Skincare & Why it Matters!
I have a confession to make. My skin is not perfect, and I am actively researching and finding new and effective ways to clear my skin. The past 15 years with acne have taught me a lot about skin health. Especially when it comes to skincare.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. This guide is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or otherwise qualified medical professional. This guide is provided on the understanding that is does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.
I have tried every cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer out there to clear my skin, and honestly most products are complete nonsense and will not clear the skin. In fact, in many cases, it can make things worse.
So, let’s talk about a skincare routine that will make the skin glow. I am going to myth bust some current skincare trends and share some proven acne-prone skin care must-haves. This will help one choose the right products for the skin and save money from buying products that just won’t work.
Special Topic: Love the skin from the inside out!
Skin is arguably the most unique and hardworking organ. Keeping the skin’s microbiome happy is critical to inhibit harmful bacteria and encourage beneficial bacteria, which is why I believe it is so important to love the skin from the inside out by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, through optimal diet and nutrition. However, figuring out what products work for the skin will go a long way in keeping the skin clear.
3 Skincare Must-Haves!
1. Cleanse
2. Hydrate
3. SPF
Cleanse
In my opinion, cleansing properly is essential to a great skincare routine. Everyday skin is exposed to various pollution and toxins. This is only amplified if one lives in a city. The next couple paragraphs I will explain how to cleanse properly while protecting the skin barrier and what products to look for and what products to avoid.
Have you ever used a product that leaves the skin feeling tight and squeaky clean?
(please throw this product out, right away!)
We have to re-think what cleansing is for. I know it’s easy to think that the ‘cleaner’ the skin is the less chance for breakouts. Cleansing is no longer just about removing makeup and dirt, it needs to consider how ingredients affect the skin barrier and flora. Clean skin still has trillions of microbes all over it and we need these microbes to maintain healthy glowing skin. The reality is that most products are way too harsh and can damage the natural skin barrier.
Look for a gentle, SLS-free cleanser that is slightly acidic (pH between 4.5 and 5.5). And before you even ask, face wipes do not count! Please, just throw these out.
Special topic: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is commonly used in skincare products and it is what gives products like cleansers and shampoos that foamy, bubbly consistency. The problem with SLS is that is strips the skin of natural oils and can cause inflammatory skin reactions including eczema, dermatitis, and itchy scalp. AVOID SLS!
Cleansing techniques to protect the skin-barrier:
Use warm water – NOT HOT!
Use a specific face only towel that is soft on the skin and gently pat the face to dry it. Do not harshly wipe or rub the face dry.
When washing the face in the shower, wash the face at the very end. This will ensure that other shower products (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, body wash) are not left on the face.
Hydrate
Do you believe in spot treatments to help fight acne? Well, I do not! From my personal experience keeping the skin hydrated has far better results than any drying spot treatment! The overuse of harsh products can damage our skin barrier and cause more irritation, which is the last thing we want.
Hydrated skin is happy skin! To keep my skin hydrated I use a facial mist or spray before using any actives or serums. My two favourite actives are vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. For my skin they compliment each other perfectly and I use them every morning. I use a moisturizer to lock in all those amazing ingredients. My personal favourite is a squalane-based moisturizer, mostly because it is fungal acne safe.
SPF
In my opinion, if you are going to spend your money anywhere, here’s where I believe it will have the biggest impact for your skin! The skin needs SPF every day! Even when it’s not so sunny out and even if you are not planning to spend the day outside. And no, the SPF in make-up, BB Cream, or moisturizer doesn't count.
SPF protects the skin from the sun's harmful aging rays (probably already knew this one!) and also speeds up the skin's natural healing process by forming a protective shield (which hello, yes please!).
And that’s it! So easy and simple!
With happiness and clear skin.
Caralyn
Resources:
https://skinbetter.com/transepidermal-water-loss-important/
https://drwhitneybowe.com/beauty-of-dirty-skin-book/
https://kosmea.com.au/sodium-lauryl-sulfate-avoid/