SKIN CARE ROUTINE HOW TO’S

Does It Really Matter How We Apply Various Skin Care Products? Does Skin Absorb Nutrients In Skin Care Products Similarly To The Way The Body Absorbs Nutrients From Food?

We usually put foods we eat in order.  For example, even though it really does not matter the order in which we eat food, since all nutrients get absorbed regardless of the order, we still eat appetizers first, then soup or salad, then the main course and follow with desert.  Is this logic the same for skin care products?  In other words, does it really matter in what order we apply products to the skin to maximize absorption of nutrients?

The answer is YES, and unlike food order, skin care product order is essential for proper absorption of those wonderful nutrients.  The skin is an organ that acts as a barrier to protect the body from the environment and foreign invaders.  Naturally, it wants to keep things out rather than let things in. That being said, we must prepare the skin for proper absorption of the nutrients in skin care products and ordering these products in a certain way contributes to the level of absorption.  Although the skin won’t absorb any product 100%, there are ways to increase the level of absorption.

STEPS TO A PROPER SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Follow the below steps for day and night skin care routines.  Keep in mind that skin needs may vary from day to day or at different times of day.  For example, your typical routine will not include a mask every day, so don’t apply every product you own to your skin daily.  Examine your skin and if it needs an extra boost, add more products accordingly. Otherwise keep to a simple routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing.  In general, think of applying products in order of thickness with the thinnest products first and the thickest products last.  Remember, too many products may cause skin irritation.

 GENERAL TIPS:

• Only use exfoliating products 1-3 times a week to avoid irritation
• Use Detoxifying Clay Masks 2-3 times per week
• DO NOT use prescription creams or retinol products on the same night you use exfoliating products or irritation might occur
• With night time cleansing, begin with a Make Up Remover, then follow with a Cleanser for double action to remove dirt and makeup
• For an extra boost add a Replenishing Oil to your serum or moisturizer

DAY TIME SKIN CARE ROUTINE

STEP 1: CLEANSE

Wash you face with warm water and if needed you may add a cleanser designed for your skin type.  Using a washcloth will help with exfoliating if needed.

STEP 2: TONE

Choose a toner that is right for your skin tone.  Usually a Normal Toner is good for most skin types and if you have acne prone skin, choose a toner for troubled skin.  Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently wipe all areas of the skin and allow it to dry for a couple of minutes before applying other products

STEP 3: SERUM

Antioxidant serums and oils are beneficial in adding an extra boost to your skin care routine.  Serums are concentrated and loaded with nutrients to assist in protecting your skin from free radical stress.  They help protect your skin from UV damage and environmental pollutants.

STEP 4: EYE CREAM

Eye serums are beneficial not only for fine lines and dark circles and puffiness, but they help prepare the eye for makeup and also protect the eyes from other products you use on your face.  Keep in mind that eye serums are more effective when used on a regular basis. Try to make it part of your day and night time regimens.

STEP 5: ACNE SPOT TREATMENT

Spot treatments are a great way to target acne but be cautious as they can dry skin so only apply to acne and not all over the face.

STEP 6: MOISTURIZER

A moisturizer may be needed in addition to your antioxidant serum if the serum is not cream based.  If you are using a cream - based antioxidant serum, you may not need an added moisturizer.

STEP 7: SUNSREEN

Sunscreen should be the last step and lay on top of the skin to protect it from UV rays.  It is recommended to use a physical sunscreen (Zinc oxide) as opposed to chemical sunscreens because chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed in to skin to be effective and if used after all other products this will not occur.  This is why Zinc based sunscreens are the better option since they just need to lay on top of the skin to be effective and protect against sun damage while not interfering with all other products applied to skin.

NIGHT TIME SKIN CARE ROUTINE

STEP ONE: CLEANSE WITH MAKEUP REMOVER AND CLEANSER

At night, it is important to add a step to cleansing.  To remove make up and environmental pollutants, begin with a Makeup Remover and follow with a cleanser suited for your skin type.  The makeup remover takes off the initial makeup and the cleanser removes any remaining debris and makeup.  You can choose to use an exfoliator 1-3 times a week after the makeup remove in place of a cleanser.

STEP TWO: TONE

Follow the day time routine for toners.

STEP THREE: EYE CREAM

This step is the same as for day time application

STEP FOUR: SERUMS

The body does most of its repair while you sleep.  The same concept applies to the skin.  As the skin repairs itself while you are sleeping, it is imperative to use a night time serum that works over many hours while you sleep.  The ingredients in the night time serums are meant for slow release over many hours and to be used when you are not in the sun.

STEP FIVE: HYDRATING MASK OR OILS

If the skin needs additional assistance due to dryness, you may add a clay mask 2 times per week, a cream masque or essential oil repair serum.

STEP SIX: NIGHT CREAM

If your night time serum is not cream based, you might consider a night time moisturizer.  If your night time serum is cream based, there may not be a need for an additional moisturizer.

Use the below cheat sheet to help you remember the order of products used day and night to ensure a stable and reliable skin care routine.

For more information on a variety of skin care products for all of you needs click here.