The majority of us suffer from at least one or two skin problems. When it comes to our skin, we all have objectives, whether it’s hormonal outbreaks, excess oil, or fine wrinkles.
While there is no such thing as “perfect” skin, it is likely possible to significantly improve the health and appearance of your skin.
These expert tips will help you debunk the myths around skincare so you can give your skin exactly what it requires.
Pore Star Skin Care Routine
I broke down how to apply your skincare products in the correct order, which stages you may skip, and which products are ideal for your skin type. Also, after all of this, we’d better be best friends, because wow.
Step 1: Cleanser
“You need clean skin that’s completely free of oil and filth for ingredients to penetrate correctly,” explains dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine.
So, if you want to do things properly—and, really, why are you here if not?—forego the makeup wipes (which leave a layer of gunky residue that can cause breakouts and irritate your skin) in favour of a washing oil, which dissolves all makeup without stripping your skin. Then use a soft, creamy cleanser to finish. Don’t be put off by the fact that this is a two-step process; it’s one of the only phases in the entire routine that must be completed.
Step 2: Toner
Face toners used to be these dreadful, alcohol-based solutions that hurt your skin and left you stinging. Today’s (excellent) toners, on the other hand, are packed with either gentle, moisturising ingredients for dry skin or chemical exfoliants for acne and bumps. “Toners aren’t supposed to be something that lays on your skin and feels heavy,” Dr Gohara explains. “Essentially, they’re just preparing your face for chemicals to absorb better afterwards.” Toner, like most of the processes on this list, is completely optional. What if yours smells like nail polish remover or straight bourbon? Get rid of it. Fast.
Step 3: Serum
Serums—that thing you keep buying but never actually using, and then becoming worried that you’re ignoring because you’re confused. But I’ve got you covered. “Serums are really just shots of incredibly concentrated nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants that immediately boost your skin’s health,” Dr. Gohara explains. “A lot of people forget to use them, but they’re the backbone of your skincare programme.” To put it another way, toners are like a sip of beer, whereas serums are like a straight shot of tequila.
Although serums are completely optional, they’re frequently an excellent initial step in improving your skincare routine and boosting your skin’s health.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Because eye creams are lighter and thinner than face cleansers, use them first before applying your creams and oils. “When applying skincare, the rule of thumb is to apply the lightest first and the heaviest last, because thinner products can’t penetrate thicker products,” Dr. Idriss explains. Isn’t it a little annoying how much this all makes sense now?
Despite the fact that eye creams appear to be the be-all and end-all of skincare (and anti-aging), they aren’t necessary for the majority of people. “Your eye area is already getting the TLC it needs as long as you’re applying moisturiser and sunscreen,” explains Dr. Gohara. But if you want to give it a shot, here’s how to do it:
IN THE MORNING…
Look for an eye cream with a rollerball applicator (“the cool steel ball helps a bit with fluid retention—aka under-eye bags,” says Dr. Gohara) and/or a stimulant composition, which helps temporarily constrict and tighten puffy under-eyes within 20 minutes.
AT NIGHT…
“Most people believe that their night eye cream must contain retinol to help with fine wrinkles, but your eye area is fragile and prone to rashes and irritation, so you want to be gentle,” Dr. Gohara explains. “Instead, apply a light, moisturising eye cream overnight to protect your under-eyes and rebuild your skin barrier.”
Yes, you can—and should!—apply retinoids around your eyes, but “it’s better to apply retinoids to your entire face rather than just spot-treat parts of it,” she advises. (Don’t worry, there will be retinol options later.)
Step 5: Spot Treatment
Your spot treatments (whether for zits, scars, or dark spots) should be applied at night because that’s when your body is working the hardest to restore itself. If you’ve already used an acne-fighting toner and/or plan to layer on retinol, spot-treat in the morning instead to avoid irritating your skin too much all at once.
Make sure to apply your spot treatment before your moisturiser, regardless of when you use it, so it can fully infiltrate your skin and do its thing without being obstructed by another barrier (before?!). What?! Yes, just keep reading and trust the process).
Step 6: Exfoliation
This is a product you might not need or want to use on a daily basis. If you have dry skin, including dry skin caused by winter air, you can exfoliate more frequently, but only once or twice a week at most. Exfoliation, which is applied after cleansing but before moisturising, aids in the removal of flaky skin by promoting skin cell turnover. Although the benefits of exfoliating dead skin and buildup for smoother skin and clearer pores are true, most physicians will prefer chemical exfoliants over scrubs to avoid damaging your skin’s protective barrier.
Step 7: Sunscreen
Although some cosmetics contain SPF, it’s always a good idea to use sunscreen as well, especially if your moisturizer’s SPF is less than 30. You should be familiar with the following lines by now: Apply sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy or cold outside, and even if you’re wearing a hat. Reapply every two hours if you’ve been exposed. Ensure that your sunscreen shields you from both UVA and UVB radiation. If skin cancer and sun damage aren’t enough to persuade you, consider that UV exposure is the leading cause of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, firmness loss, and age signs.