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5 Essential Steps For Great Skin

It will happen, it has happened, or it is happening to all of us. As we age, our skin becomes duller, less hydrated, loses its firmness, and well- just starts looking ‘old.’ Regardless of where you are in your journey a good skincare routine is a must.

The benefits of a good skincare routine in the morning and evening are twofold. In the morning, it prepares the skin to handle whatever the day may bring, while cleansing at night allows the skin to restore what was lost throughout the day.

Protecting and nourishing your face, hands, neck, and décolleté (chest area) is of vital importance when it comes to youthful skin. Think of your skin care program as a full-body workout routine.

Include these essentials in your skincare schedule and improve the youthfulness of your skin well into your later years.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing your face is not the most exciting step in your skincare routine, but it is one of the most important. It helps to create the perfect blank canvas as it washes away any dirt, oil, or makeup that would get in the way of your skin being able to absorb the benefits of the rest of your skincare essentials.

When choosing your facial wash cleanser – base it on your skin type and sensitivity. A facial cleanser is a skincare product designed to wash away dead skin cells, excess oil, and environmental pollutants. Skin can acquire a dull complexion without a morning and evening ritual. 

Begin with choosing a skincare formula that fits your particular skin type. One primary example is an alpha-hydroxy acid. Alpha-hydroxy acid cleansers are best known as the “powerhouse” exfoliating fruit-derived acids. These fruit enzymes break down the dead skin barrier, plumping and creating a natural-looking glow. 

Step 2: Exfoliate

After cleansing, you will want to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. When you exfoliate the skin, remember to move in an upward motion. Exfoliating will create a radiant, glowing complexion and allow moisturizers to work more effectively.

Be selective when choosing an exfoliant. Exfoliants should not be abrasive to the skin.  Jojoba is an excellent choice when choosing an exfoliant. Jojoba, a natural form of alpha-hydroxy, is one of the best cleaning mediums on the market due to its chemical composition. Jojoba shares the same properties as our skin. It has both antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties and is highly emollient, which will help the skin stay hydrated.

Step 3: Apply Serum

This step is one of the most important pieces when creating a skincare regimen. It involves using L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, and comes in form of a serum that will provide you with added protection against free radical damage. We know that our bodies need a daily dose of vitamin C. Unfortunately, only a small amount of Vitamin C makes it to your skin. Applying the serum directly to your skin is the best way to make sure your skin gets its daily dose of ‘OJ.’

L-ascorbic acid serums come in a variety of percentages. The level of protection may increase the cost of the product. L-ascorbic acid has proven to be safe and incredibly effective against free radical damage to skin cells. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can neutralize free radicals from oxidative damage. There are other benefits to vitamin C serums:

  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Protects collagen and increases collagen production
  • Aids in wound healing
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation
  • Evens skin tone
  • Brightens complextion

Step 4: Moisturize

The fourth step involved in a daily skincare regimen is moisturizing. Moisturizing also fights wrinkles and will reduce the appearance of blemishes while creating a proper PH balance.

According to Loreal Paris, daily moisturizing caries these benefits:

  1. Moisturizing reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  2. It helps to balance the skins natural oil production
  3. It helps your makeup apply better

Step 5: Apply Sunscreen

Lastly, find a Broad-Spectrum mineral-based sunscreen that is at least 35 SPF (sun protection factor). If you find yourself outside a lot, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 60.

A mineral-based sunscreen will improve sun-damaged skin while minimizing dark spots and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen may also help in the prevention of broken blood vessels. Most importantly, sunscreen can prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging when used correctly.

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