Skincare 101: The Basics
Q: Why Is Skincare So Overwhelming?
A: Well, because there are so many product options to decide upon. Companies are ALWAYS promoting something new and improved. Your choices range from what kind of cleanser, moisturizer to use, or which serum is the right one to address your skin care concern. What type of foundation, or to choose a scrub or mask for to exfoliate your skin? We literally have hundreds of choices, that we are bombarded with every single day! Perhaps you are trying to decide on what skincare routine or steps you should use, or what items you should add or take away. Well my philosophy is, I believe, less is more.
Q: Are There Certain Products You Should Use Depending On The Time Of Day?
A: Everyone should avoid acids like lactic, glycolic and Retin-A during the day. They should be reserved for nighttime use ONLY, as they can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun. Using Trace of Essence Anti-aging Oil that contains rosehip oil (vitamin C) during the day can be most beneficial. Everyone should be wearing sunscreen during the day, and some people who work at night, such as nurses, may even want to consider it to protect themselves from blue light in their workplace. Remember, we're using this to neutralize from free radicals that sun, ultraviolet rays and air pollution.
Q: What Makes Up A Simple Skincare Routine
A: The basic three: Cleanse, Moisturize and Protect. It's super simple but gets the job done. In the morning, cleanse your skin to start the day then put on a moisturizing sunscreen. At night, cleanse your skin again to remove any residual makeup and sweat from the day then finish with a moisturizer or anti-aging oil or serum. That's only two products in the morning and two products at night. Simple!
Q: If You Can Do Nothing Else, What Is The One Step You Should Do Every Day For Your Skin And Can You Give A View Of Your Own Skincare Regimen?
A: Cleanse your skin at night even if you didn't wear makeup or go to the gym, your skin is still secreting oils that can grab bacteria from hands or pollutants in the air. Morning cleansing along with a hydrating moisturizer, is VERY important in your daily routine. I also incorporate Bakuchiol serum, and exfoliate 2-4 times a week at night, and of course I use my signature Trace of Essence Anti-aging Oil, every single day and night. Try to find a foundation or tinted moisturizer with an SPF, however, sometimes they can cause breakouts, so be careful in your selection!
Q: You See Many People Online Touting Multi-Step Skincare Routines. And Will That Same Routine Work For My Skin?
A: There's really no "one-size fits all" routine. We all have our own specific skincare goals, and your routine should be personally customized to meet those goals.
Q: What Is Something You Would Recommend Adding To Your Routine?
A: Depending on your goal, such as reducing dark spots or acne flare-ups, adding an exfoliator at least three times a week to your regimen would be beneficial. Exfoliators with lactic acid, glycolic acid or even a Retin-A alternative. I advise Bakuchiol (derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, also known as the babchi plant.) is the natural alternative to Retin-A. Now different from just cleansing and protecting, exfoliating will cause actual change in your skin. I would also recommend a Bakuchiol serum which acts like Retin-A, and Bakuchiol and is a wonderful alternative. Before starting something new, take an unfiltered photo outside in natural light. Then take another picture three months later in the same location and lighting to see if the products are working for your skin. If you have other questions, please feel free to reach out to me, karen@mytraceofessence.com.
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