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 personalized skincare routine is an important step toward maintaining healthy and vibrant skin. The process may seem daunting because we live in a world filled with a vast assortment of skincare products, but a skincare routine doesn’t have to be complex. The foundation of a routine typically consists of a few steps, including daily facial cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreen application, and serums.
We’ll start with cleansing. Our skin constantly encounters pollutants and germs making regular cleansing imperative for preventing clogged pores, acne, and other skin issues. Various cleanser formulations, ranging from foaming liquids to creams and oils, cater to different skin needs. You want a product that’s effective in cleansing without stripping the skin of essential oils. I personally use a cleanser made by Cerave that includes salicylic acid which prevents acne. The cleanser also contains ceramides to keep moisture in my skin and not let it dry out.
Following cleansing, moisturizing is a cornerstone in skincare. Regardless of skin type—dry, oily, normal, or sensitive—using the right moisturizer is essential for rehydration and revitalization. For instance, individuals with dry skin may benefit from moisturizers enriched with ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Individuals with oily or combination skin may find that lightweight, oil-free moisturizers better suit their needs. These formulations prioritize hydration without exacerbating oiliness, making them ideal for daytime use, especially under makeup.
Moreover, the emerging trend of incorporating natural and organic ingredients has given rise to moisturizers designed for those with sensitive skin. With ingredients such as cotton extract and aloe, these moisturizers provide a gentle, soothing touch while delivering essential hydration. They are often versatile for both daytime and nighttime applications, catering to the unique needs of sensitive skin.
Sunscreen is an indispensable component of any skincare routine, providing protection against harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. Dermatologists advocate year-round sunscreen application, emphasizing the preventive aspect in maintaining skin health. A daily moisturizer with at least SPF 30 is highly recommended.
Serums, with concentrated ingredients, work preventively against issues like dark spots and wrinkles. I use a vitamin C serum to brighten my skin and help with dark spots. Serums with retinol in them can help greatly with wrinkles and I’ve seen great results using retinol in my skincare routine.
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and it stands out as a remarkable component in skincare due to its profound anti-aging and skin-renewing properties. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an anti-wrinkle agent, retinol, along with its active metabolites such as retinal, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and alitretinoin are marketed extensively in the skincare world.
Retinol promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells, leading to strengthened epidermal protective functions and reduced transepidermal water loss. It also inhibits the activity of metalloproteinases responsible for collagen degradation.
Research indicates that retinol stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize collagen fibers, improving skin elasticity and promoting angiogenesis. Additionally, retinol's influence on cellular turnover contributes to smoother skin texture, addressing concerns such as depigmentation, dryness, and fine lines. It also exhibits anti-comedogenic effects, regulating shedding within sebaceous gland ducts.
Incorporating retinol into your skincare routine requires a gradual approach for optimal results. Begin with a lower concentration and use it once or twice a week initially, gradually increasing frequency. Apply a pea-sized amount on dry skin before heavier creams, and always follow up with a moisturizer. Retinol causes increased photosensitivity so it is often used at night and sunscreen should be worn during the day.
In conclusion, a well-designed skincare routine with cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and serums, contributes to a comprehensive strategy for optimal skin health. The journey involves understanding individual skin needs, embracing proven ingredients, and fostering consistency.
References:
Goh CL, Wu Y, Welsh B, Abad-Casintahan MF, Tseng CJ, Sharad J, Jung S, Rojanamatin J, Sitohang IBS, Chan HNK. Expert consensus on holistic skin care routine: Focus on acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Jan;22(1):45-54.
Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Dec 14;4(12 Suppl Anatomy and Safety in Cosmetic Medicine: Cosmetic Bootcamp)
Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J. The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020 Dec 14;192(50
Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397