Every skin type, let alone each person’s skin, is different. Much like no two fingerprints or snowflakes are alike, no two skin types are alike. However, there are certainly some generalizations one can make when talking broadly about how to care for skin. After establishing basic skincare “rules,” you can dive deeper into specific ways to care for your skin.
But first, let’s establish some basics. No matter your age, skin type, or skin concerns, there are a few essential steps for caring for your skin – specifically the skin on your face. You wouldn’t wash your hair with the same products you rinse your contacts with, and you shouldn’t wash your face in the same way you wash your body.
The most important thing for your skin, and the first step to take when just starting to care for it, is to wash and moisturize every day and night. No matter if you’re 15 or 75, this stays the same. The products you use and the steps in between will likely change, but the one constant should always be washing and moisturizing morning and night. Yes, even if you’re oily, you still need moisturizer. If you skip the crucial step in moisturizing, your skin can actually over-produce oil looking for the hydration a moisturizer will provide. Dehydrated skin can also lead to fine lines and wrinkles and crepiness developing quicker. And I know that washing at night is the hardest time to remember. I get it, you just want to crawl into bed after a long day. But did you know that every night you go to bed without washing your face, your skin ages seven days? No thanks. So even if you do nothing else for a skincare routine, make sure to wash and moisturize every day and night.
The number two thing to remember, even if you do nothing else, is to add a sunscreen into your regimen. The easiest way to do this is to pick a moisturizer with an SPF in it – this way you’re not adding an additional step to your routine. You’re already going to be moisturizing, so why not do so and protect your skin from sun damage? Not only is sun damage the number one cause to skin aging, you’ll be protecting yourself against sun burn and skin cancer.
The next generalization for skincare, no matter your skin type, is to exfoliate at least once a week. Let’s talk exfoliation in terms of NOT doing so. When you don’t exfoliate, dead skin settles into your pores, which clogs the pores (leading to breakouts) and makes them appear larger and makes the skin’s overall texture rougher. Which means when you don’t exfoliate dead surface cells away, you’re essentially just washing and moisturizing dead skin over and over. If your skin starts to look dull, it’s probably time for a good exfoliation. You may also notice if you don’t exfoliate, your makeup may not apply as evenly and may look flaky and patchy. Younger skin likely may need a more gentle exfoliation, but this is an important step for everyone.
Ok, so you’re ready to wash and moisturize daily, and exfoliate weekly. What products should you be using? Skincare should be customizable, creating a regimen specifically to you catering to your skin type, concerns, needs, lifestyle, and environment.
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For adolescent skin, NOT focused on acne care, I recommend a gentle system with a cleansing gel and a moisturizing gel. Typically this looks like a lightweight formula that does not have acne or age fighting ingredients. If your (or your teen’s) skin is not acne prone, using products with ingredients like salicylic acid will actually dry out your skin too much.
However, for acne-prone skin, you will want a line that is designed for just that. Look for a cleansing gel and moisturizing gel with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which not only fight breakouts but also work to prevent new blemishes and control oil production. Remember, even acne-prone skin still needs moisture, so choose a formula that is lightweight and oil-free.
As your skin ages, I recommend finding a regimen that is formulated for normal to dry or combination to oily skin, and is both anti-aging and preventative. Ingredients to look for are resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. Chances are your moisturizer will need to be richer at this stage because it will be packing more of a punch than when you were younger and just needed a gentle routine. More on this later, but as you focus on anti-aging, you will also want to add an eye cream and possibly serums into your routine.
If you feel like your skin has aged quicker than you would like or if you are past the stage of age prevention, you may want to switch your regimen to one that is more focused on age-reversal. Look for products with retinol, and that promote lifting, plumping, and firming of the skin. As our skin ages, it naturally doesn’t retain its moisture, so you will also want to look for a very hydrating skincare line. This may look like a richer moisturizer, as well as hydrating serums or supplements.
Browse skincare sets here, or reach out to me on my socials and I will help you find a line best suited for your needs.
Moisturized Musings 
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