Let's Break it down- Skincare steps

Why is it that whenever we think of a skincare routine, we often think of this long process? Why are there so many steps? Do we all need this many steps?

Before we begin there are so many factors that affect our skin. From our lifestyle to the foods we eat, genetics, different skin conditions, and more.

Let's find out the steps and see if any of these steps can be added, avoided or if you are doing them in the correct steps.

(This post does include affiliate links, I may receive a payment if you use the link provided. This does not cost you anything.)

Step One: The Cleanser.

Are you putting any products on your skin, are you sweating and getting dirty, do you work outdoors or inside where the air may debris? If so, you want to wash all of this off this is where the cleanser comes in.

Before we wash everything off of our face you want to know, that our skin is mildly acidic with a pH of around 5. Soap on the other hand is more basic around a 10. So let's talk about cleansers and what they do for us. So when you cleanse your face you are washing all the dirt debris, free radicals in your environment, and oils, some naturally produced. When picking a cleanser you want to find one that is lower on the pH scale than most soaps. By doing this you will keep your skin's pH close to that golden ring of Glow-ness!

. For everyday cleansers I like a Plant-based line Clarity- Cleanse daily, $34.50

Youth to the People- Kale and green tea cleanser $36

Image - $36

As far as a glycolic cleanser I like Clarity Cleanse as needed $42

For a detailed review of cleansers check out my post on cleansers.

Exfoliants are Optional for younger skin. At a young age, your body is still growing, until around 25 years of age. Your cell turnover rate is still pretty high and most don't need to have extra outside help. 

I love and use both of these products. Get clean is a very easy-to-use crushed bamboo exfoliant. It is delicate enough for all skin types to help skin cell turnover. There are also cucumber, rosemary, and calendula extracts to calm irritations and soothe your skin. If you are dealing with dry lips this doubles as a lip scrub. Rub this onto your face and leave it on for at least a minute.$32

Down and dirty is a cooling charcoal micro exfoliant. This is probably one favorite of the two because it contains amazing ingredients from the land and sea! Activated charcoal helps remove toxins from the skin.$36

I would not recommend this product if you have large, visible pores.

Step Two: Let's tone and make it right baby!

After you wash your face and some of your natural oils with soap the pH of your skin will be different. This is where we make it right baby! Toners; when you tone your skin you are correcting the pH levels of your skin. Seambum naturally brings your pH in balance but that can be washed away when removing the other particles from your skin. You have to remember like your gut, your skin also has a microbiome that needs balancing and protecting.

Take your vitamins by clarity

Products I like Clarity Take your vitamins $44

This product is great to keep some in a smaller bottle on you if you have dry skin and you wear make-up. You can just mist over your skin to keep you slayin' throughout the day.

Youth to the People- $38

Murad- Vitamin C Hydrating Toner $36

I love a toner that gives back and you feel refreshed after. Packaging may vary. I've seen it as a magenta color and I currently have an orange container.

Optional Weekly Step: Mask

So not only are mask fun to do by yourself, with your spouse, and your friends. They are very beneficial. Each mask has different benefits depending on your area of concern and what you are targeting. I'll have a post about Mask so check that out!

Step Three: Smear it or spread it? Let's Serum it!

(This is an optional step, but one of my favorites if you are addressing, correcting, or preventing.)

We are getting into the good good now. The serums!! Who doesn't love a good serum? Serums can help with a very wide range of problems. I use and love to recommend a Vitamin C serum. Currently, I am using Image vitamin C serum in the morning. In the evening I use my more corrective serums.

Love vitamin C in the morning! $74.67

Clarity daily dose of water- This product helps lock in the water on your face. Apply this when your skin is still damp for optimal results. $76

At this point, our skin is looking good and dewy!

Step Four: Time to seal in that moisture!

We can take a water-based approach or do an oil-based moisturizer.

Toning and moisturizing go hand and hand they both add to our skin what we took away. This is a step a lot of people skip. A lot of my clients that have oily skin or acne-prone skin were my main cooperate at not moisturizing. Mainly because they haven't found the correct product for their skin. Moisturizers have tried to add more oil to already oily skin or clog pores and they breakout. I will explain in another post about different skin types and common concerns they have and common things they may do "to help." With moisturizing.

Clarity

Everyday moisture for every skin type. - $70

I recommend this for dry skin or if you want to help with the appearance of wrinkles.- $70

I love the way this moisturizer feels of this on the skin.

Youth to the People-Kale and Spinach Hyaluronic acid $48

The best part of Youth to the People ingredients, I always feel like I'm getting my vegetables in first thing in the morning. From the superfoods cleanser to the kale and spinach moisture cream. This is a super lightweight Moisture cream kind of like a spinach and kale salad.

Youth to the People- Ashwagangha + Reishi Pentapeptide $58

Ashwagandha root and Reishi on my skin while I drink it in my tea?! Yes, please!

Step Five: S-U-N-S-C-R-E-E-N!

Yes, rain or shine summer or winter you want to protect your skin.

We have sunscreen, and outdoor sunscreen (haha.) Sunscreen does more than help us get burned. It also acts as a second defense for melanin. It protects the elastin and collagen layers in our dermis. Or in simpler terms, it helps combat wrinkles and fights off things that may cause skin cancer. This does not mean If you have more melanin you don't need sunscreen. You do!

Black don't crack, but it can sag.

I am currently using Image spf50 it's smooth and goes on very easily on every skin type easily. It's one I loved using on my clients in my spa and personally use.

Image SPF 32 - $44

If you are looking for the simplest routine remember to give back to your skin what you take.

Remember I am not a Dermatologist just an Aestictian. So if you have a major skin concern speak with your derm.

✨Peace, Love & Blessings ✨

-Sierra!, Your Bestie Blogger 💗