One question we are commonly asked is how and when to use skin care products properly and effectively. With an ever-increasing number of products available, it can be difficult to choose what to use, and in what order. By determining your skin type (normal, dry, oily, acneic, sensitive) you can choose appropriate products that will ultimately improve the health of your skin and combat the signs of aging.
Once you have chosen your skin care products, this simple routine will help you get the most out of them:
Step 1: Cleanser
An obvious first! Cleanser should be used morning and night to whisk away make-up, oil, dirt, and everyday pollutants from the skin. A dime-sized amount mixed with lukewarm water will suffice. You will now have a clean canvas which will allow your remaining skin products to work more effectively.
Step 2: Toner
This step is optional, however many people like to use a toner to refresh the skin after cleansing. A toner will also remove excess minerals and residue left behind, and prep the skin for better penetration of products. Toners may be used morning and night. Avoid using toners or astringents that contain alcohol, as they may irritate or dry out the skin. Some toners contain alpha-hydroxy acids which offer light exfoliation of the skin.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are highly-concentrated specialized products that are designed to target and improve particular skin conditions such as: wrinkles, sun damage, collagen loss, clogged pores, and redness. These products should be applied after cleansing/toning, and may be used morning and/or night. Serums tend to have a lightweight consistency which allows them to penetrate and absorb into the skin quickly. Examples of serums include: antioxidants/vitamin C, peptides, retinol, AHA/BHA, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors. Physician-grade serums often contain prescription-strength ingredients that offer faster, more noticeable results. A well-formulated serum is the one product no skin care routine should be without!
Step 5: Eye Cream
If the eye area is of particular concern, an eye cream may be applied after your serum. Eye creams are usually formulated to target one or more of the following: wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, or dry skin around the eye. Only a tiny amount of eye cream is needed (the size of a grain of rice). Since the skin around the eye is delicate, eye cream should be lightly applied with your fourth finger around the orbital bone only.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Tried, tested, and true, everyone loves a great moisturizer. Our options our endless, but ultimately the purpose of any moisturizer is to hydrate the skin. Acting as a barrier, a moisturizer will lock in your serums and combat skin dryness. Moisturizers may be applied both morning or night, or less often if skin is very oily. If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, make sure you choose a moisturizer that is lightweight and non-comedogenic.
Step 6: Sunscreen
Applied in the morning only, this will be the final step in your skin care routine. It is also one of the most important steps, and should never be overlooked – even on cloudy or rainy days. Choose a sunscreen that is labelled “broad-spectrum” so that you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. The best sunscreens are those that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, with an SPF 30 or higher. Please see our blog titled “Sunscreen 101” for more information on sunscreen.
Makeup may be applied after sunscreen – you are now ready to face the day!
Skin Care Extras
Exfoliants:
These products are designed to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. They will help keep pores clear, smooth wrinkles, and speed up cell turnover to keep your skin glowing. Exfoliants may be physical (scrubs), or chemical (AHAs, BHAs). Depending on your exfoliant, these may be used daily, or a several times a week. It is important not to over-exfoliate the skin, as this may cause irritation and increased oil production.
Masks:
Masks are specialized treatment products that may be used up to twice weekly. They are typically applied to skin for 15-20 minutes before being rinsed away. There are many types of masks available depending on what your skin needs are such as: extra hydration, exfoliation, or reducing inflammation.
At Pender Medi Spa and Physician Skincare Centre, we are committed to skin success. We offer complimentary skin consultations with our team of experts, who can help you build an effective skin care routine based on your specific needs. Please contact us to book your appointment.
