Achieving Healthy and Radiant Skin: A Comprehensive Skin Care Routine

Achieving Healthy and Radiant Skin: A Comprehensive Skin Care Routine

A well-rounded skincare routine can help you achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin. With our skin being the largest organ of our body, it plays a vital role in protecting us from external elements. Taking good care of your skin is essential not only for its appearance but also for its overall health. Today I will outline a comprehensive skincare routine that you can follow to keep your skin glowing and youthful and will also provide some of my favorite product suggestions along the way.

Cleansing (Morning and Evening)

The foundation of any skincare routine is proper cleansing. No matter how tempting it might be when it’s late at night and all you want to do is crawl into bed- GO WASH YOUR FACE! Leaving makeup on your skin at night can lead to premature aging. If you find yourself guilty of sleeping in your makeup, at bare minimum leave some gentle makeup face wipes for your bedside table. However (without following with a moisturizer), you will most likely find your face feeling very tight and dry when you wake up in the morning. Cleansing in the morning helps remove the overnight buildup of oils and impurities, while evening cleansings get rid of the day’s pollutants and makeup residue. Look for gentle, sulfate free cleansers to help remove dirt, oil, and makeup. I have extremely sensitive skin and have fallen head-over-heals for the Farmacy Natural Makeup Remover - Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm.  (The strawberry shortcake cleansing balm is my absolute favorite, but it is only around for a limited time). I’m still on the fence about OSEA - Ocean Cleansing Mudd as I love the peppermint infused mud base which is great at extracting impurities (and battling acne), but the seaweed smell can sometimes be overwhelming for me. My tween, however, loves it and has confiscated it to her bathroom. She swears by its acne fighting superpowers.

Exfoliation (2-3 Times a week)

Weekly exfoliation of your skin helps remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. Choose an exfoliant like glycolic acid or a physical exfoliant with gentle beads (microdermabrasion). Be careful not to over-exfoliate as it can lead to irritation and sensitivity. My two favorite exfoliants both come from TheBody Shop. The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Boosting Microdermabrasion is packed with vitamin C camu camu berries which are noted to have over 20 times the vitamin c which works to gently buff away dead skin cells for a smoother healthier-looking finish. I alternate this exfoliant with The Body Shop’s Edelweiss Liquid Peel (formerly known as Drops of Youth Liquid Peel). This gel-to-peel texture does an impressive job of gently lifting impurities and pollutants without any stinging or burning. I use it weekly on my face, neck, decolletage and even the tops of my hands (to defuse age spots). 

Toning

After cleansing, apply a toner to balance your skin's pH levels and prepare it for further products. Toners can also help reduce the appearance of pores and provide hydration. After reading several reviews while trying to choose a new toner for my very sensitive skin, I took a chance on Farmacy 3% TXA Brightening Toner. It has become my new favorite toner that doesn't irritate or dry out my skin while leaving it with a healthy, brightened glow.

Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to early signs of aging. Use an eye cream containing ingredients like peptides or hyaluronic acid to hydrate and minimize fine lines. Currently I use the Biossance Squalane and Marine Algae Eye Cream and have found it to be as consistent in results as their serums and moisturizers.

Serum 

Serums are packed with active ingredients tailored to address specific skin concerns. For anti-aging, look for serums with ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or retinol. For hydration, opt for serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. My top three favorite serums are from Shiseido and Biossance . Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Antioxidant Anti-Aging Face Serum has been my go to morning serum for years. It is a very light serum that increases hydration while also combating visible signs of aging. I use it as soon as I wake up in the morning. It creates a very light base before makeup or a glowy dew if you plan to go makeup free. My other two favorites both come from Biossance, and each serve their own purposes. Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum. The non-sticky, silky blue serum glides onto skin and is absorbed. The serum supplies more hydration than traditional hyaluronic acid serums that can’t maintain moisture. Copper Peptides support collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother-looking skin while a blend of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and sugarcane squalane plump skin. My other favorite serum by Biossance is their Biossance Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil. This serum is safe for all skin types (even oily.) The rose oil increases skin radiance by improving texture and suppleness. It protects skin from moisture loss and leaves behind a soft, natural scent. Vitamin C easily and deeply absorbs to reduce discoloration and improve elasticity. Squalane provides non-greasy moisture while damascus rose extract boosts radiance. I use it as a last step in my skin care routine every morning and evening after applying a moisturizer. I gently press a few drops onto my face, neck and chest to lock in long-lasting hydration.

Moisturizer

Applying a moisturizer is crucial to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. Choose a product suitable for your skin type—whether it's dry, oily, or combination—and ensure it contains SPF if you're following your morning routine. One of my favorite watery cream based moisturizers is Primera Alpine Berry Watery Cream. This moisturizing cream provides a rich hydration with alpine strawberry and aloe vera leaf extract while vitalizing the skin with papaya fruit extract containing vitamin C and keratinoid. Rich in vitamin C, alpine strawberries nourish the skin and stimulate anti-oxidation effects to protect the skin. An interesting fact I learned about Aloe vera leaf extract is that it has been used in ancient folk remedies even as far back as the 16th century B.C. It is nontoxic and highly effective in hydrating the skin to provide a healthy skin appearance. This is a versatile moisturizer suitable for all age groups. If you are looking for an anti-aging morning moisturizer, Perricone MD High Potency Classics: Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturize is a great source. This oil-free moisturizer contains three different forms of hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize and nourish. It also contains DMAE and rosemary leaf extract to lift and tighten the appearance of skin over time. By Infusing the skin with youthful hydration, it smooths the skin's surface to minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Sunscreen (Morning)

Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-aging product. Anytime I have asked an esthetician what is the primary action I can take to care for my skin and protect it from premature aging, the answer is always the same -Wear sunscreen-. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays, and it not only prevents premature aging but also reduces the risk of skin cancer. Once I have completed all of the above steps, the last thing I want to add to my face is a heavy, pore-clogging sunscreen. I also do not care for the smell of most sunscreens so I searched for a very light-weight sunscreen, that goes on clear (not leaving a white residue) and that also has little to no smell. I scoured many reviews on Sephora, and found Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen. It has an SPF 42 for a lightweight and invisible finish. My suggestion for any new products you are hesitant to spend money on without trying first is to join Sephora or other beauty store’s loyalty programs. Sephora allows you to earn points and usually gives out free samples with every on-line purchase. The samples are high demand products which allow you to see if the product is right for your skin tone without paying a high price to find out with a full-sized bottle. I also love to use my points on travel sized items of my favorite products before I head off on a vacation.

Night Cream (Evening)

Your skin regenerates while you sleep, making a night cream an essential part of your routine. Look for products with ingredients like retinol, peptides, or antioxidants to repair and rejuvenate your skin. Evening moisturizers that work well with the above mentioned serums are the Biossance Squalane and Omega Repair Moisturizer which is a rich moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate, plump and smooth skin, and the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ The Intensive Hydrating Complex which is ultra-rich and deeply moisturizes while smoothing, firming, and evening skin tone.

Weekly Masks

Integrate weekly masks into your skincare routine to address specific concerns. Clay masks can help with oil control, while hydrating masks provide an extra boost of moisture. Glow Recipe has a great line of masks that work while you sleep. One of my favorites is their Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask. I received it as a gift last Christmas and found it to be a super hydrating, pore refining overnight face mask. It’s a triple-threat with AHAs, Hyaluronic Acid + Pumpkin Seed Extract. It’s a great anti-aging gel mask that has you waking up to soft, glowing skin. 

Hydration (Throughout the Day)

Staying hydrated from within is as important as topical skincare. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple and healthy. My favorite rose water facial spray ( I keep one bottle at home and one bottle in my work bag) is Grace & Stella’s Rose Water Facial Spray Mist. I received it many years ago in a subscription box, and I’ve never let a bottle empty without having a backup already pre-ordered. It not only works as a great refresher for your face, but I mist over my entire body whenever I need a recharge. The rose scent is extremely faint yet so lovely. It has been my go-to for half of the last decade.

Healthy Lifestyle

Even with the most elegant of skincare products and routine, maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress are essential for overall skin health. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants into your diet, and practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation.

Consistency

Consistency is key to seeing results. Stick to your skincare routine and be patient—it can take weeks or even months to notice significant improvements.

Remember, a comprehensive skincare routine is essential to achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. By cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin daily, you can address specific concerns and keep your complexion glowing. Also remember that a healthy lifestyle and consistency are equally important. With dedication and the right products, you can achieve the beautiful skin you've always wanted. 

Feel free to leave a comment below with any of your favorite skincare products that you can’t live without and that have changed your daily skin care routine!

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