Million Dollar Question: How much skincare product should I really be applying?

Million Dollar Question: How much skincare product should I really be applying?

There is usually 1 of 2 reasons why your skin care regimen isn't working. 1) You're using the wrong products. 2) You're simply using your products wrong! Whether you're using too much, not enough, or not using them in the right order to use the product effectively. Check out our recommendation on how much actual product you should be using and at what step. Plus, I threw in a couple of my favorites...

 

STEP 1: Makeup Remover/Precleanse Product (AM&PM) - Size of a quarter

Double cleansing is the best way to ensure ALL make-up and dirt is off your face. Using a make-up remover (like Aveda's Pure Comfort Eye Make-up Remover) before a cleanser will help make your cleanser more effective in removing all excess dirt, oils, and makeup. What's even better then just an eye makeup remover? Dermalogica's Precleanse or Precleanse Balm! These are cleansing oils that melt impurities and oil from your skin and leaves your skin feeling as luxurious as ever. Bye, bye waterproof mascara.

Pre Cleansing Products

STEP 2: Cleanser (AM&PM) - Size of a Toonie

Everybody should cleanse their face twice everyday, in the morning and at night. Cleansers allow you to remove all dirt and impurities from your skin and allow all products you use afterwards to penetrate deep into the skin. Don't forget, there are different cleansers for different skin types:

  • For dry, dehydrated skin it is best to use a creme cleanser. A creme cleanser, like Dermalogica's Essential Cleansing Solution, allow you to remove impurites, while replenishing dry skin and maintaining a proper moisture balance.
  • For oily skin, A detoxifying or purifying cleanser, like Aveda's Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser, does the skin wonders. Cleansers like these gently remove oils and help normalize skin, which won't make your skin overproduce oils.
  • Aging Skin? An exfoliating cleanser, like Dermalogica's Skin Resurfacing Cleanser, is your answer. Exfoliating cleansers retexturizes skin and accelerates cell turn over, which reduces visible signs of aging.
  • Maybe you are lucky to have normal to combination skin. With no major skin concerns, a simple gel based cleanser will do the trick. A cleanser, like Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel, that is soap free, will thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing your skins natural moisture balance.     

CLEANSERSSTEP 3: Exfoliation (PM) - Size of a nickel or quarter

 Exfoliation is KEY to removing dead skins cells and encouraging cell turn over which leaves you with glowing, smooth skin. It is good to keep in mind the 2 different types of exfoliation when choosing the right one for you: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliators use typically use certain acids to remove dead skins "chemically". Physical exfoliators use some sort of "phyiscal" attribute to exfoliate the skin, like a granule or powder. Here are some amazing chemical or physical exfoliators (or maybe even both!): 

  • Want the best of both worlds? Dermalogica's Age Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant is a game changer. This powerful skin polisher combines physical (resurfacing microgranules) and chemical (salicylic acid, retinol, and prickly pear extract) exfoliants to refine your skins texture and enhance the penetration of age-fighting vitamins into the skin. 
  • Then we have this physical exfoliator cult classic that works wonders on all skin types (we're talking to you sensitive types, too). Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is a daily exfoliating powder gentle enough to use on all skin types! This unique rice-based powder activates upon contact with water and instantly leaves your skin feeling smoother and brighter. 
  • Chemical exfoliation more up your alley? Then try the Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. This two-in-one masque and chemical exfoliation treatment uses lactic and hydroxy acid to dramatically smooth your skin. Aloe Vera is also used in this product to calm and soothe your skin.  

EXFOLIATORSSTEP 4: Masque (PM) - Size of a quarter or loonie

One of my favorite parts of my skin care routine. You get to sit back and relax while your face masque does all the work. Masques are the perfect, powerful problem solvers that can help rescue your skin 2-3 times a week! Of course I have to share my favorites that target common skin problems: 

  • Skin feeling congested, especially in your t-zone? Dermalogica's Charcoal Rescue Masque detoxifies, brightens and invigorates your skin. This charcoal masque will help remove congestion and calm your skin, while refining your pores. It has made my pores look smaller, skin dramatically brighter, and feels AMAZING. Buyer beware, this masque will suck a lot of impurities out of your skin so you may experience a bit of a break-out the next day. If that does happen, don't worry, that means it is working and you are one step closer to detoxed skin.
  • Tend to experience a lot of breakouts? Dermalogica's Sebum Clearing Masque is a must-have when you get those nasty, unexpected breakouts. This cooling clay masque helps to clear and PREVENT breakouts.Not only does it detoxify your skin, it also stimulates natural exfoliation to clear any congestion in your pores. Say goodbye to adult acne!
  •  We have something for you too, aging skin. Dermalogica's Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque helps rescue stressed, aging skin. Vitamins A, C, E, and F are powerfully concentrated to help skin recover from damage that leads to aging while enhancing your skins natural barrier. It increases the elasticity in your skin as well as boosts collagen synthesis. Plus, its the ultimate remedy for dulling, dry, dehydrated, lackluster, photo damaged skin - so what doesn't this masque do?!

MASQUES

STEP 5: Toner (AM&PM) - Moisten a cotton ball or cotton pad

Toners are a great way to refresh and hydrate your skin after cleansing prior to moisturizing. They help condition your skin to properly absorb any moisture or products you put on after, making those products more effective. Exfoliating toners (anything containing glycolic acid) are also super effective to achieve glowing, luminous skin. Here are a few effective and refreshing toners to help specific skin needs:

  • Aging skin will always need a little more TLC. Dermalogica's Antioxidant Hydramist is a good start. This refreshing peptide toner creates a hydrating, antioxidant shield over your skin to help reduce fine lines due to dryness and prevents signs of aging. You can also mist over your skin throughout the day to help firm and rehydrate. 
  • Dermalogica's Multi-Active Toner is perfect for all skin types. It evens out your skins porosity, while optimizing absorption for any products you use after it. This toner is also the BEST travel buddy to use on a flight to keep your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. 
  •  Sensitive skin, we have you covered too. Dermalogica's Ultracalming Mist soothes and calms sensitive, red skin. While it soothes it also relieves and rstores your skin to fight future flareups - quickly relieving inflammation and discomfort. Perfect to use after exfoliation too to calm any redness.

TONER

STEP 6: Eye Creme/Serum and Spot Treatments (AM&PM) - Size of a small pea

EYE TREATMENTS ARE A MUST AT EVERY AGE! With so many different formula's to choose from, a good eye cream will instantly awaken and revitalize your eye area or reduce skins of aging by reducing lines, pigmentation or increasing firmness. If you do not use an eye cream, it is never too late to start!  Spot treatments are also a great addition to your skin care routine if you find you have very specific needs. Not everybody needs to use spot treatments, but they're great to have on hand for those days when your skin will just not cooperate. Here are some of the best: 

  • Do you have constant breakouts or maybe you just get them randomly? Dermalogica's Breakout Control is magic. It is a great spot treatment to have handy at any time. Not only does it clear and prevent break outs (or maybe that one pesky pimple), but it also controls oil production, reduces redness, and improves your skins tone and texture. A perfect product for everybody. It has definitely saved me from many bad skin days. 
  • This is my favorite eye creme and although it is from the Age Smart line from Dermalogica, the MultiVitamin Power Firm is an amazing eye cream for everyone.  It increases elasticity and firmness, minimizes fine lines (goodbye crows feet), all while repairing and protecting your eye area from environmental damage and stressors. The Multivitamin Power Firm is great for aging skin, but also a great preventative cream to use before signs of aging - combat it before it even starts!
  •   Aveda recently(ish) came out with a very effective eye creme. Aveda's Tulasara Wedding Overnight Eye Masque will have you waking up to brighter, firmer, more luminous eyes. It's ultra-rich creme feels luxurious on your skin and really does work. With continued use, overtime it fortifies and strengthens your skins protective barrier, sealing in moisture, which ultimately prevents signs of aging! Don't we all want to look young forever?

EYE CREME/SPOT TREATMENT

STEP 7: Serums or Concentrate (AM or PM) - Size of a dime

Serums very potent and concentrated with ingredients so a little goes a really long way with these products. They tend to be on the pricier end of your skin care routine but for good reason - you are getting your bang for your buck! This is another product that I cannot live without. Serums are light weight and penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver active ingredients and are a great tool to target specific skin care concerns like wrinkles. They should always be used with a moisturizer afterwards as they only moisturize minimally since they are targeting deeper into the skin. These serums everybody should have: 

  •  By now, you can probably tell I am obsessed with the Age Smart line from Dermalogica. This is no exception. Dermalogica's MultiVitamin Power Serum will dramatically change your skin for the better. Its microencapsulated vitamin technology increases defense against skin aging so its a good product to start using to prevent aging because who doesn't want to look like J Lo at her age? The MultiVitamin Power Serum also helps stimulate collagen to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles (yes please). Plus, it reduces and controls any pigmentation you have from skin-induced aging (USE SUNSCREEN, PEOPLE).   
  • For anybody fighting hyperpigmentation or melasma, Dermalogica's C-12 Pure Bright Serum is for you. This serum is lightweight but highly active to help combat brown spots, discoloration, and uneven skin tones both day and night. It also absorbs quickly into your skin to optimize its efficacy. 
  • Now technically this isn't a "serum" but it's worth mentioning. Dermalogica's Phyto Replenish Oil is a perfect addition to anybody with normal to dry skin. This feather-light oil rapidly absorbs into the skin to reinforce it's protective barrier. Phyto replish Oil also smoothes the appearance of fine lines. Plus, It will give you that sought after dewy glow. Perfect to use under your foundation for all day dewy skin. Tip: dab a little amount on your cheek bones as a natural looking dewy highlight with or without makeup!

SERUMSSTEP 8: Moisturizer and Sunscreen (AM&PM) - Size of a quarter

 Last but certainly not least, moisturizer. Moisturizer locks all of that good stuff you just fed to your skin and gives added moisture. Ultra rich or smooth and lightweight, there is a moisturizer made for everyone! Remember, with the change of seasons you may also need to change your moisturizer. Lightweight moisturizers are great for the summer when you don't need anything too heavy. Whereas in the winter, your skin may need the extra moisture of a richer creme to combat the cold, dry winter weather. 

PRO TIP: Purchase a moisturizer with a sunscreen. If you cannot find one that suits your needs, then find a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type. SUNSCREEN IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR FACE. 

These moisturizers cannot be ignored: 

  • My favorite moisturizer, Dermalogica's Dynamic Skin. This medium-weight moisturizer contains an SPF 50 (HALLELUJAH) and minimizes skin-aging triggers. It provides long-lasting hydration and vital protection against UV light. No matter the weather, you have to shield your skin with an SPF daily. It's the perfect moisturizer for aging skin or skin that needs a richer moisturizer without being heavy. 
  • Have oily skin? Dermalogica's Oil Free Matte is a great lightweight moisturizer to regulate oil production, while maintaining an all-day matte finish. Oh, did I mention it also contains an SPF30?! Say goodbye to breakouts.
  • An ultra-rich moisturizer for those with dry skin. Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Balance smoothes away the appearance of dry skin, fine lines, and skin damage while reducing the signs of prematurely-aging skin! It also strengthens your skins barrier to prevent moisture loss - perfect for dry, flaking feeling skin.
  • Does your moisturizer not contain an SPF? Shame on you. Kidding, but we have your solution with Dermalogica's Skin Defense Booster. This boosters can add SPF to your moisturizer or foundation and is made for all skin types! Now there is no excuse to not have an SPF in your skin care routine. 

 Moisturizers

 

 #InvestInYourSkin