It's overwhelming and hard to know exactly WHAT you need.
Even once you figure out what you need...are you using it correctly? If not, you may not be getting the most bang for your dinero.
This Blog will address what each product does and how to properly layer your skincare products for maximum efficacy.
Your regime should look something like this: (and I promise, once you get the hang of it, it will only take you 5-7 minutes)
AM:
1-Cleanse (Exfoliate)
2-Tone
3-Antioxidant/Anti Aging Serum
4-*AM Specialized Treatment
5-Moisturize
6-Eye Cream
7-SPF
PM:
1-Cleanse
2-Tone
3-Anti Aging Serum
4-*PM Specialized Treatment
5-Moisturize
6-Eye Cream
Let's talk about each of these individually.
CLEANSE
The dirt on the skin is made up of dust, pollution, sweat, oil and cosmetic residue.
These things stick to and are suspended within the thin oily protective layer of the skin (the acid mantle) on the surface.
It is important to cleanse at night (no matter how dog tired you are after a long day) to help remove the buildup of this debris that you accumulate throughout the day.
However, if, very occasionally, you've had one too many margaritas and forget to wash your face before you "fall asleep"- I will let that slide every so often. Hey, who hasn't been there?
You have to cleanse in the morning too!
There are many credible studies by organizations with lots of capital letter (NIH etc) that show our brains and bodies purge toxins while we sleep. If you don't cleanse in the AM then you can reabsorb these toxins which can lead to breakouts and, overall, less healthy looking and glowing skin.
If you use a scrub or exfoliating cleanser- use it in the AM to give your skin a healthy glow and help pores look smaller.
I recommend using a pump cleanser- not a bar soap. If you have dry or mature skin then use a creamier cleanser. If you have oily or acne prone skin then use a foaming or gel cleanser. If you have combo skin, there's nothing wrong with Cetaphil, Aveeno or Neutrogena.
TONE
Toners usually contain alcohol and water plus additional ingredients that modify them for specific skin types. The purpose of toners are to restore the skin's pH balance, help constrict pores and leave the skin looking taut.
I have a love/dislike relationship with toners. I think if you are a toner gal, GO FOR IT! I have no problem with them at all. I use a toner occasionally I feel like I need a refresher or have already cleansed a couple times in a day.
However, my skin care regimen needs to be as few steps as possible (Don't let my 4 tiered spice rack of products by my bathroom sink fool you.) Some mornings, I just don't have the timmmeeeee.
It's really up to you on this one. Just stay away from those harsh astringents (yeh, remember that crisp, burning sensation from that SeaBreeze we used in 7th grade. That'll clear out the nostrils!)
ANTIOXIDANT/ANTI AGING
THIS IS WHERE TO SPEND YOUR MONEY WHEN TALKING ABOUT SKINCARE.
Everyone should be using a good antioxidant in the morning. This helps repair cellular damage that has occurred in the skin and helps neutralize free radicals we are exposed to throughout the day.
If you are under 30 then you can check out SkinCeuticals Phlorertin CF. This is a GREAT stand alone antioxidant. Although, my personal favorite is Vitamin C+E Complex by SkinMedica. I find it much easier to dispense and use than the Phloretin.
If you are over 30, you need an antioxidant AND an anti aging Serum. Check out SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum. My all time fave. I've never seen anything work like this product.
*AM SPECIALIZED TREATMENT
This would be products that fall into the category of addressing certain conditions. For instance, skin brighteners like Skin Medica's Lytera (love, love it) or any prescribed cream or acne treatment etc.
MOISTURIZER
Yes, you need one. Even if you think you are 'oily' or acne prone.
The water content of the skin (epidermis and dermis) is 80%. In the very top layer of the epidermis, the one that the world sees, we only have a water content of only 10 to 30%.
You need a moisturizer to help retain water and keep it from evaporating on the surface of the skin. This will leave your skin looking smoother and more supple.
If you are oily or acneic, then you are likely using an acne treatment and those are notoriously drying. Use an oil free moisturizer. There are lots of oil free options available over the counter. SkinMedica makes a nice one called Ultra Sheer Moisturizer.
Dry or mature skin will need something that is a little heavier. Again, there are plenty to choose from OTC. SkinMedica makes a great one called Dermal Repair and SkinCeuticals has one called A.G.E. Interrupter. It's a little heavier but has a really nice elegant feel to it. Perfect for women over 50.
EYE CREAM
Eye creams specifically address that delicate tissue around the eyes. Different creams address different concerns. For dark circles, I LOVE AuriDerm Vitamin K cream. It's not really moisturizing but is the best topical I have found for dark circles.
The nation wide best selling eye cream is TNS Eye Repair by SkinMedica. It contains the same growth factors as the TNS Serum to help restore collagen and elasticity. It also has high concentrations of vitamins C and E and hyaluronic acids that improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
SPF
You need a daily SPF between 30-45. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Even if you don't think you will be getting sun exposure. Even a little daily sun exposure accumulates over time and can have damaging effects.
My favorite is the Elta MD line. It's affordably priced, has more physical protection than OTC sunblocks and it looks completely transparent on the skin.
These same things all apply to you night time regime...with the following exceptions.
PM Step #3. If you are under 30 and only using an antioxidant...You can use it once or twice per day. If you are only using it once- do it in the AM. If you are using it twice per day then it falls under Step #3.
If you are using the TNS Essential Serum then this already contains all your antioxidants and you should def be using your anti aging serum twice per day where I have indicated above.
PM Step #4. This is where you would apply your Lytera, your Retinols etc. If you have more than one product that falls in this category, a good rule of thumb is to apply them from thinnest to thickest viscosity. For instance, Lytera feels thinner than Retin A when you rub it between your fingers, so apply in that order for maximum absorbency. Make sense?
There ya go!
HOW OLD YOU ARE IS YOUR BUSINESS, HOW OLD YOU LOOK IS OURS.
Andie: So what do you want to drink?
Duckie: Oh, you know, beer, scotch, juice box....whatever.
Oh, that Duckie!
Love,
Michelle, Nancy and Laurie
THE SKIN GURUS
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