Whether you are looking for a new skin routine or want to improve your skin and FINALLY achieve results, it's time for a skincare reset.
We get it: so many of you want to improve your complexion but are feeling completely overwhelmed and not sure where to start. What should be my skin care routine steps? Which ingredients are good (and not so good) for your skin? What is the best skincare routine order? We hear you loud and clear and are here to help.
The Starting Point: SKINCARE ROUTINE RESET
No matter what your skin condition is, you need a basic skincare routine. You do not need 10,000 steps, but the few below are the perfect place to start to create a simple yet effective skincare routine that will give you real results.
Whether you are dealing with acne, rosacea, dry skin, aging, textured skin, or anything else, we've simplified your routine to just a few easy steps.
The Skincare Routine Order
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Cleanse AM/PM: The right cleanser will set the pH level for your skin and prepare the way for the rest of your skincare routine. If you are acne-prone, you will want to choose a cleanser that is gel-based and uses clarifying ingredients like salicylic acid, probiotics, or colloidal silver. Creamy or milky cleansers work best for sensitive skin types, and oil-based cleansers are uber hydrating for mature, dry, or dehydrated skin.
Sonya’s Pick: Sensi Wash (for sensitive skin types), Silver Clarifying Wash (for oily and acne prone skin)
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Prep + Tone AM/PM: Toners of the past had a reputation of being unnecessary, super drying (since they typically contained a high dose of alcohol), and mostly for people with very oily skin and/or severe acne breakouts. But a good toner is actually a game changer. Not only do toners help minimize pores, but they also help balance your skin’s pH levels which, in turn, ensures that your skin is better able to absorb any skincare products that you apply after using the toner. Essentially, using a clarifying toner is prepping your skin to really soak in and absorb more of your favorite serums and moisturizers.
Sonya’s Pick: Treatment Toners
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Treat AM/PM: The serums and treatment products in your routine will be the power behind your results. This is where you layer on your acne serums, vitamin C, retinol, or any other product that is designed to target your specific skin concern, such as breakouts, pigmentation, skin texture, scarring, fine lines, or redness. If you have not already, this is a perfect time to introduce a retinol into your skincare routine. Along with treating fine lines and wrinkles, retinol can help with uneven skin tone, texture, large pores, sun spots and even acne. Given that it operates on a cellular level, it has the ability to brighten up your skin, regulate oil and prevent pores from clogging which is why it's such a popular treatment for acne.
Sonya’s Pick: Retinu, Ultima C Serum
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Hydrate AM/PM: We can't stress enough how important it is to moisturize your skin. Yes, even if you have active hormonal acne or oily skin, you must hydrate. When your skin is dehydrated or skin dries out, fine lines and wrinkles look exaggerated. Furthermore, superficial dry skin (when the top layer is dehydrated) looks much older than it actually is. Moisturizing your skin is also crucial to help prevent further breakouts. When your skin is dry and irritated, it can lead to bumps and breakouts on your skin. We love light moisturizers with other active ingredients specific to your skin goals and antioxidants that can multitask and work overtime for optimum results.
Sonya’s Pick: Nano Hydrator, Nano Clarifying Hydrator
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Repair + Nourish AM/PM: This is where your face oil plays a super important role in your skincare routine. A good face oil (rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids) will actually balance your skin’s natural oil production. Whether you're dry, dehydrated, or even oily, your skin’s oil production will be neutralized and restored. Feeding your skin oil will actually make it LESS oily. When stripped of oil through over-washing or other external factors, your skin will respond by producing more oil to compensate. Skin problems such as acne and clogged pores are often exacerbated due to a deficiency of essential fatty acids. Face oils are considered a type of emollient, which means they help strengthen the outer layer of your skin (stratum corneum).
If your skin is red or flushed or you are dealing with rosacea or irritation, a good face oil will instantly calm and soothe your skin. Specifically during this time, cooler weather, chilly winds and our indoor heaters deplete moisture from our skin. Oils and face balms are the ideal solution to dry, flaky skin and rough, ruddy skin.
Sonya’s Pick: Organic Omega Oil, Blue Butterfly Balm
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Protect AM: The sun is the #1 cause of premature aging and photoaging. Need we say more? Rain or shine, please wear an SPF 30 every day. When you apply make sure to include neck, décolleté and tops of hands. Bonus points if you use a lip balm with SPF too!
Sonya’s Pick: Daily Face Shield, Lip Shield
