How To

How to Develop a Skin Care Routine

Have fun with your routine!
Have fun with your routine!
Member
By SkinCareLogic
eHow Community Member
(5 Ratings)

This is the only skin you will ever have...taking care of it is fun AND rewarding! Uses these steps as a guide- if you are new, begin with Cleansing, Exfoliating and Moisturizing. Then add steps to your routine as you go!

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Cleanser
  • Exfoliant
  • Moisturizer
  • Add additional products as you feel comfortable!
  1. Step 1
    Dermalogica's PreCleanse
    Dermalogica's PreCleanse

    PRE CLEANSE
    The key to a healthy looking complexion (no matter what skin type) is CLEAN SKIN! Far too often, we tend to overlook this critical step…in fact, the typical consumer spends less than 20 seconds cleansing their skin.
    Throughout the day, the skin accumulates environmental debris(pollutants, dirt, etc.). Combine that with make-up, sunscreens, and oil production, and we have a dirty layer of debris blocking us from clean skin!
    Dermalogica offers an AMAZING product called PreCleanse that melts through layers of dirt and oil on the skin without the use of surfactants, which can strip your protective layer. It is water-soluble, so it will rinse off easily and CANNOT CLOG THE PORES!
    If you are not using PreCleanse, try using your cleanser twice...it's a little more work, but you will get professional results!

  2. Step 2

    CLEANSE
    The cleansing step is so important in overall body health, not to mention the immediate skin care benefits.
    Look for cleansers that are soap-free. This may sound strange, but is actually an important key to their effectiveness. Our skin is naturally acidic (between 4.5 – 5.5 on the pH scale). Soaps are alkaline, which means they strip and dry the skin by nature. Dermalogica cleansers are pH balanced to the skin, which means they have the same pH as our skin. The result is a deeper cleanse that will actually leave the skin feeling hydrated and calm (rather than dry and itchy, a common complaint with most cleansers!).

  3. Step 3

    EXFOLIATE
    We recommend exfoliating after the cleansing step. Exfoliating can ease a number of skin care concerns…it leaves the skin looking smooth and polished, helps prevent breakouts, and allows maximum absorption of all products applied in the following steps.
    Exfoliaton can be performed is a variety of ways please read our article on EXFOLIATION for more information). We recommend exfoliating 2-3 times per week, depending on your skin type. Once you begin adding this important step into your regimen, you will immediately notice a difference in your skin. As with all products, listen to your skin, and exfoliate when your skin feels dull. Avoid exfoliating on days where your skin feels irritated.

  4. Step 4

    TONE
    Use toner after exfoliating to help hydrate the skin and bring it back to its normal pH. Spray toner directly on the face (avoid spreading with cotton, as this merely removes the product from the face and does not allow maximum absorption).
    Toners can also be used as a freshener throughout the day!

  5. Step 5

    MASK
    We recommend using masques 1 or 2 times per week, around 10-15 minutes per treatment. They contain powerful ingredients…find the mask that targets your individual needs and watch the dramatic effect it will have on your skin.
    Remove with water (and Sponge Cloth, if available). Spritzing with Toner can help complete masque removal.

  6. Step 6

    BOOSTER / SERUM
    Now that you have cleansed and exfoliated the skin, it is ready for the highly-active ingredients in your Booster.
    Dermalogica's Boosters are serum-like substances that target specific problems. Because the ingredients are so concentrated, they penetrate into the skin quickly and effectively. Exfoliated skin will accept Boosters even better, as there are no barrier layers between the Booster and your skin. Apply a strip of the product to your finger, then immediately massage over the area you are targeting. Boosters are NOT washed off…they remain on the skin to perform their function.

    LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN: Boosters are great because they target very specific problems…this means you can use different Boosters for different concerns!

  7. Step 7

    MOUISTURIZERS
    EVERY SKIN TYPE NEEDS A MOISTURIZER! All too often, we hear people with oily skin say they can’t use a moisturizer...not true! The key is finding the moisturizer appropriate for your skin. Moisturizers work as a shield to protect your skin against the harsh effects of the environment, AND control moisture loss (which becomes more and more important as we age). If you don’t use a moisturizer, your skin is vulnerable to the many elements it comes in contact with each day! Choose the moisturizer that fits your skin concerns. Some people find it necessary to use a lighter moisturizer in the summer, and a slightly richer one in winter. You may also choose to use a lighter moisturizer in the morning, and a slightly richer one at night...Listen to Your Skin!

    It is recommended to use an SPF 15 for daily, incidental sun exposure...however, do NOT apply a Moisturizer with an SPF at night time. Applying SPF at night can clog pores and cause the skin to develop sensitivities...SPF needs to react with some form of light (even if it is just indoor light).

  8. Step 8

    EYE CREAM
    The skin around the eyes is very delicate, and therefore more susceptible to the effects of the sun and environmental factors. For this reason, it is SO important to take extra care to protect it. The eyes are typically the first area on the face to show signs of aging. The eyes have few oil glands, meaning they need more hydration. Dermalogic's Total Eye Care contains light diffusers that reflect light, thus helping to eliminate dark circles.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do not exfoliate if you:
  • recently waxed in the area to be exfoliated
  • have a sunburn
  • are taking any photosensitizing medications
  • are using Accutane (or have taken in the last 6 months), Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac or any medically prescribed exfoliating products
  • are undergoing last treatments in the area to be exfoliated
  • have any sensitive or injured skin in the area to de exfoliated
  • Please speak with your doctor if you have any concerns at all
Photo Credit

Dermalogica

Comments  

MFoust said

Flag This Comment

on 1/9/2009 You have the simplest tips they are really "doable" I have to try this routine as part of my 2009 regimen.

sneedc said

Flag This Comment

on 1/7/2009 MMMM I love alpha-hydroxy serum, it's so refreshing & soothing to my face. THANKS for all these great tips; we all need skin as smooth as yours looks in your avatar, GORGEOUS! 5*

acole said

Flag This Comment

on 12/5/2008 Good tips. Thanks!

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care
eHow_eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care