When I first met Susie, she was rushing. As a boy mom of three athletic sons, there were always sporting events or practices to attend. She felt there was never enough time to cleanse her face, so she only used skincare products when she wore makeup at church. This was a level up from her routine in her 20s, when she only splashed water on her face due to her sensitive skin.
Now her biggest beauty struggle was understanding her needs as she aged. Her skin is changing in ways many women can relate to: uneven skin tone, rough and dead skin and fine lines. Her needs are different now than 10 years ago.
I shared with her the analogy that her face is like a car windshield. Have you ever noticed how dirty it can get over time? Just as we need glass cleaner to de-grime our windshields, we need a good cleanser to remove impurities, oil, sweat and makeup from our faces.
PICKING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
It is important to use products that are appropriate for your skin type. There are three skin types:
- Dry skin is tight, cracked and sometimes flaky and craves hydration and moisture.
- Normal skin is in the middle, neither dry nor oily, and its condition often depends on the season.
- Combination-to-oily skin has a shine in the t-zone (forehead and nose). Clogged pores lead to breakouts.
If you have sensitive skin, test products behind your ear to hide any noticeable reaction while you’re developing your regimen.
MAKE SKINCARE A HABIT
Keeping your skin in top shape requires a daily commitment. Here are the five essential steps in a skincare regimen:
- Cleanse to remove impurities, oil, sweat and makeup.
- Exfoliate to remove dead and dull skin.
- Tone to clarify your pores.
- Moisturize to make your face soft and supple.
- Protect with sunscreen and/or foundation.
This regimen can include natural or anti-aging products. Susie wanted an anti-aging regimen that is gentle on her sensitive skin. She loved multi-tasker products, and her cleanser allowed her to cleanse, tone, exfoliate and brighten in one step. Her moisturizer protects her skin with an SPF of 30 and helps address dryness. Her routine is simple and perfect for her on-the-go lifestyle.
Keep up your routine twice a day (morning and night) to ensure a healthy complexion. Remember — makeup doesn’t cover up bad skin.
