Many assume that for a skincare routine to be absolutely perfect, it needs to be long and complex. However, this isn’t the case at all. Instead, the secret to building the ultimate skincare routine lies in understanding your skin’s unique needs and then figuring out how to cater to them. Sure, for some, this may involve following 10 different steps but, for others, a simple 3-step routine may be all that’s needed. Knowing where your skin falls on this scale will enable you to create a routine that finally brings you the results you’re hoping to see.
Ready to get started? Keep reading as Introstem explains how to build the ultimate skincare routine.
Know Your Skin Type
Before beginning to put together a skincare routine, you need to first ensure that you know what your skin type is. Considering that your skin type can change over the years, it’s worth double-checking this, even if you think that you already have your skin type figured out.
Fortunately, this is easy to do. Simply cleanse your skin, leave it bare for half an hour, and then decide which of the following skin types your own skin most resembles:
- Oily skin will look shiny. There’ll be a layer of grease already forming on the skin’s surface. Your pores may also look large and noticeable and you may have some acne breakouts too.
- Dry skin will look and feel rough and dry. You may also notice some flaking/peeling in the particularly dry areas.
- Combination skin will share elements from both dry and oily skin. Some parts of the face will be dry while others will be oily.
- Sensitive skin will look red/blotchy and feel irritated.
- Normal skin is usually well-balanced, with none of the above issues.
Now that you know your skin type, keep this in mind as you read through the rest of our tips since the skincare routine you create should, ideally, be tailored to your skin type.
Always Begin With a Cleanser…Maybe Two
While everyone’s skincare routine will look different, they should all share the same first step; cleansing. After all, if you don’t start by cleansing your skin, the other products that you apply won’t work properly. Rather than soaking into your skin after you’ve applied them, they’ll be blocked by the layer of dirt, sebum, and more that’s sitting atop your skin’s surface. If you want your skincare products to easily penetrate your skin, this grimy layer needs to be removed.
For most people, a single cleanse with a gentle cleanser, like the Introstem Stem Cell Mousse Cleanser, will suffice. However, if your skin is severely oily or you’ve just spent the day in a particularly dirty/polluted environment, you may need a formula with stronger surfactants, like the VitisCell Foaming Bliss Purifier.
Double cleansing can be beneficial in those cases too. Start with a water-based cleanser and then use an oil-based cleanser for a much more thorough cleanse. While you shouldn’t do this each and every time you carry out your skincare routine (over-cleansing is a very real problem), it’s a useful technique when needed!
You’ll Need an Exfoliant Too
Although exfoliation shouldn’t be included in your daily skincare routine, it’s something that you should be doing 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin type. It’s essential for clearing out the pores and giving the skin a deeper clean.
While that may be the case, choosing an exfoliator isn’t easy. You have two main options; chemical exfoliants, which use acids to dissolve the links that keep dead skin cells attached to the skin, and physical exfoliants, which make use of abrasives to slough off dead cells.
Which is best? Both have their pros and cons. This is why many are now opting for hybrid exfoliants that bring together the best of both worlds, just like the Introstem Stem Cell Facial Peeling. Its chemical exfoliation power is provided by mandelic acid while bamboo powder and walnut shell powder physically exfoliate the skin. Thanks to the inclusion of vitamins and antioxidants, it leaves the skin looking wonderfully revived.
Toners Are Optional…But Helpful
While cleansers and exfoliators are essentials, toners are considered to be optional extras. Many people choose not to use one, opting for a more simplified skincare routine instead.
There’s nothing wrong with this but it’s also worth taking into account the benefits that a toner can provide before deciding whether or not you should be using one. The way in which a toner helps to rebalance the pH level on the skin’s surface can be extremely helpful as it leaves the skin feeling more receptive to the rest of the products in your routine. A good toner will also provide an extra layer of hydration, along with antioxidants and other useful ingredients.
While those with oily skin may benefit from an astringent toner to de-grease their complexion, a gentle hydrating toner, such as the Introstem VitisCell Hydra Fresh Toner, can be safely used on all skin types. In addition to doing all of the above, this toner will also work to soothe the feeling of inflammation, leaving the skin feeling calm and refreshed.
Do Some Research Into Active Ingredients When Choosing Serums
Most people want their skincare routines to be as transformational as possible. This is where active ingredients come in. These are components that have been scientifically proven to directly benefit the complexion in some way. The key is to pick actives that not only work well with your skin type but can also help with the specific visible skin concerns that you’re dealing with.
Vitamin C, for example, is one of the most popular active ingredients around. It’s a potent antioxidant that has been proven to help with the appearance of aging, discoloration, and more. This is why a vitamin C serum is a staple in many skincare routines. Find a formula that brings together multiple forms of the ingredient, such as the Introstem VitisCell Brightening Vita-C Serum, and you’ll be able to make the most of all that this ingredient has to offer.
The Introstem ThermoStem Serum is another one to consider if you want to treat your skin to some of the best ingredients in the industry. This one is formulated with sodium hyaluronate, an ingredient revered for its hydrating capabilities. It also contains a trio of peptides, grape stem cells, and a selection of botanical extracts. It’s a great one for masking the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening the complexion.
Be Wise When Picking a Moisturizer
A moisturizer is another key part of any skincare routine. While those with oily skin may think that they don’t need to moisturize, this isn’t true. All skin types need to use a moisturizer. In fact, the lack of a moisturizer can sometimes lead to oily skin producing even more sebum!
As always, keep your skin type in mind when picking a face cream. Those with oily skin will need a hydrating moisturizer that’s light enough to not clog pores, just like the Introstem ThermoStem Completion Cream. The inclusion of salicylic acid in this moisturizer will help to keep your skin looking clear and pimple-free.
Meanwhile, those with dry or sensitive skin will need a rich moisturizer that forms a thick seal over the skin’s surface. Look for one that’s infused with plant oils and butters, such as the Introstem Aqua Face and Neck Cream.
Don’t Forget About Sun Protection
While you won’t need to worry about sun protection during your nighttime skincare routine, it’s something that you should never forget about when carrying out your morning regimen. With the sun being responsible for up to 80% of the visible signs of aging on the face, protecting your skin from the sun will go a long way in retaining your skin’s youthful luminosity.
While that statistic may now be common knowledge, many are still neglectful when it comes to sunscreen. Why? Two of the most common reasons cited are inconvenience, along with a dislike of how many sunscreen formulas leave the skin feeling heavy and looking unnaturally white.
With the Introstem VitisCell Facial Shield Cream SPF 30, however, you won’t have to worry about any of that. This lightweight moisturizer melts into the skin quickly, where it then works to shield the skin from UV damage. The fact that it functions as a regular moisturizer too makes it easy to incorporate SPF into your morning skincare routine. Simply use this cream as your morning moisturizer and you’ll be giving your skin some sun protection at the same time.
Face Masks Provide an Extra Boost
Want to take your skincare routine further than the basics? Face masks can help with that. While many view these products as an unnecessary indulgence, a good face mask can be truly transformational for your complexion.
Take the Introstem ThermoStem Mask, for example. It’s a thermal clay mask, making it a must-try for anyone with oily skin. It will remove excess sebum while also leaving your skin looking brighter and feeling clearer.
If you have dry skin, a face mask can be a great way to help counter the feeling of dryness. Overnight masks, like the Introstem Lumi-Cell Overnight Mask, are particularly beneficial at doing so.
Sheet masks, like the Stem Cell Rejuvenation Facial & Eye Mask, can also be very useful. They tend to be fantastic for hydrating the skin, leaving it with a gorgeous glow.
Remember…when it comes to face masks, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Feel free to alternate the masks that you use each week. This way, you’ll be able to pamper your skin with an even wider range of benefits.
Creating the Perfect Skincare Routine
If you’re new to skincare, all of the information that we’ve shared above may seem overwhelming. So, start with the basics. This involves cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sun protection. Once you’re confident about those three steps, you can then work on expanding your skincare routine, one product at a time. Taking things slowly will help to ensure that you only add in products that you actually need rather than over-complicating your routine with unnecessary steps.
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