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I got an A in physical chemistry with a decent amount of effort. But, skincare is by far much scarier than any quantum theory. I’ve never spent that much time trying to figure out skincare. My shelves are pretty much lined with whatever I could find at the drugstore that was labeled with “for dry, sensitive skin”. When skincare brands like Drunk Elephant, GlamGlow, and Glossier started infiltrating the YouTube and blogging scene, I was inundated with toners, exfoliators, primers, and serums. Yep, quantum theory was looking much better.
My word of the year is consistency which means that I’m trying to build a sustainable morning and night skincare routine. It also means that I needed to stop pretending and start reading, as any good scientist should do, about the world of skincare. I’m Tired of Pretending is a new series on the blog that’s focusing on key topics that I don’t know a lot about. These topics are probably going to be things that a lot of twenty-somethings don’t know a lot about. I like to dig myself reading holes and will compile tons of information for y’all. Okay, so let’s stop pretending we know what our skincare is doing.
The Basics
Every single blog post and article that I’ve read to prep for this post has mentioned the importance of 5 types of products that most will call the skincare essentials. They are cleansers, exfoliators, toners, serums, and moisturizers. I’m breaking each essential down and telling you a little bit more about its job and giving recommendations on products for different skin types. I tried my best to link some cruelty-free and/or environmentally friendly brands at respectable price points too. We love affordable, ethical beauty!! My sources are linked at the bottom of this post as well.
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Cleansers
The facial cleanser is the bread and butter of the skincare sandwich. I would consider it to be the most basic skincare essential. Cleansers remove excess oils, dirt, makeup, dead skin cells, remnants of environmental pollutants, and sweat. Yummy. Dermatologists say that you should find a cleanser that is best suited for your skin type and is free from harsh irritants[more about those later]. Some also say that you should mix your cleanser up from season to season. Makeup remover is the only product that should come before your cleanser. A dime-sized amount should be given plenty of time to clear the grime.
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Exfoliators
Exfoliators actually do a lot of good things for your skin. Mostly, they speed up skin cell removal by unclogging pores and removing layers of dead skin. Your pores will appear smaller [win!]. The products that will follow should also have improved absorption. Dry skin types should look to exfoliate 2-3 times a week whereas oilier types should exfoliate every other day. Also, exfoliators using natural fruit enzymes are a good option for those with sensitive skin who are concerned about the harshness of these products. They tend to be gentler. Most dermatologists recommended exfoliating at night to maximize what your heavier duty night creams are able to accomplish.
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Toners
Toners are kind of like gentle exfoliators that contain acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory goodness. They act as an excellent daily primer to making sure the rest of your skincare is getting maximum efficacy. BUT, this step is also where I got most confused. Exfoliating toners are apparently a thing too. However, you definitely don’t want to over exfoliate. I’d rotate any exfoliating toners in every few days. A non-exfoliating, gentle toner for your morning and night routine is probably best for daily use.
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Serums
Serums are where skincare addicts go crazy, maybe? This is, from what I have gathered, the free for all section of your skincare routine. They are problem specific and can be used to target things like hyperpigmentation [lol @ myself], aging and wrinkles, and acne. These products are most like moisturizers but have a higher concentration of key molecules that can target skin cells at a deeper level. You apply these bad boys before your moisturizer.
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Moisturizers
Moisturizers are the cheese of the sandwich. They hydrate your skin, prevent inflammation, and protect against breakouts. Every single skin type needs a good moisturizer. Also, the product should be applied when skin is still a little damp and after all your other products. In the morning, dermatologists recommend a lighter formula with SPF. At night, you’ll want to look for a cream with collagen, elastin, and other essential lipids.
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Extras
Satin pillowcases are also the bomb.com for your skin {and hair}. Face masks are great for brightening, hydrating, and/or exfoliating. Primers set an even base for your makeup and dupes for high-end makeup lines are incredibly easy to find. Lastly, eye creams are great for addressing those pesky under-eye circles and wrinkles.
My Skincare Recommendations
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[shopr_shopthepost collection=”combination-skin” title=”Combination Skin”]
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”oily-skin” title=”Oily Skin”]
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”all-skin-types” title=”All Skin Types”]
I’ve been using the First Aid Beauty line for at least a year now and love love love it. It’s fragrance-free and has never broken me out. The Ultra Repair Cream keeps my face super hydrated even in winter. The Sephora consultant recommended the Ole Henrikson Invigorating Night Transformation Gel to address hyperpigmentation. I received the Origins Night-A-Mins and GinZing eye cream for free a couple months ago and they are both amazing. I bought the full size of the night cream it’s that good! Always do a patch test on your neck to check for any adverse reactions before applying to your face. It might not break me out, but it could do some nasty stuff to you! And then we would both be sad. Patch test, y’all!!
Foods
Food is a really big deal when it comes to protecting your skin and maintaining clear skin. There are a bunch of nutrients and vitamins that come from your daily food intake. Here are some good foods that you should look to incorporate into your daily diet. Thankfully, most of these foods are super affordable and tasty.
Beta Carotene, Copper:
For collagen production and firm skin.
Nuts, Sweet potatoes, spinach, shellfish
Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fats:
For maintenance of oil barrier and infection protection.
Avocados and green leafy vegetables
Polyphenols:
For anti-aging.
Apples and eggplant
Selenium:
For the clearance of free radicals.
Chicken breast, eggs, and brown rice
Vitamin A:
For protection against sunburn.
Egg yolk, fish
Vitamin B:
For livelihood of skin cells.
Whole grains, eggs, and fish
Vitamin C:
For protection against free radicals and collagen synthesis.
Broccoli, oranges, and strawberries
Monounsaturated Fats:
For smooth skin and anti-wrinkles.
asparagus, avocados, spinach, olive oil
Irritants for the Sensitive Skin Gal
I mentioned before that I had sensitive skin. So, I wanted to know what kinds of irritants can be found in different skin care products. These aren’t necessarily bad but can cause inflammation and irritation in people with sensitive skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs, glycolic acid) are commonly found in exfoliators.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs, salicylic acid) are commonly found in acne-fighting products.
Retinol is used for evening skin tone and may produce irritation.
Formaldehyde is a carcinogen. Avoid.
Cosmetic products use phthalates to produce a softening effect. The European Union has banned them. However, the FDA still approves phthalates at the low levels found in cosmetics. Phthalates have been shown to cause reproductive birth defects in laboratory animals.
Botanical extracts may be untested and unusual. They can cause irritation even though they are organic and natural.
Sources + Extra Reading
Now, I feel a lot better about my skincare routine and filling in the clear gaps in it. Hopefully, this post was useful for you too. What are some of your favorite skincare products? What about your favorite brands? I’m looking to start trying some new products, but the First Aid Beauty line has always been my favorite.
Keep on keepin’ on,
