New Year, New Skincare Routine: Start with the Essentials
Want to start the new year with some healthy skin? We suggest going back to the essentials and starting with some simple tips that can be added to your daily skincare routine.
Use sun protection.
No matter what skin type you have, you should always use sunscreen when you’re going to be exposed to the sun.
Sunscreen prevents harmful UV rays from damaging your skin, by either deflecting the UV or absorbing the rays before they reach your skin. Not only does wearing sunscreen prevent skin cancer and melanoma, but daily wear also prevents wrinkling and dark spots from forming on your skin.
Find a sunscreen that works for your needs, because if you like the texture, then you will use it (and applying it daily is the most important thing!). Whether it is a tinted SPF that can double as a light foundation, or a sheer fluid sunscreen that sits lightly over your other products, protecting your skin is critical to having healthy skin.
Check your body soaps.
It’s important to keep your skin clean, but in the process, you could be doing your skin a disservice. Understanding what your skin type is, and what it needs, is the first step. You may opt for a more nourishing soap in the winter to aid with dryness, or if you have oily skin, one that will help to gently remove the excess sebum production. It is also important to note that not all cleansers are made the same; your face and body have different needs, and as such, you should use specialty products.
Some soaps contain harsh chemicals that strip your skin of your natural oils that protect you, or can contain fragrances that may irritate. These ingredients like parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and alcohol dry out your skin and make it easier for your skin to get dirty later.
Try to find soap and cleansers that are dermatologist formulated, suitable for sensitive skin and clean without drying you out. We recommend trying our new Fresh exfoliating body & bikini wash as a nice addition to your routine.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Your skin naturally produces oil that protects your skin, but as you age, your skin slowly stops producing so much oil. When your skin dries out, lots of issues can pop up, like wrinkles, acne, redness, and irritation (especially during this cold weather).
It’s important to use a moisturizer that works for your skin, so it's worth knowing if you have dry, oily, or combination skin. Your moisturizer should balance you out, especially after cleansing your skin, where you’re at risk of throwing off your oil production.
Remember your whole body.
Your skin isn’t just your face (obviously)!
When you’re using these products (SPF, cleansers, moisturizer), remember to focus on your entirety, not just one area or another. Products, while may contain similar ingredients, are formulated for specific needs. This might mean investing more in your skincare routine (you might not want to use hand cream on your face for moisturizer, for example!), but your skin will definitely thank you.
