Starting a new skin care routine with new products can be tricky. Sometimes it’s tough to work out what products go where, beyond cleansing and moisturizing. We believe that less is more, and that you should start slow to shape the routine that is perfect for your skin.
CLEANSING: Start with a cleanser that comes closest to your skin’s natural tendencies. If you tend to be oily and prone to breakouts, a cleanser with blemish-fighting ingredients is a good choice. If your skin gets dry, a cleanser that balances hydration is best. Cleanse as often as you need. Ideally, cleansing at the end of the day is recommended. It’s unlikely that you’ll accumulate a lot of environmental stress or damage overnight while you sleep, so gently rinsing your face with water or aloe might be just fine. But if it feels good to cleanse in the morning as well, do it. It matters that you feel good about your routine, because you’ll be most likely to stick with it.
TONING: A good toner (or Essence) can help prep your skin to receive the maximum impact from your moisturizer. If your skin trends very oily, an essence may even take the place of a moisturizer. Essence is best absorbed when ‘pressed’ into damp skin. Allow your skin to nearly dry, before applying moisturizer.
MOISTURIZING: When it comes to moisturizing, less is more. Use just enough moisturizer to sink into your skin and get to work. A formula that simply lays on top of the skin isn’t actually doing any work; it’s just serving as a magnet for environmental things to stick to. The best moisturizer will leave your skin hydrated and supple, not sticky or shiny. To find your ideal level of hydration, start with just a small amount and add more moisturizer if necessary.
TREATMENT: Special treatments can go before moisturizer, after moisturizer, or in place of moisturizer. If you’re using an oil or elixir for added hydration, press a few drops sparingly into your skin after moisturizing. You can also mix a few drops into your moisturizer and boost the formula that way. If you’re using a serum for treatment, apply it before your moisturizer. This is because serums have a lower molecular weight, and will penetrate faster on bare or toned skin. You can also add a few drops of serum to your moisturizer to boost it, and apply as normal after toning.