Skincare 101

Because I used to work at Sephora, I get a lot of questions about skincare. First let me put in a disclaimer that I am not an aesthetician nor am I a dermatologist. The information that I am going to share is based on what I learned at Sephora (which had excellent training), as well as my own trial and research. OK, now that that's out of the way, let's dive into skincare 101.

OK, one more thing...one of my favorite resources for skincare advise is Caroline Hirons (check out her Youtube channel here). She is a Brit who tells it like it is when it comes to skincare. If you're based in the USA then some of the brands she mentions won't pertain to you unless you want your products flown over, but her advice is good no matter what.

1. Cleanser

You need one. I'm sorry but that bar of soap is just not doing it for you, especially if you're wearing makeup. So just put it down and go get yourself a cleanser. A lot of people in the industry (including myself) will tell you to spend your money on the serums and things you don't wash off your face after 30 seconds. When you're just getting into your skincare routine, please spend your money on a serum and not your cleanser.

WHICH CLEANSER?

This is where it gets a bit tricky and you'll have some trial and error. For all the beauty points, it is best to have a cleanser that matches your skin type. If you don't know what your skin type is I recommend starting with Cerave Face Hydrating Face Wash. Why? Because pretty much all skin types will benefit from this cleanser. If you have acne (like multiple spots consistently on your face, not just around that time of the month), then go for the Cerave foaming or SA (but ONLY if you're not already using a salicylic acid treatment) versions.

If you wear makeup you're going to need another cleanser to take off your makeup, or do at minimum, a double cleanse. What is that? Use your cleanser twice. Cleanse, wash your face, cleanse, and wash again.

WHEN DO I CLEANSE

Twice a day. After you wake up or work out in the morning, and at night before bed or when you take off your makeup. Why? At night you shed A LOT of skin cells, you might sweat, etc. You want a clean face in the morning. After a long day your skin needs a cleanse to get off anything you've come into contact with.

2. EXFOLIATE

Please, please, please do not do a harsh physical exfoliant on your face. The skin on your face is sensitive and not as thick as the rest of your body. Use the harsh stuff there, not on your face. I always recommend a chemical exfoliant for the face. It feels a little weird, like nothing is happening, but trust me it is. A chemical exfoliant acts like a pac-man that eats dead skin cells.

WHICH ONE DO I USE?

Again, it depends on skin type. If your a teenager who suffers from acne, you're going to want something with salicylic acid or BHA, like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is amazing. This exfoliant will work below the skin to clear out your pores. If you're anyone else, you want an AHA. There's lot of different kinds of these: malic, lactic, etc. If you're a first timer, I love Pixi's Glow Tonic. If you've got more money to spare then Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum or Sunday Riley Good Genes are great.

HOW OFTEN?

At least once a day, but twice a day is fine once you've built up your skin's tolerance. The more you exfoliate, the more new skin cells can come to the surface. As we age our skin cells turn over less and less frequently so it's good to help them along.

3. MOISTURIZE

Wait...what about a serum? That's a bonus my friends. If you're just starting out it's far more important to get a cleanse, exfoliate, and lock in that moisture barrier than a serum. If you're ready to amp up your skincare routine then YES, please do add a serum and eye cream. We're just talking basics today. Stay tuned.

WHICH ONE DO I USE?

Base it on your skin type. Are you dry and need a lot of hydration? Try Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream or Biossance Omega Repair Cream. Are you dealing with oily skin? Try Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer or Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel. Don't fit into either of these categories? Check out the Pixi or Shiseido moisturizers. They both have a great variety for different wants and desires. This is another area where people in the business differ on where to spend your money. I believe you should invest in a serum (skincare 201 coming soon), and spend less on a moisturizer, UNLESS you have money to spare, or you absolutely fall in love with a more expensive one.

WHEN DO I USE IT?

Morning and night. What about sunscreen? If you asked that question, you have won! Sunscreen goes on top of your moisturizer before makeup. I use a moisturizer without sunscreen and add the sunscreen layer separately. More on this in a later post.

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Thank you for reading this blog on skincare. I hope this post was helpful, and please let me know how you get on or if you have any questions.