Is skincare just a hype? Everyone seems to be talking about skincare nowadays. Skincare trends come and go. We all know having a skincare routine is an investment. But is it actually necessary? What is the purpose of skincare products?
Well, first things first:
Is skincare actually necessary?
Absolutely. While having a skincare routine may seem like just a cosmetic necessity, a skincare routine is not just to help you look good, it’s essential for your skin’s health. Think about it. Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Not taking proper care of it can severely impact your health. For example: Sunscreen. Not wearing sunscreen can cause skin cancer.
That’s why investing in a skincare routine isn’t just about vanity, it’s about your health! It’s so important to have a great skincare routine that caters to your specific skin type, and skin concerns. We’re not just here to help you look your best, but to feel your best. Beauty starts inside out.
What is the purpose of skincare products?
Each specific skincare product has its own purpose and benefit. For example, a cleanser’s purpose is to remove impurities, oil, and any debris that may, in turn, clog your pores, and cause breakouts. Certain types of cleansers like cleansing oils, help break down makeup, help your skin be clean, and prevent clogged pores. Toners help ensure that your skin is clean from factors such as pollution! Exfoliators are there to remove any dead skin, and help combat dullness, and prevent breakouts. Moisturizers add hydration and moisture to the skin, to keep your skin from overproducing oil and sebum, which can cause acne. They also help maintain the skin’s natural barrier healthy. It’s important to take care of your skin’s natural barrier because it helps the skin be able to repair itself, and it keeps you healthy and protected. Sunscreen keeps UVA and UVB rays from causing damage, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
Serums have different purposes. For example, ceramide serums help with redness, helps the skin retain moisture, and helps repair and keep the skin’s natural barrier healthy. A serum containing Vitamin A can help with anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and dryness among many other conditions. It really depends on your skin type, age, and skin concerns.
What skincare products do I actually need?
1. Cleansers
Perhaps one of the most important products you actually need is cleansers. A great cleanser keeps your skin looking and feeling healthy, and well, clean. Cleansers help remove impurities, excess oil, dirt, and any other yucky stuff you don’t want sitting on your skin! It’s important to choose the right cleanser for your skin type, though. For example, those with sensitive skin should opt for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the oil from your skin that is needed to keep your skin healthy, and hydrated.
2. Exfoliators
Your skin is constantly creating new cells. All the dead skin that comes from producing new skin cells would just sit there, on top of your healthy, glowing new skin without exfoliators. That’s why it’s so important to include them in your skincare routine! (Unless you enjoy walking around with dead skin cells, and having dull skin.) Exfoliation comes in many different forms. Chemical exfoliation includes AHAs and BHAs. This type of exfoliation works by leaving the product on the skin overnight. Wash it away in the morning and voila! Glowing healthy skin! Other types of exfoliation include physical exfoliants which include scrubs or other exfoliation tools where you physically exfoliate the skin. Peels are also a type of exfoliant. Again, it all depends on your skin and giving your skin what it needs.
3. Moisturizers
Moisturizing your skin is a very important step towards having healthy skin, especially if you have dry skin. Moisturizing keeps you from having flaky skin, dry skin, keeps your skin from overproducing oil (which leads to breakouts), and keeps the skin barrier healthy! However, moisturizers aren’t just important for those with dry skin types. Those with acne-prone skin and those with oily skin, combination skin, or normal skin should also add moisturizer to their nighttime routine, as well as to their daytime routine. Those with dry skin should use heavier creams, and those with acne-prone or oily skin can use water-based, lighter moisturizers. Avoiding moisturizer because you think it makes your skin oily is a myth that must end ASAP!
4. Sunscreen!!!!
HUGE EMPHASIS ON DAILY SUNSCREEN USE! Sun protection should be perhaps the most important step in your skincare routine. Sun exposure without any broad-spectrum protection leads to sun damage and skin cancer. Not only will it make you age faster, but it’s also very harmful to your skin to skip moisturizer. In fact, when people ask us what the best anti-aging treatment is our answer is clear: Wear sunscreen every single day. Whether you’re knee-deep in snow in Boston or catching rays in Miami, wearing sunscreen is very important for your skin health. We are huge fans of SuperGoop sunscreen (which you can purchase at Bella Reina Spa). Mineral sunscreens like SuperGoop are better for your skin (no yucky ingredients) and are better for the environment (they are reef safe.)
5. Eye Cream
Eye creams are also important. You have very delicate skin around your eyes. In fact, sometimes, when people have fine lines around their eyes, it’s not actually from aging, but from dehydration! It’s very important to take care of that delicate skin around your eyes!
What skincare products should I use every day?
So now that we’ve talked about the most important products you should own. Now, which products should be part of your daily skin care routine?
It’s important to cleanse your face every single day twice a day. You can use a milder, gentler cleanser for your morning routine, or micellar water. At night, it’s important to double-cleanse. First, you can use a milky cleanser, oil cleanser, or a cleansing balm to break down makeup. This will make sure you remove makeup properly. Then, use your usual cleanser to clean your skin. This will prevent your pores from getting clogged, and it will prevent breakouts.
Moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen should also be an important part of your daily routine. Exfoliators shouldn’t be used on a daily basis, because you can actually strip your skin of important oils. Over-exfoliating your skin may cause puffiness, flaky, dry skin, redness, irritation, and it can harm the skin’s protective barrier. Those with sensitive skin should exfoliate only once a week. It really depends on the type of skin.
What is the most important part of skincare?
The two most important parts of a skin care routine:
1. Choosing the right skin care products for your skin.
The types of products you include in your skin care routine should target your specific skin concern, or concerns, and your skin type. The ingredients in your skin care products have different benefits, that can either help or harm your skin. It’s important to determine what type of skin you have prior to purchasing beauty products. For example, those with very sensitive skin should avoid using harsh active ingredients that can cause redness or irritation.
2. Using Sunscreen on a daily basis.
Sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare routine. The reason why sunscreen is so important is that we are exposed to the sun’s harmful rays every day. Even when you’re driving to work, or sitting by a window at home or at the office, you are receiving both UVA and UVB rays. UVA and UVB rays can cause severe damage to your skin cells, even without showing physical signs like a bad sunburn. Sunscreen can protect you and prevent melanoma! This is why it’s so important to include it in your daily skin care routine.
How do I know which skincare products to buy?
It can be so overwhelming to know what your skin type is. Sometimes you may think you have dry skin, but in reality, you have super sensitive skin. We always recommend that you have a consultation with an esthetician, or dermatologist to determine your skin type, to make sure that you’re investing in the right products for your skin. At Bella Reina Spa, we are happy to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with you! Give us a call to book your consultation!
