Today, it’s all about self-care, and there’s no better way to start caring for yourself than to start caring for your skin. Hopefully, you’re already well-versed on the basics of skincare, like wearing SPF everyday and washing off your makeup before bed. A good skincare routine is the foundation of skin health, but we can all afford to take it up a notch for the extra “wow” factor. Simply by adding an extra step or two to your regimen, you can finally achieve the glowy, healthy skin of your dreams. If you want to look like you just had a facial yesterday everyday, then here are some tips to step up your skincare game.
1. Know your skin type
Skincare products aren’t one-size-fits-all, and what works great for one person might not work for another. That’s precisely why it’s important to nail down your skin type so you can build the right arsenal for your skin health goals. A professional dermatologist or esthetician can easily observe your skin and identify your skin type. You can also estimate your skin type at home using the “bare face method.”
To perform this method, wash your face with your regular cleanser, pat dry, and wait for about 25-30 minutes without applying any products, keeping your skin in its bare state. Once enough time has elapsed, examine the state of your skin. Any shininess is indicative of oily skin. Flaking or tightness are signs of dry skin. If you notice areas of oiliness and dryness, then you may have combination skin. Normal skin is well-balanced with some mild oiliness in the T-zone areas.
2. Add a retinoid cream
Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that encourage cellular turnover. When applied as a cream, they stimulate collagen production, decreases inflammation, and encourages newer, younger skin cells to replace older ones at a faster rate. Thus, regular use of retinoids can contribute to treating acne, fading acne scars, preventing fine lines, and more.
The term “retinoid” covers multiple types of this compound. Many over-the-counter and drugstore skincare products contain retinol, which is a retinoid with a relatively lower, weaker concentration. Prescription-strength retinoids include tretinoin and Retin-A, which are often prescribed for acne but have wrinkle-fighting and scar-fading benefits of their own.
3. Update your cleanser
Not all cleansers are created equal. Cleansing is the vital first step of any skincare routine. For best results, you should match your cleanser to your skin type. Foam cleansers are ideal for acne-prone and oily skin but not recommended for sensitive or dry skin. Cream cleansers are gentler and moisturizing, so it’s a good choice for people with sensitive or mature skin. Oil cleansers are useful for breaking up heavy layers of makeup without any harshness, so they’re a good choice for people who often wear a full-face of makeup. Some people even follow a two-step cleansing system, using an oil-based cleanser first to remove dirt and makeup, then following up with their regular cleanser for any leftover residue.
4. Use a serum
If you don’t use a serum in your routine, you should definitely start. Serums provide an extra boost of moisture and nutrition to your skin. Traditionally known for their anti-aging benefits, today’s serums also have brightening, plumping, and reparative qualities. To use serums correctly, apply them after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. Serums containing any retinoid ingredients should only be applied at night.
5. Invest in a skincare tool or device
In this era of modern technology, there are dozens of tools available to us for a variety of purposes, from low-tech skin rollers to higher-tech, handheld LED lights. Like serums, beauty tools provide an additional boost to your existing regimen beyond just cleansing and moisturizing. Whatever your chief skin concern may be, there is probably a tool to address it! Some noteworthy devices you may want for your medicine cabinet include:
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- Cleansing brush. Helps your cleanser reach the very deepest part of your pores and doubles its cleansing power.
- Facial steamer. Loosens clogged dirt and oil, improves circulation, hydrates.
- Vibrating T-bar roller. Massages away tension, helps deliver moisturizer deep into the skin
6. Don’t get stuck in a skincare rut
Finally, even if you’ve built yourself the perfect skincare routine, you should only stick to it for a few months max. That’s because your skin’s needs will change with the seasons. Your skin’s needs also change with age.
Seasonal skincare Routine
Winter air tends to be harsh and drying, so most people should focus on moisturizing regularly during the colder months. In the summer, the sun’s intensity increases the chances of sunburn, heat rash, and acne from clogged pores. During the summer months, the focus shifts towards applying SPF, soothing inflammation, and regular exfoliation to keep pores clear.
Age-based skincare routine
Generally speaking, people under 30 will have skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkle prevention, while the over-30 set may struggle more with undereye bags, dullness, and sagging or loss of volume. Therefore, it makes sense that the products and treatments you use will naturally change with time. Obviously, you should communicate with your dermatologist or esthetician, who can recommend the best solution for your needs.
Your at-home skincare routine is only half the battle, though. Along with your normal routine, you should also get regular facials, where your skin’s condition can be evaluated by a trained expert. If you’re interested in finally putting your best face forward, contact us at The Glasgold Group to take your skin’s health to the next step.
Author Bio
Dr. Robert Glasgold is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Glasgold is highly skilled with expertise in surgical options that include facelifts, blepharoplasties, and fat transfers. He is also well known and respected for his expertise in non-surgical options, which include fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm.
