Skincare can be confusing and overwhelming! There are so many terms and products out there that it’s difficult to know which ones you need and in what order to use them, so we’ve created a simplified introduction guide to building a skincare routine.
What Are Your Skincare Goals?
People start their skincare journey for all different reasons with all different skin types. You could have mature, sensitive, dry, oily, or acne-prone skin. You could aim for anti-aging, acne treatment, or simply overall health/prevention.
All of these factors combined will determine what products are worth adding to your skincare routine.
The Bare Essentials for a Skincare Routine
At the most basic level, there are a few steps that are essential in every skincare routine.
- Cleanser: Washing your face is one of the core elements of a skincare routine, and cleansing the skin helps to prevent clogged pores and acne. Generally, dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day to get rid of dirt and bacteria.
- Moisturizer: Moisturizers, simply put, are used to hydrate the skin. While washing your face is clearly beneficial, it can also cause dryness and strip away some good natural oils. Moisturizers can help counter these effects.
- Sunscreen: Daily sunscreen is arguably one of the most important steps in a skincare routine as it protects your skin against sun damage. Sun damage can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, texture issues, and cancer.
Leveling Up: Crafting Your Personal Anti-Aging Regimen
One of the most common goals in skincare is anti-aging, which is generally broken down into a few categories. Anti-aging is like eating a balanced diet: you need to eat food from each food group. Similarly, to maximize anti-aging effects, it’s best to have skincare products to specifically tackle each component of skin aging.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Generally, when people think of skin aging, they think of fine lines and wrinkles. The gold standard for treating wrinkles is retinoids (e.g., retinol, tretinoin). Retinoids work by increasing the rate of cell turnover to allow for new cells to grow. While retinoids can improve the skin’s appearance, they are also very harsh on the skin and commonly cause redness, dryness, and other negative reactions.
Skin Elasticity
Skin elasticity is an often overlooked aging concern that refers to how firm and plump the skin appears. It’s also one of the most difficult aging concerns to address and reverse. As early as our 20s, we begin to produce less and less collagen, which is what underlies the structure and elasticity of our skin.
Fibroquin is the gold standard for improving skin elasticity. Fibroquin works by supporting the body's pro-collagen biopathways which produce collagen and elastin that give skin its structure and bounce. It’s a lightweight formula that can easily be layered after cleansers and toners and before moisturizers.
Hyperpigmentation
Another common skin concern is hyperpigmentation and generally uneven skin complexion. One of the most common examples of this is age spots which are common in areas like the face that are more exposed to the sun.
Antioxidant serums and creams like Vitamin C are some of the most common products used to improve the appearance of dark spots and overall brighten the skin. Vitamin C can help lighten the pigmentation spots without lightening normal skin by inhibiting the overproduction of melanin.
Conclusions
As we age, it becomes even more important to give our skin the attention it deserves, but no matter what your age is, there are huge benefits from creating a consistent skincare routine, whether for prevention or treatment. By understanding your skin type and incorporating products that address your goals, you can prevent damage and keep your skin looking youthful, radiant, and healthy for years to come.
