Here are three steps you should take to get fresh skin.
There are thousands upon thousands of skin care lines and the many different skin care ingredients you need for glowing skin are constantly mentioned. If you're new to skincare - and let's be honest, even if you're not - it can all seem overwhelming. Not only that, the more ingredients and products you incorporate into your routine, the more likely you are to forget some steps or skip your routine altogether.
So how do you get glowing skin without the overly complicated 12-step process? It turned out to be easy. We spoke to skincare experts to narrow down the solution to three simple steps you can take to improve your skin's health and achieve your most radiant skin yet.
3 Steps to Whiten Skin, According to Experts
If you follow three simple skin care steps, your skin will be completely glowing. While there are many more steps you can incorporate if needed, we like the idea of starting with three uncompromising steps, especially for skincare beginners, because they're so simple yet so effective.
By Madeline Jantz, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, and Magdalene Granados, MD. , at SkinSpirit in Roseville, California, we've identified the three most important things in a skincare routine. Skin: Cleanse your skin thoroughly (including exfoliating), use anti-aging products to prevent skin damage, and use sun protection factor (SPF) daily. Below we describe in detail what each step involves, which products should be used and how often.
Step 1: Cleaning and Extraction
Properly cleansing your face is the foundation of any skin care routine, and you don't want to start applying products from your daily routine over the oil left on your skin. “A lot of debris falls on our face throughout the day, and water alone cannot remove oil, dirt, sweat, impurities, makeup, SPF, etc.,” says Granados. “Cleaning is important. When you apply makeup, it sticks to the skin and causes oxidative damage that ages the face prematurely. Don’t go to bed without cleaning yourself.”
According to experts, cleansing not only helps reduce the signs of premature aging, but also has many other important benefits. “Flawless skin helps keep pores clear, reduces acne, blackheads and pores, and makes skin look clearer and smoother,” she says.
For a deep cleanse, Granados recommends using a gentle cleanser (she likes ZO Gentle Cleanser) twice daily, morning and evening, and an exfoliating cleanser (she likes ZO Exfoliating Polish) in the morning. . She describes the cleanser as “sloughing away dead skin cells for smoother, softer, more radiant skin.” “It really helps to smooth the skin and gives it an instant glow. It dissolves these oils and ensures that new skin is created from the deeper layers. It also moisturizes.”
How to clean properly
Morning : Use a gentle cleanser followed by an exfoliating cleanser
Evening : Use only a mild cleanser
Although you need to use a cleanser twice a day, you may need to extend your exfoliating routine to allow your skin to gradually regenerate. “If you find that the product is too strong for your skin, start using it two to three times a week and continue using it every day,” says Granados. “Go out in the morning. Personally, I use a pea-sized amount of [exfoliating cleanser] on dry skin and dilute it with a little water before washing.
Related: The 9 Best Pore Cleansers That Remove Dirt, Oil, and Debris
Step 2: Reverse skin damage
As mentioned above, your skin is exposed to a lot of stress every day - from your environment, your lifestyle, your diet and the stress you have. Because so many factors can affect the health and appearance of your skin, it's important to add a product or two to reverse this damage and keep your skin looking its best.
Antioxidants in the morning
Both experts recommend getting great antioxidants like vitamin C in the morning. “Antioxidants neutralize free radicals,” says Dr. Jantz. “Free radicals want to be unstable electron pairs, so they need a friend and can bind to molecules in our skin, and when that happens, they cause cell damage. They occur naturally, but are also caused by environmental factors such as exposure to sun and smoke. And pollution.
Dr. Jantz explains in detail how antioxidants ensure glowing skin. "The idea behind antioxidants in skin care is to neutralize free radicals before they can cause cellular damage in tissues," she says. "Not only does it protect your skin, but it also helps fade fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration."
Like an invigorating glass of orange juice in the morning, vitamin C serum is one of the most popular morning antioxidant products and a great product to add to your three-step routine. “But there are other vitamins like vitamin E, resveratrol, coenzyme K, niacinamide, and [more],” says Dr. Gantz. "Many come in serum formulas and are best applied in the morning after cleansing to combat free radical damage during the day."
Related: The Best Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum That Brightens, Soothes, and Protects Your Skin
Retinoids at night
Your second step should be different at night because your skin has different needs before bed and in the morning: this is where retinoids and retinol play a role. It is best used at night when skin cell renewal is high. “Retinoids and retinol are very effective ingredients for preventing and improving the appearance of skin aging,” says Dr. Gantz.
The expert explains that retinoids, which are more powerful than retinol, can be sold with or without a prescription (in the case of adapalene). Retinol is now readily available in over-the-counter skin care products. “Retinoids and retinol stimulate collagen and prevent wrinkles, improve texture and radiance, and lighten dark spots to even out skin tone,” says Dr. Jantz. To relieve irritation, I advise patients to take a pea-sized amount each evening and first use a moisturizer to prep and hydrate the skin.
Related: The Best Retinol Products for Every Skin Type, Like the Best Skin Types
Step 3: FPS
You probably already know this, but applying SPF in the morning is a non-negotiable final step in your skincare routine. “Sun protection is the most important part of your skin care routine,” says Dr. Jantz. “It protects your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, which lead to skin cancer and skin aging. UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines. You want to make sure it has broad spectrum (i.e. UVA protection (UVA/UVB, SPF 30 or higher). Top.
Dr. recommends how often you should use sunscreen. Gantz to follow the guidelines. "Apply daily to sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, and hands, and reapply every two hours for prolonged exposure," she says. “Remember that UVA rays penetrate the glass and build up over time, even if you are outside for just a short time.”
Abbreviation for SPF
Tinted SPF: When used in the morning, a tinted SPF can be an excellent base for your makeup.
Moisturizer with SPF : You can choose moisturizer with SPF so you don't have two different levels of moisturizer and sunscreen.
Travel Size: Carry a small bottle of SBF Facial to use throughout the day without makeup.
Makeup setting spray with sun protection factor (SPF): If you wear makeup daily, setting your makeup with sun protection factor (SPF) is a good option as it offers you protection from UV rays without compromising your appearance .
RELATED: The 8 Best Sunscreen Products to Add to Your Stash
Turn on the stairs
These three steps are universal to help everyone achieve glowing skin. However, remember that everyone's skin is different and you may need to adjust it to your specific needs - for example adding hyaluronic acid for dry skin. . Example. If you're not sure where to start, it's a good idea to consult an esthetician or dermatologist who can help you develop a skin care routine that suits your skin's needs and lifestyle.
Additionally, it is normal for your three values to vary from morning to evening. "When designing a skin care routine, your morning products are for prevention and your evening products are for recovery," says Dr. Gantz. “That means applying antioxidants and sunscreen in the morning and retinoids or retinol in the evening. I’m a big proponent of keeping things simple because it helps you stay consistent.”
RELATED: The 8 Best Foods for Skin, According to Nutritionists
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