Recently a friend came to me because she wanted to start a real skin care routine but had no idea where or how to start. Part of the problem was when she went to look for products it was overwhelming since there are so many out there! So many different products that offer clear, bright, smooth + so much more skin. The other part of the problem beauty + skin care isn’t really her thing so all the terminology was overwhelming as well. She also told me that she searched high + low + couldn’t find a blog post or anything on how + where to start a skincare routine. Insert this post ha!
I want this post to be about how + where to start a skin care routine, not about products ya know? Maybe I can recommend some problems in another post broken down by skin concern. I want to “define” if you will the different types of products you might come across + what they generally mean. What I mean by generally is I’m going to define it as its main purpose, not what some do, some don’t.
I’m a less is more person so I’m going to recommend the basics I feel like everyone needs to get started + have a good routine. You can add products to the routine or keep it as is. Thats why I love it. So here we go!
✨ WHAT THE PRODUCTS DO ✨
[I took a lot of these “definitions” from Google]
Facial Cleanser: A product made for specially removing dirt, oil, etc from the face. Especially when removing make up, its a good idea to double cleanse.
Face Exfoliator: Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. You want a gentle exfoliator that will remove dead skin but not tear the skin either.
Under Eye Cream: Under eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye, so they tend to be thicker and contain more emollients and conditioning agents than facial lotions. They are to moisturize, depuff, work on dark circles + fine lines + wrinkles.
Moisturizer: a lotion or cream used to prevent dryness in the skin. Moisturizers for PM are made differently than AM ones because your skin
SPF: The amount of sun protection to prevent a sunburn. Found in some moisturizers, foundations etc. It’s very important so don’t forget it in your routine!
SERUMS: skin care products that are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. There are many different types of serums on the market that perform different jobs, ranging from hydration to skin brightening
FACE OIL: Face oils have larger molecules that can only penetrate the surface. They work on strengthening the skin barrier – the outer layer – to minimise trans epidermal water loss. This keeps skin hydrated and plump, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
FACE MASK: Can be a sheet, cream, lotion etc that is a specific treatment for your face. For example detox, hydration, brightening, firming etc. So depending on what your skin needs you an do a mask for that specific need.
UNDER EYE MASK: Can be a sheet, cream, lotion etc that is a specific treatment for your under eye area. For example detox, hydration, brightening, firming etc. So depending on what your skin needs you an do a mask for that specific need.
TONER: An astringent liquid applied to the skin to reduce oiliness and improve its condition.
✨ HOW TO PICK THE PRODUCTS TO START WITH ✨
✨ 5 BASIC PRODUCTS TO START WITH ✨
These five products are always the products I first recommend because they are the foundation of any skin care routine. You can either leave it as it or add to it as you see fit. The SPF factor can be found in some AM or daily moisturizers so thats a 2 in one step.
#1. Facial cleanser
#2. Exfoliator
#3. Under Eye Cream
#4. Moisturizer- AM + PM
#5. SPF
Start with these 5 products + use them for about 4-6 weeks to really give your skin a chance to acclimate + such. As you use the products see how your skin reacts to them. Does your skin feel tight or burns? Oily? Are you breaking out more or have redness? Some of that will go away as your skin gets used to the products but if it continues STOP using the products + see if it goes away or call your doctor!
If your skin is doing fine then after the 6 week mark is when you can add in more products like face masks, serums etc or leave it be. It’s fun to try out new products + see how they work but I’m also a big believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
So tell me. Was this helpful? Where + how did you start your skincare routine?! Tell me in the comments below! I’d love to know! Oh + while I have you here lol don’t forget to subscribe to the blog via your email so you never miss a post! And then! Come say Hi! on Pinterest + Instagram: @jennniferlynn11! I’d love to hear from you + connect!
Thank you so much for being here + reading✨ How + Where to Start A Skincare Routine ✨ !! It means so much to me! 🤍✨
Always Sparkle and Shine Bright…
xoxo,
Jen