By Rebecca Dierolf
When it comes to skin, we all have one common goal: healthy, glowing, flawless skin. To obtain such results, some effort is required. Especially after the harsh winter we’ve had, a little extra TLC may be involved in achieving your most flawless, healthiest complexion. So today, Makemeuppretty will discuss the fool-proof procedure of skincare. Try incorporating these steps into your daily skincare routine and watch your skin go from dull to dazzling!
Step 1: Cleanse (Morning and Night)
Not at cleansers are made equal. Cleansers just clean off the gunk from the day, so it doesn’t matter what kind I buy, right? Wrong! Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is essential in having a successful skincare routine. There are cleanser formulas for every skin type you can think of – from oily, to dry as the Sahara, to combination, to those with rosacea. I use Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser. For my oily skin prone to breakouts, this cleanser leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean without over-drying which can cause even more breakouts! And the fact that I can buy it at any drug store for $8 makes it even better! You may need to do some research to find the cleanser that’s perfect for your skin, but here are some of our favorites based on skin types:
1: Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Cleanser, $9, Drug stores (URL: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod670018)
2: Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser, $20 (URL: http://www.clinique.com/product/1673/6260/Skincare/Cleansers_Makeup_Removers/Wash-Away-Gel-Cleanser/index.tmpl)
3: Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream, $27 (URL: https://store.drhauschka.com/naturalskincare/Cleansing_Cream/i_1_0_/_FCCR.aspx)
4: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, $9 (URL: http://www.aveeno.com/product/aveeno-+clear+complexion+foaming+cleanser.do)
5: St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser, $6 (URL: http://www.stives.com/product/detail/357498/blemish-control-green-tea-cleanser)
6: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, $6 (URL: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod5021591)
7: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $11 (URL: http://www.drugstore.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-normal-to-dry/qxp162032)
2: Exfoliate (Morning and Night)
There are several reasons why everyone should exfoliate! Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin which reveals new skin cells, leaving the face fresher and looking healthier. It also allows for other treatments (such as masks and moisturizers) to better penetrate the skin. Exfoliation can also improve blood circulation to the skin, resulting in even-looking skin! However, dependent on your skin type, exfoliation amount may vary. If you already have dry skin, exfoliating too often can cause skin to become thin and expose it to damage or cause it to become even dryer. If you have oily or uneven skin, you may have to exfoliate more often to remove the dead cells causing your uneven tone. No matter your skin type, be careful to not over-exfoliate. Exfoliating too often can cause your skin to become more oily, sensitive, and rougher. To find the perfect balance for your skin, some trial and error may be involved. Here are our favorite exfoliators for different skin types:
1: Alba Botanica Good & Clean Toxin Release Scrub, $7 (URL: http://www.target.com/p/alba-good-clean-toxin-release-scrub-4oz/-/A-14393442)
2: Natura Bisse C + C Vitamin Scrub, $70 (URL: https://www.naturabisse.com/en/product/C%252BC+VITAMIN+SCRUB)
3: St. Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub, $3 (URL: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/st.-ives-naturally-clear-apricot-scrub-blemish-%26-blackhead-control/ID=prod6143148-product?ext=gooBeauty_PLA_Cleansers_ampersand_Scrubs_prod6143148_pla&adtype=pla&kpid=sku6126638)
4: Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up! Exfoliating Cleanser, $8 (URL: http://www.drugstore.com/olay-fresh-effects-bead-me-up-exfoliating-cleanser/qxp454837)
5: Biologique P50 “1970”, $55 (URL: http://www.paullabrecque.com/Lotion-P50W-1970-with-phenol-85-oz-P30C136.aspx?gclid=CNPExJnghL4CFXIF7Aodf1IA4A)
6: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, $10 (URL: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2910069)
Step 3: Moisturize
Whether your skin is dryer than a desert or oilier than a slice of pizza, moisturizing is an essential step to a healthy complexion. The key to finding the perfect balance for your skin is finding the perfect product. Here are some products for different skin types that we love:
1: Clean & Clear Essentials Dual Action Moisturizer, $7 (URL: http://www.drugstore.com/clean-and-clear-oil-free-dual-action-moisturizer/qxp16502)
2: Burt’s Beeds Natural Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $18 (URL: http://www.burtsbees.com/Natural-Acne-Solutions-Daily-Moisturizing-Lotion/00177-00,default,pd.html)
3: Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer, $15 (URL: http://www.aveeno.com/product/aveeno-+clear+complexion+daily+moisturizer.do)
4: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, $16 (URL: http://www.embryolisseusa.com/moisturizers/lait-creme)
5: Proactive Green Tea Moisturizer, $25 (URL: http://www.qvc.com/Proactiv-Solution-Green-Tea-Moisturizer-1-oz.product.A2884.html)
6: Mary Kay TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer, $24 (URL: http://www.marykay.com/en-US/Gifts/TimeWise-Age-Fighting-Moisturizer-normal/dry-/100708.partId?eCatId=10670)
7: The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, $20 (URL: http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/spf-facial-moisturizers/vitamin-c-daily-moisturizer-spf-30.aspx)
Step 4: SPF
It doesn’t matter what season it is – SPF is a must when it comes to your skincare! Protecting your skin from the sun isn’t only key in preventing wrinkles and uneven tones, but it also helps prevent serious dangers like skin cancer. Sometimes your favorite foundation may come equipped with an SPF, but for those who don’t, applying an SPF separately is a must. Here are some great products that won’t clog pores or make your makeup streaky, but are sure to perfect protection from some serious sun rays:
1: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, $9 (URL: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4480195)
2: Renée Rouleau Daily Protection SPF 30, $36 (URL: https://www.reneerouleau.com/products/daily-protection-spf-30)
3: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55, $11 (URL: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/clear+face+liquid+lotion+sunscreen+broad+spectrum+spf+55.do)
4: Beauty Rx Skincare Maximum Solar Defense Sheer Cream SPF 50, $42 (URL: http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Solar-Defense-Sheer-Cream/dp/B0088NX238)
5: Dr. Dennis Gross CC Cream SPF 18, $36 (URL: https://www.dgskincare.com/productdetails.cfm?SKU=BA523310)
6: Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30, $9 (URL: http://www.drugstore.com/eucerin-daily-protection-moisturizing-face-lotion-spf-30/qxp79531)
7: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $15 (URL: http://www.aveeno.com/product/aveeno-+ultra-calming-++daily+moisturizer+broad+spectrum+spf+15.do)
