At Home Skin Care Regimen
The trick with your at home skin care routine is-- commitment + consistency! This list may seem daunting and like wayyyy too much time + money. If you're like most you're probably struggling with the first step-- just cleansing your face daily. We recommend taking one or two suggestions on the list at a time and adding them to your daily routine so they can become lifetime habits! The skin is thee largest organ of the body + requires lots of TLC to keep it healthy + functioning properly!
MAVEN TIP : DON'T FORGET YOUR NECK, CHEST, + BACK OF THE HANDS -- these areas along with your face are going to age the fastest.
Along with an at home regimen we encourage everyone to invest in a professional facial once a month-- or as frequently as possible.
CLEANSERS
This is one of the most important ways to protect your skin both morning + evening. It should be your first step in your skincare routine. Soap is not recommended as a cleanser -- it can leave a film on the skin and doesn't leave the skin pH-balanced (like a good cleanser will) which leads to dryness and other problems.
When you don't wash your face properly dirt and debris sits on the skin overnight and clogs your pores-- leading to breakouts + enlarged pores. We especially recommend cleansing your face in the evening -- to take off your make up + all the buildup from the day. (find a product that works as a facial cleanser + makeup remover such as Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser)
Cleansing benefits:
--dissolve makeup + dirt: keeps pores clean + prepares the skin for makeup.
--help balance pH levels of the skin + boosts hydration
--may have emollients that soften dry skin
--may contain ingredients that counter a variety of skin problems
--additional ingredients can help certain skin conditions : sensitivity, dehydration, or capillary problems.
MAVEN TIP : for acne prone skin we recommend looking for a cleanser with antimicrobial agents to kill bacteria such as Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser.
TONERS
Toners are a watery-liquid that should be used after cleansing the skin. They can be applied to the skin with a cotton round, or sprayed directly to the face.
Toning benefits:
--removes residue left behind by cleansers or other products
--restores the skins natural pH balance
--hydrate the skin
--has temporary tightening effects for the skin, pores, + cell gaps
--creates a barrier + adds a layer of protection
EXFOLIANTS
Removing + sloughing off the dead skin cells can be done mechanically or chemically. Mechanical exfoliation is a method where you physically rub the dead cells off the skin. We recommend adding mechanical exfoliating to your skin care routine 1-2 times a week using a granular scrub. Chemical exfoliation works by dissolving the dead skin cells and intercellular matrix (the glue that holds them together) with chemical agents.
Exfoliating benefits:
--improve skin texture (smoother and softer)
--cleanses pores
--makes deep pore cleansing + extractions easier
--cell turnover rate is increased (brings new cells to the surface)
--improve the skins ability to retain moisture
--improve product penetration
--stimulate blood flow + circulation
--improve makeup application + wear
Exfoliating is especially beneficial for
-oily skin with clogged pores; blackheads, whiteheads or acne breakouts.
-dry/dehydrated skin with flaking or a tight dry surface.
-dull, lifeless looking skin.
We recommend the super exfoliator Image Skincare Ageless.
FACE MASQUES
A good masque can do wonders for the skin! Face masques come in all different forms and with many different ingredients. We recommend using a face mask once a week, try Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque. The two main types of masques are non-setting + setting.
Non-setting masques are going to stay moist and will not dry on the skin -- these types of masques nourish + treat the skin rather than giving it a deep cleanse. Non-setting masques are especially good if you're looking to moisturize + hydrate the skin.
Setting masques will harden and dry on the skin -- it will draw impurities + deep clean the pores as it hardens. These types of masques can also stimulate circulation and temporarily close up pores.
Masking benefits:
--tighten + tone the skin
--draw impurities out of the skin
--clear up blemishes
--hydrate + nourish the skin
--calm + soothe the skin
--brighten the complexion
--rejuvenate the skin
SERUMS
Serums contain concentrated and specialized ingredients that penetrate effectively into the skin. They are made up of highly concentrated performance ingredients -- vitamins, lipids, + antioxidants. These products are designed to be applied under a moisturizer or masque.
Serum benefits:
--penetrate deeper into the skin
--target specific skin conditions
--hydrates the skin
--promotes collagen + elastin production
Try one of our favorites, Iluma Intense Brightening Serum.
MOISTURIZERS
It should not come as a surprise to anyone that these products are designed to add moisture to the skin. Moisturizers should be used twice daily after cleansing to protect and nourish the skin.
Moisturizing benefits:
--protecting the skin from pollutants + harmful elements
--nourish the skin
--balance the water-oil content of the skin
--treats various skin conditions (redness, dryness, aging, etc.)
MAVEN TIP: Invest in a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher, such as Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32+, for your morning routine.