Busy professionals often skimp on skin care as it takes more time than we often have. Also, there are so many options for skin care – serums, creams, gels, masks, peels, etc. and hundreds of brands as well. But it is super important to take care of your skin the same way you take care of your career.
The best first step in deciding upon a skin care routine that works for you is to determine your skin type and specific areas of concern.
I am a year old professional with a high pressure job who is very active both socially and professionally. While I benefit from some genetic attributes that have contributed to healthy looking skin, I also know that my commitment to an ongoing and consistent facial skin care regimen has contributed ot hte longevity of my skin appearance and wellbeing. I feel comfortable with or without makeup.
A primary contributor to all highly effective skin care routines for the face is consistency. It is essential that you establish a skin care routine that you perform daily. However, determining what is best for your skin can be daunting. Even after you settle on something, you wonder if it will work, is working and/or worth the time and money. I say, with the right products, yes, yes and absolutely yes.
Start identifying the skin care routine for you by determining your skin type. There are five broadly referenced skin types whose characteristics are as follows:
1. Normal:
A normal skin type tends to be balanced – not too oily or dry, few imperfections, no severe sensitivity, barely visible pores, radiant complexion.
2. Oily:
An oily skin type may present visible pores, a shiny complexion, be prone to acne and blackheads, excess sebum production to protect and moisturize the skin.
3. Dry:
A dry skin type presents a flaky, rough textured surface, dull complexion, visible lines, less elasticity, and can be itchy or frequently irritated.
4. Combination:
A combination skin type presents areas of both oily and dry surfaces with typically an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with dry or normal cheeks.
5. Sensitive Skin:
Sensitive skin presents with redness, itching, burning, dryness, proneness to reactions and inflammation, and easily irritated by products or environmental factors.
Once you have identified your skin type and/or specific area of concern, you can then start to identify what types of products are best suited for, including your personal routine.
While all skin types share some skin care need, there are those steps that should be included in your skin care routine that will be specific to your skin type.
1. Normal Skin:
Regular cleansing
Regular moisturizing
Sun protection
Use mattifying products to control shine
Regular cleansing
3. Dry Skin:
Use gentle hydrating cleansers
Rich moisturizers
Avoid hot water
Use products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin
Balance between hydrating and oil-controlling products
Target specific areas with appropriate products
Avoid harsh ingredients
Use gentle, fragrance-free products
Avoid known irritants
Patch test new products before full application
More likely to seek medical professional guidance
Knowing what products to buy can be difficult. Committing to a brand can also be a challenge. Note that it is important that you stick with the same product for at least three months to know whether or not it is working for your skin.
The number of product categories and product preferences available for consumers to consider is overwhelming. Some product categories and/or preferences are:
Anti-aging
Acne treatment
Natural/organic products
Cruelty free
Once you are ready to purchase, have a budget and are ready to commit to a skin care regimen, you have more to think about:
Does it foam?
Will it marry well with my other skin care products?
And on an on…….
It’s a lot.
Then there is the Internet, social media, friends and family that all provide advice. And here you are….
In my skin care journey where I have discovered items and brands that I will NEVER buy again, but have also discovered brands that are now my regulars and preferences.
I would describe my skin type as normal. That said, I have seasons and instances of dry skin areas, oily skin areas, and sensitivity to some products. I have used the same cleanser for the past 15 or more years and the same moisturizer/face cream for the past 10 years. The moisturizer I used prior to the one that I use now, I used for 10 or more years.
I have both a morning and an evening routine and use different products for each. I have been doing my current morning routine for a little over 7 months with some products having been used for longer periods, and the same evening routing for the past 8 months also using some products in the routine for longer than 8 months.
I am so happy about my routine and the difference I see in my skin, that I had to write about it. It makes me feel good because it took me a very long time to find a routine that I felt good about sticking with every product for long periods. With the exception of my morning cleanser and morning moisturizer/face cream, I have switched up at least one product after 3 to 4 months.
My morning routine consists of the following:
1) Gel undereye masks (at least 20 mins)
2) Cleanse (gel gentle foaming) Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
3) Apply undereye serum – Epara Eye Serum
4) Apply eyelid cream – Dermalogica Lifting Cream
5) Hydrate (and let dry) Dermalogica Hydrating Toner
6) Apply vitamin C serum – Roc Vitamin C
7) Apply peptides (serum) –
8) Moisturize – Kiehl’s Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Face Cream
9) Apply sun screen – Elta MD Sheer Sunscreen
In the evening, I
1) Cleanse – Dermalogica Resurfacing Face Wash
2) Apply eyelid cream – Dermalogica Lifting Eye Cream
3) Apply undereye serum (Epara)
4) Apply hyaluronic acid (serum)
5) Apply retinol cream – Dermalogica Retinol Serum
6) Apply niacinamide serum
7) Apply moisturizer – Kiehl’s
8) Apply lip oil
Over the last four months of the eight months I have been on these morning and evening routines, I have noticed measurable improvements in my pores, skin tone, skin surface shine and smoothness, elasticity, tautness and jawline definition.
I also use a gua sha two to three times a week in the evenings. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin. The name gua sha comes from the Chinese word for scraping. Gua sha is also known as skin scraping, spooning, or coining. Studies show that when done correctly, gua sha can release chemicals that improve blood flow, lessen toxins, reduce pain, and promote healing of the skin. I am a believer and have also seen results from being a gua sha user.
Here are some links to gua sha techniques. When done consistently, you will also notice a change in your skin – but again – consistency is the key.
Other things that have helped my skin health are always using sun block even when the sun is not shining, avoiding alcohol, vitamin E supplements, and drinking lots of water.
You can find the skin care and makeup products and brands that have worked best for me here.
In summary, you should do your research to determine which products are best for you. If you have specific problem areas, consulting a professional is always advisable.
Best of luck on your skin care journey!
(Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)