Skin transformation starts with the basics. Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturize. These steps may seem uninventive and mundane, (yes, it is not a new revolutionary therapy or theory guaranteed to take years off the appearance of your skin) but with time the results achieved will have profound effects.
Step 1
Cleanse
How often: Everyday twice a day - once in the morning & once in the evening.
Why: Cleansing removes impurities and creates a clean canvas.
Results: Serums, oils, lotions and creams will be more readily absorbed as a result of a cleansed skin surface.
Cleansing the skin is very important. Choosing the right cleanser is even more important. When we look at different skin types the needs vary. A drier skin needs more of a creamy or lotion type cleanser that contains a higher concentration of oils and humectants. It should also contain less surfactants or foaming agents which may 'strip' the skin of valuable moisture and natural oils.
Surfactants are generally what oilier skin types crave although it is not as good for them as they may think. A gel or cleansing mousse can help achieve optimal results but be careful of an abundance of surfactants as it may 'strip' the skin and overtime have the opposite effect! The cleanser selected should be formulated in such a way that it helps control oil production without harming the skin and creating an over production of oil.
Combination skin types may find it challenging finding a cleanser that their skin loves. For those who can afford to do so, investing in two cleansers is definitely an option. Another alternative is looking at the areas of oiliness versus the areas of dryness and choosing a cleanser that will benefit the condition that covers a larger area of the skin. Acneic skin please take caution when looking for an exfoliating cleanser... we'll explain why shortly.
Step 2
Exfoliate
How often: Once to twice a week depending on your skin type and the chosen exfoliant.
Why: Buff away dry, dead skin cells and in turn stimulating the basal cell (active) layer.
Results: Skin will function more optimally by metabolising skin care while maintaining skin health through various processes.
Time to scrub away the old you and embrace healthy, glowing skin. Exfoliation is a very important part of any skin regimen. Our skin naturally sheds dead skin layers on a daily basis but as the 'cement' between cells naturally loosen some cells may cling to its surface resulting in an uneven, dull and patchy complexion. Also think about it this way; if you have a layer of dry, dead skin cells clinging to your skin how will your moisturizer be absorbed effectively to nourish your skin and maintain that youthful glow?
Choosing an exfoliant is, for the most part, based on preference. Do you prefer a mechanical exfoliant that 'scrubs' away layers or do you prefer something a little more chemical. When we talk about a chemical exfoliant please take into consideration that it is not harmful to the body but simply the term we use to explain the reaction between the product and your skin. Effective 'chemical' exfoliants should either be enzymatic of alpha hydroxy based in formulation. We want to look for ingredients such as bromelain, papain, malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid to name a few.
The first two exfoliant types, bromelain and papain, come from pineapples and papayas. How natural is that!? Enzymatic exfoliants mimic Pac Man. They 'eat' dead skin cells until their action is neutralized which in most cases, depending on the brand and pH, happens when you splash your skin with water during the rinsing process.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) are slightly different, and a definite favorite when it comes to exfoliating. AHA's can come from apples (malic acid), lemons (citric acid), milk (lactic acid) and sugar cane (glycolic acid) to name a few. AHA's can help to lighten, brighten, hydrate and exfoliate. They are powerful and provide effective results.
Take into consideration that a sensitive skin type might prefer an exfoliant that is free from granules as it may create a flare up. It is better for acneic skins to opt from an enzyme or AHA based exfoliant as granules may cause microscopic cuts and tears in the skin which may cause bacteria to spread from one follicle to another resulting acne flare ups.
Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in a skin care routine and most frequently overlooked. Healthy skin needs to be stimulated. Our cell turnover rate slows down as we age (your cell turnover rate is the period of time it takes for a single cell to surface once it has been formed). The more rapid this rate the healthier your skin.
When we are young our cell turnover rate is approximately every 28 days (the number of days it takes for one skin cell to surface). As we age our cell turnover rate can slow down to every 50 days. Exfoliation 'keeps' the skin youthful by stimulating and ensuring an active basel cell layer. As mentioned earlier, exfoliation frees dead skin cells allowing your skin care to be absorbed and active ingredients to perform the functions they were intended for.
Step 3
Moisturize
How often: Everyday twice a day - once in the morning & once in the evening.
Why: Moisturizing nourishes and protects skin.
Results: Healthier, happier skin due to it receiving and retaining valuable nutrients topically.
Let your beautifully cleansed skin drink in the wonderful goodness of a moisturizer. Moisturizing is key to maintaining skin health. Now that you have cleansed and exfoliated you can nourish and protect your skin with a moisturizing gel, lotion or cream. Targeted products such as oils and serums are generally applied underneath a gel, lotion or cream and are more readily absorbed into the skin due to the molecular structure and weight. Do not replace a moisturizer with an oil or serum as the purpose of a moisturizer is protecting the skin by forming a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
A day treatment is designed to hydrate and protect while a night treatment is designed to replenish what has been lost during the day, while supplying your skin with the valuable building blocks to repair itself. Each of these products serve an important purpose and should not be sacrificed. This does not mean that there are not products formulated for both day and night use. These products will not contain a sun protection factor which is of utmost importance to help protect your skin from UVA and UVB exposure.
Each skin type will prefer a different formulation. An oilier skin type may prefer a gel or lotion type cleanser that contains more hydrating agents and less oil. A drier or more mature skin type will generally prefer a heavier moisturizer such as a lotion or cream that contains more oils.
Every action you take to care for your skin will help improve the way it functions. People may say that they are too old to start taking care of their skin. You can start at any age! Naturally the earlier you start the less damage needs to be reversed but it does not mean you cannot make a profound difference. Start with the basics and follow the 3 steps to healthier skin!
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