If you aren’t sure what your skincare routine should be, you’re not alone. It can be very confusing and misleading with so many products and claims out there!
Your routine should be simple and natural and it should protect and nourish your delicate facial skin. Your skin type and concerns will determine the products you should be using. And, just a few of the right essentials should be all you need.
First, assess whether your skin is normal, dry, aging, oily, acne prone or combination or if you have concerns you’d like to address like excessive under-eye swelling, dark circles, black heads, rough patches, etc.
For all skin types, washes, scrubs, masks, toners, serums, under-eye treatments and moisturizers/sunscreens are all appropriate however, you don’t need all of these products all of the time. Hyped marketing will have you believe that you need a different product for every pore on your face. This is not true! In fact, less is more with facial skincare and you'll find that most natural products can treat more than one concern. So, save your skin and your pennies!
To keep things simple, you’ll want to wash and hydrate daily.
Scrubs and masks can be used less frequently, one to three times a week should suffice and skip using a wash on those days, as you don’t want to over-wash, irritate and/or strip the skin. Under-eye treatments can be used daily, whenever you notice you need extra help in that area or just want something to make your eyes feel better.
* Face Washes
Some great options for all skin types are non-soap washes like cleansing milks, emollient washes (oils, herbs, and plant wax emulsions) and Oil Cleansing Method (OCM). These are less known and may take some getting used to, but are wonderful ways to keep your skincare routine as natural and gentle as possible. And, contrary to how it may seem, oily skin can benefit greatly from these cleansing options. These washes will not over-cleanse the way soaps do, by disrupting the skin’s acid mantle, stripping it, causing it to overproduce oil and in turn, lead to breakouts. People with oily skin and acne tend to fall into this vicious cycle, as they are more likely to resort to products that are too harsh, causing the skin to be in constant fight mode.
* Toners
Toners are beneficial for all skin types. Due to their anti-inflammatory nature, if used once or throughout the day, toners can protect the skin by shrinking the pores, which can help block pollutants from entering, calm and soothe irritated skin and can add hydration to thirsty skin.
Toners are often overlooked, but they are great at keeping oil production under control. They do this by further cleansing, this is especially good for people who are attached to a soap/detergent-based face wash. These soap washes are usually too alkaline, a toner can help rebalance the skin’s pH, preventing the overproduction of oil and further breakouts.
* Serums
Serums are important as they supply actives and hydration to the deeper layers of the skin, (due to their smaller molecular structure). Here’s where you can get the nourishment your particular skin type needs. Vitamin C, Niacinimide, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid are great essentials for all skin types. People with oily skin will benefit from a serum that includes the above mentioned essentials plus, a natural alternative to salicylic acid (a common, harsh ingredient used in many oily/acne formulas), like Willow Bark Extract. Aging skin loses moisture quicker and will benefit from the addition of a natural alternative to Vitamin A, as retinoids can be sensitizing. Rosehip Seed Oil is one of the best alternatives as it gently exfoliates, ridding the skin of a dull appearance and strengthens the cells, making them capable of retaining maximum moisture.
In order to get the most out of any serum, apply it by dabbing it onto your face and décolleté, avoid rubbing. Then, allow it to sink in by waiting a few minutes before applying a moisturizer.
Also, always read the directions on serums, actives should be used with caution, in order to avoid drug interactions. For example, alternate days where you use vitamin c and retinol. Many actives can cause photosensitivity, to avoid irritation/damage, these serums will recommend applying sunscreen over them when used during the day.
* Moisturizers
Moisturizer should provide the skin with more essential nutrients and hydration and seal in all of the good stuff added from the toner, serum and under-eye treatment, (if used) which will further protect the skin by blocking pollutants and pathogens from entering. All skin types will benefit from a light face cream that hydrates adequately, but doesn’t block the pores or sit on top of the skin feeling greasy, (this happens when the wrong oils or synthetic, harmful ingredients are added). Aging skin will benefit from a face cream that draws maximum moisture to the skin by including more essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These elements are within the chosen vitamins, minerals and extracts and help heal/prevent damage, aid in cell regeneration and minimize sagging and wrinkles.
Whatever your skincare needs are, there are natural and safe ways to address them.
At Mia Botanica, our products are formulated with the gentlest approach to treating all common skincare and personal care needs. Find what’s right for you and remember, keep it simple!
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