Reasons to Start a Skincare Routine Now

Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect yourself from UV rays. Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Here’s what you should keep in mind to sort through all the noise.

Skin Care Tips before You Start

Three Main Steps

Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps:

Cleansing — Washing your face.

Toning — balancing the skin.

Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.

The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. “Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself,” says the San Francisco skin-care specialist Kristina Holey. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. Still, she adds, “it’s not about creating perfection.” Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.

Give it Time

The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Results are only seen through consistent use,” she explains. Generally, aim to use a product over at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference.

Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum, and then moisturizer. 

Skin Care Steps

To select a skin care routine, we highly recommend booking a facial with a knowledgeable, certified professional. Estheticians have the experience and training to recommend professional treatments that boost your results as well as educated guidance for your home skin care routine.

To enhance your knowledge, we’ve compiled the essential steps for a skin care routine as well as additional recommendations tailored to your unique skin type and concerns.

1. Cleanse

• Twice per day, morning and night.
• A thorough cleanse clears your skin of oil and debris that can lead to clogged pores and dullness. It also prepares your complexion for further treatment, making it easier for your skin to absorb the beneficial ingredients in the rest of your routine. Whether you choose an oil, balm, gel or cream cleanser will depend on your skin type and the concerns you hope to address.

2. Tone: Essence, Facial Mist or Toner

• Twice per day, morning and night.
• Toning completes the cleansing process by conditioning your skin and adding beneficial vitamins and minerals to your complexion. Unlike alcohol-based toners of the past, today’s toners, essences and facial mists support the effectiveness of your cleanser by adding replenishing ingredients that support your skin’s health. Cleansing and toning work together like shampoo and conditioner: Both steps help keep the skin as healthy as possible.

3. Exfoliate

• Once or twice per week.
• Exfoliating is essential to encourage healthy skin cell turnover, eliminate buildup and relieve pore congestion. Exfoliants comprise gentle chemical, enzymatic and physical varieties for home care, as well as more potent peels and treatments which must be administered by a professional. We recommend consulting with your esthetician to determine the best approach for your skin type and concerns.

4. Mask

• Once or twice per week.
• An additional treatment to indulge in is a face mask. Face masks contain high amounts of concentrated vitamins and nutrient-rich ingredients which absorb efficiently into the skin, making it appear healthy and resilient. In addition to their hydrating and firming benefits, masks can be used to control more persistent skin concerns like acne, large pores and dark spots.

5. Treat: Serum, Concentrate or Facial Oil

• Twice per day, morning and night.
• Your daily routine should include a serum, concentrate or facial oil. These potent formulas contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients to target concerns and neutralize the effects of environmental stressors. The serum, concentrate or oil you choose will depend on the particular concerns and conditions you hope to prevent or correct.

6. Eye Care

• Twice per day, morning and night.
• Some areas require a lighter touch. The skin around your eye area is seven times thinner than the rest of your face and needs to be treated with special care. Regular eye cream application not only maintains the health, thickness and elasticity of this delicate area, it also reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness.