Entry #4: Esti Knowledge: The Basics

Fall is coming soon to Arizona! Even though we're still having 100 degree days...we'll pretend that it's not happening...

But nonetheless, colder weather is just around the corner! Which means...drier weather and drier skin...so what are we going to do about that? Well, I'm just the answer you've been rhetorically looking for!

Let’s throw on a mask and call it a day. 

Not quite...

Wait…there’s more to it than that? Absolutely! Trends only give you so much to work with, and there are so many unanswered questions out there.

Where do we begin, you ask?

You came to the right place! As a licensed esthetician, I'm going to break it down for you guys (yes, this is inclusive stuff right here) and gals.

When it comes to starting a skincare routine, you want to answer these general questions:

• What are my main skincare concerns? What do I want to improve? 
• Am I dry or oily? Acne-prone? Sensitive?
• What’s my lifestyle like?
• How dedicated am I to starting a skincare routine? How many products am I willing to incorporate into a routine?
• How much time am I willing to put in a routine?

These questions will give you an idea of the standards you’re setting for yourself, for your brand new journey to great skin! You know your skin and how it feels better than anyone, so treat it well!

Get to know your skin, or even contact an esthetician to get a complimentary consultation!

Now, since you’re probably a beginner, we’re going to start off with the building blocks of your new skincare routine: cleanser, toner, moisturizer. That’s it! 3 simple steps to follow. Seems easy, right?

Why?

• Cleansers remove excess dirt and debris from the skin, leaving it nice and refreshed!
• Toners help restore the pH balance of the skin and allow any products following this step to better absorb into the skin.
• Moisturizers plump up the skin and leave it nice and soft. It replenishes your skin’s barrier as well.

To explain it further, we’re going to break it down by each step.

Cleansers

• must be free of sulfates and parabens, as they strip the skin of its natural oils
• cream cleansers are better for drier skin types, gel/foaming cleansers for oilier skin types
• ex: Dermalogica Precleanse, Special Cleansing Gel, & Intensive Moisture Cleanser

Tip: It’s highly recommended to double cleanse the skin! Once with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil and debris, and your second cleanser to properly target skincare concerns and to cleanse the skin of course!

Toners

• must be alcohol-free to avoid stripping the skin
• astringents are for oilier skin types, gel toners are my personal favorite and they are gentle enough for all skin types!
• ex: Lancome Tonique Confort Rehydrating Toner, Burt's Bees Salicylic Acid Toner, & Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence

Tip: Toners can be applied with a cotton round or your hands depending on your preference! Avoid harsh exfoliating toners if your skin is sensitive!

Moisturizers

• oilier skin types (and acne-prone) should avoid non-comedogenic ingredients to avoid excess sebum production and breakouts (it’s better for drier skin types because their barriers are compromised, so they may need a heavier weight moisturizer)
• ex: Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, Active Moist, First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream Moisturizer, & Clinique Moisture Surge

Now as far as price points go, it’s completely up to you and what you as the consumer decide to buy. Just because a product is highly-priced, it doesn’t mean it’s going to work wonders for your skin guaranteed. 

Now that you have the basics AND the knowledge, get out there and get some beautiful skin! It's not going to grab itself! Until next time, Sunflower Socialites.