Written by Aleksandra Agranovich
How to Build a Skin Care Routine
Building you own skin care routine may seem challenging, but with all the resources and products that we have available on the market today, it can be done in no time. Taking care of your skin is extremely important, both for your body and your soul. Determining what type of products to use generally depends on your own, individual skin type. The goal of any skin care routine is to make sure that your skin feels right, bright, and healthy. Choosing a skin care routine involves three to five steps that may range from a daily facial cleanser, a moisturizer, a toner, some sunscreen and possibly a serum. So how do you start?
Step 1: Cleanser
Choosing the right cleanser is quite possibly the most important and basic step in any skin care routine. Every day, our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt, germs, and Earth’s elements. Washing your face twice a day can help to avoid clogged pores, rid the skin of harsh chemicals, and prevent acne, blackheads, and eczema. Skin cleansers can exist as foaming liquids, creams and lotions, oils, melting balms, and micellar water. The right cleansing formula will clean your skin without stripping it of its essential oils.
Step 2: Moisturizer
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. We hear it all the time… But what does this mean exactly and why is it so important?
Moisturizing your skin can rehydrate, soften, and rejuvenate the naturally found ceramides within the skin. As we age, it becomes difficult for our skin to retain moisture in the natural sense. Therefore, the sooner we start using moisturizers, the healthier our skin will feel and look. Moisturizers depend solely on your skin type. Whether you have dry, oily, normal, inflamed or sensitive skin, there is a moisturizer out there that will fit your needs.
Creams that are applied in the morning tend to protect the skin from environmental factors throughout the day. Nighttime creams, on the other hand, are meant to replenish and repair dry skin as a result of cellular turnover and environmental damage.
Step 3: Sunscreen
We’ve all heard of how terrible UV rays can be… and we hate to admit it, but it’s the truth. Skin cancer, due to ultraviolet radiation, is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. But here’s a fun fact! It is completely and totally preventable. How, you might ask? Sunscreen.
Although it sounds super annoying, dermatologist recommend that we wear sunscreen all year round (yes… even in the winter months). Sunscreen is a crucial skin-care product, despite the fact that it too, is made from chemicals. Using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 is highly recommended. Appling your sunscreen at least thirty minutes prior to sun exposure will prevent skin cancer.
Step 4: Toners and Serums
Toners and serums? Well these guys are optional… It truly depends on how into the whole “daily-skin-care-routine” you are. In the past, toners mainly consisted of alcohol-based products that would dry up the skin and remove dirt particles (which wasn’t very healthy). Today, toners are composed of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, collagen, rose water and green tea extracts, and a variety of vitamins. To tell you the truth though, most of these particles are too large to pass through our skin barrier anyways. Unless you want to take that extra step to look and feel good about your skin, toners are not necessarily that important.
Serums, on the other hand, are composed of concentrated ingredients and work more like elixirs that focus to mitigate dark spots and wrinkles. Serums can be applied daily or nightly, but truth be told, they are very expensive, and you probably won’t see results immediately. Think of it as a preventive “aging” measure.
Example of a Daily Skin Care Routine
Step 1: Cleanser
· CeraVe Foaming/Hydrating Facial Cleaner
Step 2: Moisturizer
· CeraVe daily Moisterizing lotion
Step 3: Sunscreen
· CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+
Step 4 (optional): Toner or Serum
· CeraVe Hydrating Toner (removes oil, dirt, makeup, impurities, etc.)
· CeraVe Retinol Serum (reduced fine lines and wrinkles)
**Note: These are just a few examples. There are thousands of products available for different types of skin. It just takes trial and error to find the right ones…
Resources
Molvar, Kari. “How to Build a Skin Care Routine.” The New York Times, The New York Times,
https://www.nytimes.com/guides/tmagazine/skincare-routine
Creating a daily skin care routine
Yu Feng Lin & Fawziya Twam
In terms of basic skincare needs, an effective skincare routine must emphasize protection, prevention, cleansing, and moisturizing. Daily sunscreen use is recommended, and the most effective active ingredients for sun protection are zinc oxide and avobenzone. Sunscreens undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. Proper cleansing and moisturizing are essential, with different formulations suitable for various skin types.
To achieve a youthful, radiant complexion, a significant factor is exfoliation, either through chemical or physical means. Exfoliation is the process of removing excess corneocyte buildup, which in turn stimulates cell turnover, resulting in a more polished, smoother, translucent surface. Chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and salicylic acid as well as newer polyhydroxy acids and retinaldehyde. Physical exfoliation include topical cleansing scrubs containing a variety of abrasive solid particulates, mechanical facial brushes, sonicating devices, and mildly abrasive cosmetic tools such as microexfoliating rollers. Physical exfoliation induces an immediate desquamation, which in some cases can produce a temporary disruption of the skin barrier, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss.
Aging skin can benefit from retinoids like tretinoin, which stimulate collagen production and improve firmness and elasticity. Nonprescription forms like retinol are available but less potent. Newer forms like retinaldehyde are gentler and effective. Maintaining hydration is vital for redensification, and barrier repair using moisturizers with humectants and barrier molecules is recommended. Sensitive skin requires barrier repair and inflammation reduction. Moisturizers with humectants and barrier-enhancing ingredients like ceramides are beneficial. Avoiding irritants and allergens is crucial. Topical chamomile is mentioned as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Recommending products with fewer ingredients is advised.
For acne management, over-the-counter (OTC) products with ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur are effective for mild to moderate acne. Combination treatments targeting hyperkeratinization, sebum production, bacterial proliferation, and inflammation are recommended. Hydrating, non-irritating products should be chosen for long-term compliance. Hyperpigmentation can be addressed with topical treatments containing hydroquinone and retinoids, along with exfoliation and sun protection. Brightening agents like kojic acid, AHAs, licorice root, and vitamin C derivatives can help maintain an even complexion. Continuous sun protection is essential to prevent pigmentation reoccurrence.
Morning Routine:
Cleansing: Start your day with a mild cleanser to remove impurities and prepare your skin for other products. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
Moisturizing: Apply a high-quality moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This will help lock in moisture and maintain skin barrier function.
Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. This step is crucial in preventing premature aging and skin damage.
Evening Routine:
Cleansing: Cleanse your face again using the same mild cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants.
Treatment (if needed): If you have specific skin concerns like wrinkles or acne, you can use evidence-based products containing retinoids for anti-aging or topical treatments for acne as prescribed by a dermatologist.
Moisturizing: Apply a night cream or a richer moisturizer with ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, or antioxidants to help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.
Weekly Routine (1-2 times a week):
Exfoliation: Exfoliate your skin using a gentle chemical exfoliant (alpha or beta hydroxy acids). This helps remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and enhance product absorption.
Face Mask: Use a hydrating or clarifying mask, depending on your skin's needs. Look for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, clay, or antioxidants.
Additional Considerations:
Consult a Dermatologist: If you have specific skin concerns or conditions (e.g., severe acne, eczema), consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations and prescription treatments.
Diet and Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water. Good nutrition and hydration play a vital role in skin health.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These habits can contribute to skin aging and damage.
Manage Stress: High stress levels can impact skin health. Practice stress management techniques like meditation or yoga.
Consistency is key with any skincare routine. Additionally, it's essential to introduce new products gradually to ensure they do not cause irritation or adverse reactions. Tailor your routine based on your specific skin type and concerns, and always patch-test new products before applying them to your face.
References:
Kim S, Ly BK, Ha JH, et al. A consistent skin care regimen leads to objective and subjective improvements in dry human skin: investigator-blinded randomized clinical trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(1):300-305. doi:10.1080/09546634.2020.1751037
Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4(12 Suppl Anatomy and Safety in Cosmetic Medicine: Cosmetic Bootcamp):e1152. Published 2016 Dec 14. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152