At SLFMKR, we are serious skin care lovers, and while we can say for sure that everyone should care for their skin with the utmost love, it is hard to know where to start. You may have a serious dedication to protecting the body’s largest organ, yet going about it proves to be a major struggle. Trust us, we have all been there, and honestly, there isn’t a specific set of steps that works with 100% effectiveness for everyone, but there is somewhere to start, and we’re here to help.
Every skin care routine is unique and moldable to the user which can be a sort of bittersweet idea. Of course having the ability to tackle your own skin issues head on and test out different products is an amazing concept and part of what makes skin care so much fun, but the variation in ingredients, products, brands, etc. can also be intimidating. There are many misconceptions that exist regarding skin and what products work best for different skin types. The truth is, a skin care regimen should showcase four main steps whether you’re a beginner or you have been taking great care of your skin for decades. These steps are simple and all have a necessary function when it comes to great self-care.
First Step: The Cleanser
The first step is probably an obvious one and also probably something that you are already doing regardless of your skin care status.You guessed it! A cleanser is imperative, and there are many types to choose from. Based on skin type and preference, cleansers can vary, but they all share one thing in common: they rid your skin from any outer layer of dirt, residue, makeup, etc. that may be resting on your face. If you find yourself super dry, a good option might be a creamy cleanser such as Berlin Skin's Coconut and Aloe Cleanser. A lathering cleanser might be good for friends with acne prone skin. Whatever works best for you is important, but making sure to start with a cleanser is a definite must in order to begin with a clean base that can best take in the product that comes next.
Second Step: The Toner
Keeping with the theme of proper preparation for the products that do the heavy lifting, our next step is often overlooked. Starting the rehydration is a necessity, and the best way to do that is with a toner. Whether it’s a mist like the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator Mist; or a little thicker (sometimes called an essence) like the Agent Nateur holi (water) Pearl + Rose Hyaluronic Toner, a toner leaves your face optimally primed for the next steps and is the first added moisture in your regimen after potentially stripping your skin of natural oils with the cleanse. Ingredients in toners can range, but a good starting point is looking for any ingredient that helps with moisture such as hyaluronic acid or squalane. Try to stay away from products with high alcohol content or harsh acids and you’re set for the next step.
Third Step: The Serum
Arguably the most important step is the serum. While people search far and wide for a miracle moisturizer, the truth is that most of the products that attack specific issues such as rosacea, dull skin, anti-aging, etc. come in the form of a serum. The good news is that serums can be layered, switched in and out, used every other day, or however the user finds them the most effective. The serum is the truly customizable part of the skin care regimen and will most likely have a specific target outlined. An example might be a Vitamin C serum like the Herbiovre Botanicals NOVA Serum, which helps with brightening, skin calming, and cell regeneration. Another example could be a hyaluronic serum which focuses on hydration. The possibilities are endless and truly customizable.
Fourth Step: The Moisturizer
Last but not least is the tried and true moisturizer. After a nice cleanse and an application of a product that will deep dive into your skin and target whatever issues you may have, locking in the moisture of the product cannot be overlooked. Similarly to every other step of the routine, the moisturizer can come in all different forms. Some are heavier creams, whereas some come with a sort of gel-like consistency. Either way, moisture should be the goal, and the rest is kind of up to you. One tip is to look to your serum to target whatever it is you want to focus on and let the moisturizer focus on keeping your skin sealed, calm, and hydrated as many skin issues come from a lack of hydration anyway. Options vary and can be oil-based like the One Love Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm, or water-based like the Berlin Skin Blue Tansy Cream, but it’s up to preference. Whatever the choice is, the final step is imperative.
With a guide like this, we hope to give every self-care star a head start when it comes to picking what works best for them. The vast array of products can be terrifying, we get it, but checking off each of the four most important boxes is a great first step. By following the order of cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer, you are consciously hitting each of the areas that need to be addressed each time we take care of our skin. All four steps work together to give you your best skin, and the possibilities of different combinations ensure that your regimen is perfect for you.
