I know many of us have our own personal ways of how we apply our skincare, and I've gotten so many questions about how I personally apply mine.
As I've made notes, I have to admit it's quite an elaborate process! But, I've enjoyed outlining it for you and hope you'll benefit from it.
I am absolutely obsessed with skincare and finding the next and best greatest products and practices for anti-aging. They are so important because it keeps the skin young and supple and prevents wrinkles and fine lines, while reducing breakouts, hyper-pigmentation, pore size, and loose or sagging skin.
The following is my routine and several amazing products I'm currently benefiting from and enjoying:
#1 - Oil-based Cleanser
I love using cleansing oils and balms because they remove makeup and dirt from the skin. My favorite is TATCHA Cleansing Oil.
I put a few squirts on my fingers and apply to my face using a gentle circular motion, letting the heat from my skin mix with the oils while melting away the makeup and dirt.
#2 - Water-based Cleanser
Next I use a cream or foaming cleanser. Using a water-based cleanser really makes sure my skin squeaky clean. Elta MD Foaming Cleanser is my definite favorite.
#3 Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps keep our skin soft and smooth by removing dead and dry skin. It unclogs pores, prevents acne, and evens skin tone.
It's important to exfoliate 3-4 times a week, but remember not to over exfoliate, which can be damaging to the skin. My favorite exfoliator is Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish Exfoliator for Sensitive to Dehydrated Skin.
#4 - Tone
I love to use a gentle, yet effective toner on my skin after I cleanse and exfoliate. Toners remove any last traces of dirt, oils, or makeup from the skin and tightens and shrinks the pores as well.
Please use a toner that is alcohol free, so it doesn't strip all the moisture from your skin. I love PCA Toner.
#5 - Mist
I like a spritz or two of a refreshing face mist to nourish and soothe my skin before I apply my serums and moisturizer. I notice my skin feels more hydrated when I use a mist that contains humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which hold in moisture. I love Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra Fine Mist!
#6 - Serum
I am the queen of using serums and absolutely love trying new and different formulas. There are endless possibilities when it comes to serums, as they help tremendously with anti-aging because they deliver powerful ingredients directly into the skin.
Serums also protect your skin from future damage and free radicals that cause fine lines, pigmentation, and wrinkles. I apply about four different serums before I applying my retinoids and moisturizer.
One of my favorite serums right now is Alastin Restorative Skin Complex.
I also love PCA Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum because hyaluronic acid works wonders.
I'm planning to do a separate article with a list of all of my favorite serums, so please stay tuned!
#7 - Retinoids
After my serums have soaked in for a moment, I love using a retinol cream. Using retinoids on the skin is very important because they help stimulate collagen, soften wrinkles and fine lines, lighten up pigmentation, and encourage cellular turnover making the skin look bright, youthful, and glowy. My favorite these days is Alastin Renewal Retinol.
#8 - Moisturizer
Everyone needs to invest in a great moisturizer, as it can improve your skin tremendously while also working to preserve its elasticity. A good one helps the skin's texture, works to reduce wrinkles, and reduces fine lines. It will also inspire your skin to glow and appear healthy.
I'm loving Skin Better Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment these days, as I really notice a difference in my skin when using it.
#9 - Eye Cream
Eye creams are a must! The skin around our eyes is very sensitive and is usually the first area to show aging. Investing in an eye cream is super important and a huge part of my skin routine.
I found an amazing anti-aging, preserving, and sun blocking eye cream called ColorScience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy. It brightens the eye while protecting from any sun damage.
#10 - Facial Oil
My facialist Kat recently introduced me to the most amazing facial oil that I use right before I put on my sunscreen. I love that it seals in all of the great ingredients from my serums and moisturizers. It also makes my makeup go on so smooth and flawless.
#11 - Sunscreen
The last step is my sunscreen. Always, always, always apply your sunscreen in the morning. I can't stress this enough!
Apply it even when it's cloudy outside. It works wonders for keeping pigmentation and fine lines away. My favorite sunscreen is Colorscience Total Protection Face Shield.
Last Thoughts
Remember you want to apply your thinnest products to your skin first and build onto them with the thicker serums and moisturizers. Be very gentle when applying your products so that you don't pull or drag the skin.
Also, don't forget to use a hydrating face mask at least once or twice a week. It helps tremendously with keeping the skin glowing and supple.
