you looking and feeling great.
To schedule an appointment with Vanguard Skin Specialists, call us at 719-355-1585 or fill out our online appointment request form and meet with one of our many trusted providers today.
To learn more about topical skincare options, our medical skin care store, clara, offers free in person and video consultations with a Skin Care Consultant. To schedule this service, please call 719-579-555.
