Maintaining a Proper Facial Routine

​Your face is a major contributor to your overall appearance — it’s often the first impression people have about you, and you want that impression to be glowing and confident. That means taking good care of it!

But for many, finding the right facial routine can be overwhelming. Every day we’re bombarded by marketing hype for various skincare and cosmetic products, as well as advice from social media influencers and other beauty gurus… which makes caring for your face not only expensive, but all the more frustrating when you don’t get the results you’re looking for.

I’m a firm believer that when you transform your face, you transform your life. Here are some tips for how you can take the guesswork out of your facial routine and feel your best inside and out.

Step 1: Know your skin.

The truth is, skincare is personal — and has everything to do with your genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. That means the facial products that work for your best friend or favorite beauty influencer might not work for you… and in fact, can even be damaging to your face or make skin conditions worse. So when it comes to skincare for the face, the first step to finding the most effective facial routine is to get familiar with your unique skin type.

When you look in the mirror, do you see facial blemishes or age spots? If you suffer from acne, is it cystic or hormonal? Skin types can be surprisingly complex, and can even vary in different areas of the face or during different times of year (especially here in San Diego!). If you’re unsure of what skin type you have, an esthetician consultation is a great place to start.

Step 2: Do your skincare routine every day. (No, really.)

​There’s a reason they call it “routine” skincare and not “whenever-you-have-time” skincare or “when-you’re-breaking-out” skincare. That’s because it doesn’t matter how good your facial routine is if you can’t commit to it. Plan to devote a few minutes every single day — yes, even if you’re tired, and yes, even if your skin looks and feels fine.

Here are the skincare routine steps that should be non-negotiable (and the facial products that should be on your shelf):

• Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove debris like dirt, oil, and pollution particles. Use a small dollop of face cleanser and lukewarm (not hot) water, and use circular motions to lightly massage your face.
• Exfoliate: At least 2-3 times a week, incorporate an exfoliant into your skincare routine to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells for a smoother, clearer surface. But be gentle! Avoid excessive pressure or scrubbing.
• Moisturize: One of the most important facial products in your arsenal is a quality moisturizer. At minimum, apply moisturizer morning and evening, and don’t wait until your skin feels dry to reapply.
• Protect: When it comes to skincare, it’s hard to get more basic than "wear sunscreen." But it’s a crucial part of any good facial routine: Avoid excessive sun exposure, wear a hat, and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ facial sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin.

Step 3: See your esthetician regularly.

​And of course when it comes to your skincare routine, nothing you do at home can replace professional attention — which means you’ll only see real payoff if you put effort into maintaining a facial regimen. As an esthetician, one of the questions I hear from new clients is “How often should I visit in order to see results?” Another way to think about this might be, how many times should you exercise if you want to lose weight?

Much like diet and exercise, the success of any facial care routine depends on consistency. Facials are best performed in a series, and getting them on a regular basis provides more long-term impact than a single procedure.

The frequency of your facial regimen will depend on the type of facial and your skincare goals. Those with oily and acne-prone skin benefit from facials more often than those with sensitive or dry skin. That said, a good rule of thumb is to plan for a facial at least once a month. Because our skin cell turnover cycle is 28 days long, that’s enough time for your skin to go through the full lifecycle of growth and repair between treatments.

Having a regular facial ritual is a great way to enrich your commitment to self-care. Not to mention, the more often you get facials, the more informed you will be about your skin and which treatments and at-home facial products will be best for your specific skin type and conditions… making after facial care even more effective.

Your best facial routine starts here.

​Proper skincare is a marathon, not a sprint, and here at Simply Skin, I'm your vested partner to create long-term results. Whatever your skincare goals (acne, anti-aging, scar reduction, and more), I'll create a facial routine that is sustainable and personalized to you — and help you reveal a healthier, more radiant complexion so you can feel confident inside and out.

Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s get started.

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