7 steps to setting up the best skin care routine

Oily skin tends to be shiny or greasy looking, and is prone to enlarged pores and acne.

Dry skin is usually rough and flaky, and has an increased need for moisturization.

Combination skin has dry spots and oily spots, and needs to be addressed more topically.

Sensitive skin gets irritated easily with alcohols, acids, and other harsh ingredients.

Normal skin is not very oily, dry, or sensitive and is suited to use most cleansers, moisturizers, and skin care products.

You should wash your face in the morning before using any moisturizers or makeup, and once at night. Wet your skin using warm water, because hot water will dry out your skin. Wash gently with a mild cleanser in soft circular motions – don’t scrub. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. If your cleanser dries out your skin or makes it too oily, try another face wash.

For those with oily skin, use a foaming cleanser that is oil free. Those with dry or sensitive skin will want to use a gentle cleanser that is free of alcohols or fragrance that may dry out or irritate the skin.

You should exfoliate your face once or twice a week; any more than that and you may damage your skin. A wash off scrub will be adequate for most skin types. Use soft rubbing motions rather than vigorous scrubbing. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.

For those with sensitive or oily skin with active breakouts, rubbing could irritate or harm your skin. Try using an AHA such as Glycolic Acid instead. Glycolic acid will break down the bonds that hold dead skin onto the surface, allowing it to slough off gently. Those new to using chemical exfoliants should try using weaker concentrations first.

After cleaning and/or exfoliating your face, apply a small amount of toner. You should apply it to all facial areas except around the eyes. For most toner, you can do this with a cotton pad. Alternatively, there are spray toners that allow you to simply mist the toner onto your face. Allow toner to fully dry and absorb.

Those with oily skin, especially with active breakouts should consider using a toner with salicylic acid to help treat acne.

After you use toner, apply moisturizer to your entire face. Moisturizing is incredibly important because it helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and skin damage. It also gives the skin a healthier look. Any moisturizing serum or rich moisturizing cream should be fine for most skin types.

If your skin is oily or you have combination skin, use an oil free moisturizer such as Hyaluronic Acid.

Even if it’s not hot outside, sun damage is a real risk to your skin and can cause serious problems and visible aging symptoms over time. It’s always important to apply sunscreen before going outside for 30 minutes or longer.

Using sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, apply 15 minutes before going outside. Do this after moisturizer, but before applying makeup. There are even makeup products that provide sun protection.

There is a wide variety of skin care products on the market that address all sorts of issues, using different combinations of vitamins, minerals, peptides, natural oils and compounds. Each of these products will typically come with specific directions for use. Many can even be used as moisturizers.

If you have wrinkles or fine lines that you wish to address, consider using wrinkle-fading products such as peptide creams or serums daily. Many of these products can significantly reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines over time.

For crow’s feet or fine lines around the eye area, there are eye creams and serums to help fade those.

People with hyperpigmentation and/or age spots should use skin lightening serums and creams with ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C.

These are just a few of the skin problems that people suffer from. Our store offers products that address these issues and many others.