Simple Skin Care for Busy Women

Why Do I Need A Skin Care Routine?

A good skin care routine prevents acne, treats wrinkles and keeps your skin looking it’s best.  While fancy devices may be nice to have, they definitely aren’t required.  A good skincare can be super simple, and the most important part is consistency.  So what do you need to get started? Is there a difference between daytime and nighttime?  Find out how to get started taking care of your skin today!

Simplifying Skin Care

The skincare industry is filled with a ridiculous number of options and tools so it can be very overwhelming when you look at it. So what is skin care for busy women? What do you need? What will work? What is overpriced?  What is just a crazy trend?  All of these questions may come up when you think about Dermatologists recommend a routine as simple as cleanser and a moisturizer.  For nighttime; a cleanser, repairing serum and moisturizer.  There’s nothing wrong with adding more, but when you’re getting started it’s easier to stick with simple and not overwhelm yourself.

 

So, let’s start simple.

 

1. Cleanse

2. Moisturize

 

It is also recommended to use an SPF on your face as well.  For me personally, I use a makeup that includes SPF, otherwise it seems to irritate my face.

 

Basic Skin Care Routine

 

1. Cleanser

Cleansing your skin is a must, regardless of age of skin type.  Whether you do that in the morning, a night or both is up to your preference.   Some people prefer to just splash some water on their face in the mornings before starting their moisturizer and makeup routine.   Here’s a helpful Cosmopolitan post on How Often Should You Wash Your Face and  5 Reasons I Don’t Wash My Face In The Morning

 

2. Moisturizer

You will pick a moisturizer depending on your skin type.  Whether

• Normal
• Oily
• Dry
• Combination

there is a moisturizer made for all.

Types of Skin

1. Oily Skin: Your skin secretes natural oils to keep itself moisturized but when you have oily skin, it adds more to the process.  Typically, people with oily skin have bigger pores.

According to Dr. Doris Day, founder of Day Dermatology and Aesthetics in New Yor City “you’re prone to oily skin if you notice that when you apply moisturizer, and almost anything you apply, you break out.”

 

1. Dry Skin: The first sign of this is if your skin appears dull and lifeless. Dry skin has this look because it’s covered in a layer of dead skin cells.  Light reflects off the skin cells in different directions, whereas with hydrated skin it has a smooth service that reflects life more evenly.
2. Sensitive Skin: This skin type may have acne, rosacea or contact dermatitis. It can be prone to stinging or burning. Often, it’s an overreaction to certain ingredients in a product.
3. Combination Skin: With this skin type the forehead and nose tend to be oiler and the cheeks drier. Skin type can change seasonally as well, meaning that you tend to be dry in the winter and oily in the summer.
4. Normal Skin: This is actually difficult to define but really it means that it can tolerate most things without overreacting.

 

More information on skin types.

 

Once you know what skin type you have, it makes it easier to pick out your moisturizer. A benefit of moisturizer is that when your skin is hydrated, it makes makeup go on easier and look better.  I also highly recommend using a primer after your moisturizer such as Heir Atelier because it helps to also smooth the surface of your skin.  While in a Sephora once a salesperson said it didn’t matter what brand of makeup you used, it came down to using a good moisturizer to make sure your skin was prepped for makeup.

 

The ingredients in moisturizers will actively help improve the look and feel of the skin. By applying these at night, it gives the skin enough time to soak them in and start to repair itself without being exposed to pollutants.

 

That’s the best place to start with skin care.  Just creating a routine of those things.  Once you have that down, you can add a repairing serum to it as well.

 

Additions for Your Skin Care Routine

Once you are ready, you can add on to your skin care routine with things such as:

Toner

Serum for cellular turnover at night (Such as Retinol)

Serum for skin brightening (such as Vitamin C)

 

Toner

Removes any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face.  When used daily as part of a skincare routine it can have a positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores

 

Cellular Turnover

Cellular turnover is the continuous process of shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with younger cells.  It results in skin that is shinier, tighter and has fewer fine lines and wrinkles.  While your skin does the naturally, the process starts to slow as you get older.

 

Serum for Skin Brightening- Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes collagen production which then helps to hydrate skin and brighten it.  Vitamin C is also an antioxidant so it protects skin cells from damaging radicals cause by UV exposure.  It inhibits melanin production of the skin which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone and enhance skin radiance.

 

 

Types of Skin Care Serums

Anti-Aging Serums

Skin Brightening Serums

Acne Fighting Serums

 

Anti-Aging Serums

These treat the most common signs of aging along with slowing down the process in general.  This means it targets fine lines, sagging, wrinkles as it firms and plumps the skin.  It helps to rejuvenate skin and smooth out the overall texture and appearance.  Many of these are recommended for nighttime use because it is suggested that retinol is negatively affected by the sun’s UV rays and could lead to adverse skin effects if used during the day.

 

Skin Brightening Serums

These help to brighten dull skin by smoothing complexion, fading age spots and sun spots, evening skin tones and diminishing hyperpigmentation.  It gives skin a natural, radiant glow. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Green Tea are often ingredients in these serums.

 

Acne Fighting Serums

Acne fighting serums actually work to prevent breakouts before they forum.  They are formulated with molecules that dive deep into the skin and deliver potent active ingredients. These types of serums have ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), tea tree, thyme, and cucumber to name a few.

 

Hydrating Face Serums

These serums work with your moisturizer to amplify its hydrating effects.  You will apply the moisturizer after applying the serum.  Ingredients related to hydrating face serums are Argon Oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, all over, rosehip oil, rosewater, jojoba and vitamin E.

 

Retinols

Retinols are one of the most tried and true anti-aging ingredients available over the counter.  It boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out of skin which then cuts down on fine lines and wrinkles.  Also improves skin tone and color

 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar that is found naturally in our skin that holds water and helps to keep it hydrated and plump.  Topical products can make the skin appear more dewy and younger because it improves skin elasticity.  According to a study on The Hype On Hyaluronic Acid by Harvard Health Publishing topical HA is an excellent moisturizer but if you are looking to improve the loss of volume and laxity of your skin (which naturally occurs) the injectable HA (with a dermatologist) is the preferred treatment.

 

 What Order Should Skin Care Be Applied In?

The consensus from dermatologist, beauty magazines such as Allure and Cosmo as well as brands such as Kiehls is to layer your products starting with the thinnest, water-based formulas and ending with the thickest products.  Allow each product to absorb before layering on the next product.   Lightweight, water-based formulas are more penetrable and quicker to absorb than heavier products.  It is recommended not to use more that 2-3 serums in your skin care regimen.

 

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