How To Create A Custom Skin Care Routine!

Hello Glams and Geeks! On a daily basis, we expose our skin to so much. Walking outside, whether in a polluted-area such as an urban city environment, or even in the suburbs, where you’re outdoors all the time. While commuting to and from places, touching things along the way. The layers of makeup that you apply to your face in the morning, touching it up at varying times of the day. The sweat from that intense workout you did this afternoon. These are the activities that have built the routines of your life. These are also the contributing factors that play a big role in the condition of your skin. So, much like your daily routine, today we will talk about creating a skin care routine to help you put your best face forward as you take on the day!

First things first, know your skin! Do you have natural skin? Or do you find oiliness along your T-zone? Whatever the case may be, knowing your skin is the first step to achieving your best skin yet!

Normal: This skin type is neither too oily nor too dry, as it is perfectly balanced between the two, never having too much of one or the other. It has minimal to no imperfections (redness, irritation, blemishes, etc.). It has no extreme sensitivities to products and rarely becomes irritated. Pores for this skin type are barely visible and complexion is healthy and radiant.

Oily: This skin type is prone to having large, visible pores, as the skin is constantly producing and releasing oils. The complexion may seem shiny, or dull, and can experience breakouts, black heads, and other blemishes. People with this skin type should bear in mind that depending on certain factors, this skin type can worsen. Changing of the seasons, weather conditions, and aging may determine how much oil is produced by your skin, as well as hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause), stress, and hot/humid weathers may impact your skin type as well.

Dry: This skin type has a very dull complexion, and may appear very chapped, or dehydrated. Pores are practically invisible, as they are almost closed, and are barely releasing the skins natural oils. Dry skin may have less elasticity due to the lack of oil production, therefore leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. People with this skin type should bear in mind that factors such as aging, hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause), harsh weathers, UV radiation from indoor tanning, hot showers, and alcohol-based skin care and cosmetic products can worsen this skin type, so please be aware of these conditions!

Sensitive: This skin type is pretty hard to define as it is not known what specific things are harmful or worrisome for this type. It is crucial for people with this skin type to become familiar with what works well for their skin, and what doesn’t, by observing the ingredients of what is used in order to prevent any rashes, irritations or severe reactions from occurring. Also, people with this skin type may suffer from extreme allergies, and should consult their dermatologist to determine what ingredients/products should be avoided. This skin type may experience redness, irritation, burning or itchiness, and dryness.

Combination: This skin type is a mix of normal, dry and oily skin types. The oiliness usually occurs along the T-Zone (Forehead, nose, chin), while the rest of the face is either normal, or very dry. People with this skin type may experience enlarged pores, shiny skin along the T-Zone, and black heads. See skin types above to see what may worsen this skin type.

If you are still uncertain of your skin type, click here to complete Fitness Magazine’s skin type quiz.

Next, what are your biggest concerns? Do you experience breakouts, such as stubborn blackheads or noticeable whiteheads? What about sensitivity? Does your face become irritated easily? Addressing these concerns while tending to your skin can help to relieve the problem, as well as diminish these concerns overtime.

Rosacea or Redness: Rosacea is a skin concern that affects thousands of women and men. There is no one specific cause or reason as to the development of Rosacea, but dermatologists have been trying to figure out the exact reason why this occurs in peoples skin, and how to properly treat and rid of it. Below, I have provided a link for anyone who may have Rosacea, or may know someone with it, who may have questions, or may want to know more about it. Now, as far as helping to soothe and prevent irritation, here are a few things people with Rosacea should avoid in their cosmetic and skin care routines: Alcohol, Fragrance, Witch Hazel, and Menthol. These have been said to irritate the skin, and cause a skin reaction upon contact. (Rosacea.org)

http://www.rosacea.org/

Dull Skin: This can be caused by a number of things, but can be fixed in a number of ways! If you are experiencing dull, lackluster skin, you should give the following things a try to bring back your glow:

·         Take some Vitamin C! Vitamin C has skin brightening benefits that can help to revive your dull skin, so whether taken in the form of a pill or applied in the form of moisturizer to your face, make sure to introduce this into your daily skin care routine to start seeing an improvement in your complexion.

·         Scrub away dead skin with an exfoliator! There are so many different ways to exfoliate your skin, so the choice is up to you in how you decide to bring this into your weekly skin care routine. There are exfoliating cleansers, face wipes, moisturizers with gritty beads, and even cleansing machines and sponges. But, please bear in mind, this is a process that should only be done 2 to 3 times a week. Daily exfoliation can strip the skin when it isn’t necessary, as you will be disrupting your body’s natural function of producing new skin, and releasing old, dead skin (which is what should be scrubbed away to reveal your new, healthy skin).

·         Moisturize morning and night! This is the most essential step in your daily skin care routine, to moisturize in the morning after washing your face, and at night right before bed. We will be discussing this in depth later on in this series, but this is key to obtaining beautiful, healthy skin, and I cannot stress this enough!

·         Last but not least, drink (and spritz!) lots of water! Water helps to keep you hydrated and get your blood flowing, which in turn, helps to bring that glowing flush to your cheeks, and helps keep your skin nice and clear. So be sure to drink the recommended 6 to 8 glasses (or bottles) a day! In terms of spritzing, a refreshing rose water toner works wonders for dull skin! Rose Water is not only natural, but provides antioxidants to lackluster skin, while acting as an anti-inflammatory for tired, irritated skin. This can be found at supermarkets or skin care shops at varying prices.

Acne: This can be brought on by a number of things, including hormonal changes in the body (puberty, pregnancy, etc.), stress, poor diet, and even dirt or pollutants exposed to the skin. Acne is very common, and also can be treated if the right products are used on a consistent basis. An ingredient that helps to treat breakouts and keep them at bay is Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid helps to treat acne as it deeply cleanses the pores, ridding of any pollutants that have seeped in from sitting on the surface of the skin, or any dirt that may have entered your pores in the same way. It also helps to prevent any lesions from occurring on the skin as it has anti-bacterial properties and sterilizes the skin. I will get in depth on some products that you should introduce into your skin care routine to help clear and prevent any existing or oncoming breakouts later on in this series.

Blackheads/Whiteheads: Both black and white heads are a form of acne, and are caused by similar things such as the propionibacterium (Acne producing bacteria), dead skin cells which clog the pores, overproduction of oil, impurities that have seeped into the hair follicles, and hormonal changes (same as mentioned above). With blackheads, the follicle remains enlarged while the pore is clogged. The same effects and causes occur for white heads, except in this case, the skin closes over the pore, trapping the impurities within in, causing bacteria to form and irritation to occur. Some ways to treat and prevent these vary based on the severity of the acne. For example, for severe cases of black heads and white heads, some dermatologists may recommend acne medications that help to balance the hormone levels and improve the overall health of the skin. For light to mild black/whiteheads, a consistent daily skin care routine, using products that are specifically intended to help rid of them will work just fine, and will be discussed later on in this series.

Dark Circles/Puffiness under Eyes: Darkness under the eyes is such a common issue for many, especially those whose genetics make sure they are passed down from generation to generation (which is my case!). It can also be the result of an allergy condition, lack of sleep, thinning skin under the eyes (lack of collagen), sun exposure, and stress. In regards to puffiness, some of the same factors apply, such as the allergies, heredity, and lack of sleep. But puffiness can also occur when an individual retains too much water, if you’ve consumed foods high in sodium, or if you irritate your eyes by rubbing them too rough or too frequently. Some quick fixes to these problems are to try under eye gels containing cooling or soothing agents, using an eye mask at night, applying an anti-inflammatory cream, and a few others that we will discuss later on in this series.

While the list of skin conditions and concerns is endless, I really wanted to focus on those that are most common and that can be easily treated, cared for, and soothed using products you can buy anywhere. As I am not a professional nor a dermatologist, I do not feel at liberty to discuss or recommend any medications regarding these concerns, as everyone’s skin is very different, and some people may experience their skin condition more severely than others, and I do not want to lead anyone on with false hopes and expectations, as I do not know how everyone’s skin will react to any one particular medication/product. I can, however, recommend products that you can purchase at your local Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc. in hopes that I can help you find products that may work for you. My goal is to help address everyday skin care concerns, as I know how difficult it can be to find effective, affordable products that deliver promising results. I feel that everyone should feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin, and I’m here to help in any way I can.

Now, let’s talk about the essentials! With the knowledge of your skin type and concerns at hand, you can now find products appropriate for your skin type, as well as ones that will help with your concerns. Your essentials, which you should always have on hand, are your cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer (day and night), makeup remover, toner, and a mask. These will be your go-to products, the ones you will use consistently. You may incorporate other products into your routine such as an eye cream or an acne treatment, but as long as you have your basics, you’ll always be able to achieve your best skin!

Let’s start with makeup remover. Whether you prefer pre-moistened towelettes or wipes, or would rather a liquid remover than can be applied to a cotton pad to remove your makeup, ALWAYS keep consistent with removing your makeup prior to washing your face. By skipping this step, and going straight to washing your face, you are still left with the residue of your makeup, which builds up over time, and clogs your pores. This leads to dull, lack luster skin. Harsh breakouts, and irritated blemishes. Pesky blackheads, and acne along your face. It is the most crucial step in caring for your skin, so never skip out on removing your makeup. And most importantly, NEVER sleep with your makeup on!

Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off! Wet Clothes, pack of 25 wipes, about $5 at your local drugstore

Dry: Yes to Carrots Nourishing Gentle Cleansing Facial Wipes, pack of 25 wipes, about $6 at your local drugstore

Sensitive: Simple Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes, pack of 25 wipes, about $6 at your local drugstore

Combo/Oily/Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes for Acne Prone Skin, pack of 25 wipes, about $6 at your local drugstore.

As part of your daily routine, your most important step for both morning and night, is cleansing your face with a cleanser that is intended for your skin type and/or concern. Bear in mind, if wearing makeup, be sure to remove all product from your face with a makeup removing product beforehand (wipe/liquid) prior to washing your face. This will help to unblock your pores, and allow your cleanser to work at its full potential, delivering the best results. Also, while cleansing in the morning helps to refresh the skin by removing the product applied the night before, cleansing at night helps to remove the toxins, dirt, and left over makeup from the day.

Normal: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Cleanser, about $7 at your local drugstore

Dry: Garnier Clean and Nourishing Cleansing Oil, about $6 at your local drugstore

Sensitive: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, about $6 at your local drugstore

Combo/Oily/Acne: Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, about $6 at your local drugstore

To keep skin looking fresh and vibrant, make sure to incorporate a good exfoliator into your routine. Exfoliating is necessary as it sloughs away dead skin cells, and reveals new, radiant skin. It is also helpful in the prevention of wrinkles, as it keeps the skin in constant regeneration of new skin cells. This is only necessary 2 to 3 times a week. Over-exfoliation can irritate the skin, causing dullness and even blemishes to appear. Also, go for a gentle exfoliator, one with microbeads that dissolve as you scrub. Ones with seeds, such at the St. Ives Apricot scrub, although it feels wonderful, can be harmful to the delicate skin on your face.

Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up Exfoliating Scrub, about $6 at your local drugstore.

Dry: St. Ives Smooth & Nourished Oatmeal Scrub and Mask, about $4 at your local drugstore.

Sensitive: Yes to Carrots Nourishing Exfoliating Cleanser, about $9 at your local drugstore.

Combo/Oily/Acne: Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask, about $4 at your local drugstore.

For a deep cleaning experience, you may use a cleansing brush such as a Clarisonic, or opt for something more affordable but just as effective. The benefits of these brushes are that the bristles allow the cleanser to deeply clean your skin, getting beneath the surface and extracting any impurities that are there. If a brush doesn’t appeal to you, you may also consider a cleansing sponge, much like the Boscia Konjac sponge.

Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid Cleansing System, about $12 at your local drugstore

Dry/Sensitive: EcoTools Pure Complexion Sensitive Facial Sponge, about $6 at your local Ulta or drugstore

Combo/Oily/Acne: EcoTools Pure Complexion Deep Cleansing Facial Sponge with Charcoal, about $6 at your local Ulta or drugstore

After cleansing, you may follow up with a toner to close your pores, or diminish their appearance if they are naturally large. Toners are great to help seal in moisture, as well as prep the skin prior to applying makeup, to prevent pores from being clogged by makeup or toxins from daily exposure. Some toners even contain beneficial ingredients that make your skin glow, or contain antibacterial properties to prevent breakouts and blemishes while treating them.

Normal: Burt’s Bees Rose Water Toner, about $10 at your local drugstore.

Dry: L’Oreal Alcohol-Free HydraFresh Skin Toner, about $6 at your local drugstore.

Sensitive: Simple Skin Soothing Facial Toner, about $6 at your local drugstore.

Combo/Oily/Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Toner, about $7 at your local drugstore.

Time to hydrate your skin! It is best to have two separate moisturizers on hand, one for daytime and one for nighttime. A day time moisturizer should be light, so as not to make your skin feel too heavy, and should contain some SPF in it. At night, opt for something thicker, with added benefits to help repair, restore, and nourish skin while you sleep!

Normal: (Day) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion with SPF 15, about $10 at your local drugstore. (Night) Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream, about $12 at your local drugstore.

Dry: (Day) L’Oreal Ideal Moisture Dry Skin Day Lotion with SPF 25, about $7 at your local drugstore. (Night) Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream, about $15 at your local drugstore

Sensitive: (Day) Simple Skin Care Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15, about $9 at your local drugstore. (Night) Boots Botanics Ultra Calm Skin Calming Night Cream, about $12 at your local Target

Combo/Oily/Acne: (Day) Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer with SPF 30, about $15 at your local drugstore. (Night) Clean and Clear Essentials Dual Action Moisturizer, about $5 at your local drugstore.

Firming/Fine Lines/Wrinkles: (Day) Garnier UltraLift Anti-Wrinkle Day Firming Moisturizer with SPF 15, about $13 at your local drugstore. (Night) St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer, about $4 at your local drugstore.

 While this is optional, it is recommended to use an eye cream to help preserve the skin beneath the eyes. As it is the most delicate skin on your face, it is important to keep it firm and properly hydrated, as this prevents fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles from forming.

Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Bright On Schedule Eye Awakening Cream, about $12 at your local drugstore               

Dry: Yes to Carrots Moisturizing Eye Cream, about $12 at your local drugstore

Sensitive: Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream, about $12 at your local drugstore

Firming/Fine Lines/Wrinkles: Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Lifting and Firming Eye Cream, about $17 at your local drugstore

Puffiness: Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller, about $10 at your local drugstore

Dark Circles: Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream, about $13 at your local drugstore

Even though you are caring for your skin daily, be sure to deep clean your pores by doing a mask every 1 to 2 weeks. This will extract any impurities that your basic cleanser and exfoliator couldn’t reach, removing it, and revealing smooth, polished glowing skin.

Normal: Freeman Face Masks, about $4 at your local drugstore

Dry: Queen Helene Refreshing Olive Oil Masque, about $4 at your local drugstore

Sensitive: Nugg Soothing Face Mask, $2.99 at your local Target store

Combo/Oily/Acne: Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask, about $6 at your local drugstore

Before we conclude your daily skin care routine, here are some additional products that can help improve the overall quality of your skin, while tending to your concern-spots:

For Redness: (Cleanser) Neutrogena Oil-Free Redness Soothing Acne Cleanser, about $7 at your local drugstore; (Day Cream) Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion with SPF 15, about $12 at your local drugstore; Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream

For Dullness: (Wipes) Simple Skin Care Radiance Cleansing Wipes, about $5 at your local drugstore; (Cleanser) Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub, about $10 at your local drugstore; (Day Cream) Yes to Grapefruit Even Skin Tone Moisturizer with Vitamin C and SPF 15, about $12 at your local drugstore

Blackheads/Whiteheads: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, about $8 at your local drugstore; Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment, about $8 at your local drugstore.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read today’s post! I hope you have enjoyed it, and will consider committing to a daily skin care routine that is custom to your needs and preferences. Please bear in mind that all products recommended are just examples of budget-friendly options ($20 and less), and to show you what’s out there for each skin type, care, and concern. I intended for them to simply give you a basis on where you can start, in terms of purchasing skin-type specific products, and hope it was of great help for my readers! There are hundreds of other brands that are wonderful and provide products that can benefit you as well, so I encourage everyone to find skin care products that fit your liking and your budget! Thanks again and be sure to follow my Instagram for more of my beauty reviews, recommendations, and for information on upcoming blog posts! @TheGlamGeekConfessional