Debbie Skin is our body’s biggest organ and our first line of defense against germs and infections. It’s also responsible for making you look – and feel – your best!
The right skincare products can help prevent premature aging, fine lines, acne, and rashes. In addition, a proper routine can keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun’s damaging rays.
Cleansers
Regardless of the serums, oils, and moisturizers you use in your beauty spa routine, cleansing is vital in ensuring they penetrate deep into the skin. Cleansers are designed to remove all the excess dirt, oil, and makeup accumulated for your day, as well as dead skin cells and clogged pores, keeping your complexion clear, healthy, and radiant.
Depending on your skin type and requirements, a cleanser can contain various components. For example, dry skin requires a hydrating cleanser that contains ingredients such as lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to restore moisture.
On the other hand, oily or acne-prone skin should look for a clarifying cleanser that helps to remove oil and sebum buildup. It can help prevent breakouts caused by excessive oil, often a sign of aging or stress.
When cleansing, always use gentle pressure and massage with the fingertips in circular motions before rinsing with water. It will ensure that the skin is thoroughly cleansed without over-scrubbing.
Toners
Toners are a pivotal step to achieving the best skin. They’re typically used after cleansing and removing makeup and help balance your skin’s pH (vital before you apply any moisturizer or other skincare products) to keep it healthy.
The best toners use hydrating and soothing ingredients that replenish the skin’s moisture levels while helping prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation. They also contain antioxidants, nourishing nutrients, and skin-renewing agents for restoring the look of your skin.
Most toners are water-based and contain a humectant ingredient to draw moisture from the air and into your skin. It allows it to soak in and prep your skin for the next step in your beauty spa routine—the cleanser, exfoliator, or moisturizer.
The downside of toners in your beauty spa routine is that they’re often photosensitizing, increasing your sensitivity to sun damage and making you more likely to burn. That’s why using only high-quality, natural skincare products that don’t include photosensitizing ingredients is essential! Franklin skin studio recommends using a simple, water-based formula containing a few skin-nourishing and skin-renewing ingredients.
Exfoliators
Exfoliating helps all skin types clean clogged pores, remove dead skin cells, and clear away any dirt or debris that may be trapped on the surface of your skin. It also helps improve the overall appearance of your skin and can help treat acne breakouts.
Exfoliators can be physical or chemical and come in various forms, including scrubs, enzymes, acids, creams, gels, toners, or even masks. Using an exfoliating product will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots and promote the production of new collagen fibers vital for firming and smoothing skin.
A physical exfoliant uses a granular substance such as a salt or sugar scrub, a brush, or a glove to buff your skin. They’re great for removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and are typically used on the face, arms, legs, and feet.
These are usually gentler than mechanical exfoliants and can be used by all skin types but are best for combination or sensitive skin. These types of exfoliators are often formulated with alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs), which dissolve the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to the surface of your skin.
Moisturizers
Every skincare routine starts with a cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, oil, and other lingering residue. It also helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Once the cleansing step is complete, it’s time to layer on moisturizer. Moisturizers keep skin hydrated and prevent dryness, flaking, and redness.
There are many different formulas and ingredients to choose from regarding moisturizers. Some contain emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, known for their moisturizing and nourishing effects on the skin.
Others use humectants that help reduce the amount of water evaporating from the skin and keep it locked in. There are also occlusive moisturizers, which include petrolatum and other oils and waxes that block the evaporation of water.
Depending on your skin type and season, moisturizers can be light or heavy. For example, if your skin is dry or itchy during the winter, you may need a heavier moisturizer to combat that. Similarly, a lighter moisturizer is suitable for normal or oily skin.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the essential skincare products you can buy. Not only does it protect your skin against the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, but it also prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens, made with chemical or physical blockers, can help keep skin healthy and youthful by protecting it against aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. These sunscreens are found in various formulas, including spray, lotion, and powder.
UV-absorbing substances like oxybenzone and octinoxate are found in chemical sunscreens. These products are safe and effective but can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Mineral sunscreens are similar to chemical sunscreens but contain minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that reflect UV rays away from the skin. Those products can be less irritating than their chemical counterparts.
