Whether you are a skincare fanatic or a newBe there is a unique skin care routine for you. The skin is your largest organ, taking care of your skin is essential to age gracefully in life. This goes for ALL people.
I’m sure you’ve heard about medical grade skincare vs over the counter (OTC), but what is the difference?
- Medical-grade skincare is developed by licensed professionals like dermatologists or estheticians who have studied how ingredients work on the skin and then carefully create products that produce effective results.
- Medical grade skincare is clinically tested. Before anyone can purchase, the developers want to make sure the products are working the way they will be marketed. OTC products are not tested and use low doses of active ingredients which is why a lot of people do not see the results they are wanting.
Here is a basic medical grade skincare routine that anyone can implement:
Step 1: Cleanser! AM/PM
Are you washing your face at least twice a day? This is an essential part of skin care because you need to wash off all the sweat, dirt and oil that builds up throughout the day. skinBe’s Chamomile Facial Cleanser is a great gentle cleanser, great for all skin types that won’t leave your skin dry.
Step 2: Toner- Rebalance AM/PM
I know what you are thinking, this step is useless. Believe it or not this is one of two of the most essential steps in skincare. When you wash off all the impurities from the day you skincare is stripped of its natural moisturizing factors and your pH is off balance. Toner rebalances your pH back to normal, without toner it takes up to an hour for your skin to rebalance. It also helps other products penetrate deeper into your skin.
Step 3: Vitamin C- Target AM/PM
A natural antioxidant that your body loves inside and out! Obagi has an amazing Vitamin C serum that lightens, tightens and brightens your skin. Sun spots and hyperpigmentation will gradually lighten with consistent use. This is a very thin serum which is why it goes on first, think thin to thick when applying skincare.
Step 4: Tretinoin- Target PM
Tretinoin is a form of Vitamin A which boosts cellular turnover when applied topically. Your skin is shedding at this moment and as we age our bodies naturally slow this process. Vitamin A, also known as retinoid or retinol can do wonders for your skin for anti aging effects. Originally marketed for acne clients (and still a great product to reduce your acne!) but through happenstance with consistent use clients see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 5: Moisturizer AM/PM
Yes, even if you have oily skin your skin needs moisturizer! After applying all your products moisturizer is the protective layer to keep your skin hydrated. If you do not use moisturizer your skin tends to over compensate and produces more oils throughout the day. If you tend to have dry skin look into a thick cream, Hydrate Luxe from Obagi is a client favorite. For normal or oily skin types, Hydrate from Obagi is perfect.
Step 6: SPF-Protect AM
In the morning, after all your products have been applied SPF is the 2nd MOST essential step because it is protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Make sure you have Broad Spectrum, Obagi Sun Shield SPF 50 is a great option during these summer months. Think UVA-Aging, UVB-Burning, protect yourself against both! Another reason to wear SPF is the ingredients you have applied to your skin prior do not work properly or have negative effects if not protected from the sun.
This 6 step routine is the BASICS and you can always grow from here. If you have a hard time creating a habit to take care of your skin, keep your products around things you already do!