Developing a Skincare Regimen: A Guide for Practical Routines

Written by Heather Colon, LPN

Overwhelmed with skincare products? Most people searching for the Fountain of Youth tend to find themselves buying a multitude of products and then asking, “what do I do with them?” If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.

When patients come into the office seeking advice on where to start with their personal skincare, we tell them that the most important step is to develop a daily regimen. The following is an easy step-by-step guide to be used with just about any skincare product you own or may buy soon.

Steps for a good Anti-Aging regimen:

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS FOLLOW PRODUCT DIRECTIONS

First and foremost, it’s important to listen to your skin. While one can give general guidance and tips, we’re all different and you know your skin better than anyone else. Find what works for you by paying attention to how your skin feels and reacts to certain products.

1. Cleanser (AM/PM)

Cleanser helps get the dirt and dead skin cells off your face. Mild cleansers work best. Wash your face with a nice lather, and when applied first in your routine, products will soak into the clean skin much easier.

2. Toner (AM/PM) [optional]

Toner can help with your skin’s pH level and remove residual make up. However, most cleansers nowadays will accomplish the same thing.

3. Serum (AM/PM)

Hyaluronic serum is best. I recommend Hyaluronic Acid, which pulls water into your skin to plump it up and keep it hydrated when applied day and night.

4. Eye cream (AM/PM)

Use moisturizing eye creams in the morning, and eye creams with Retinol or active ingredients in the evening.

5. Spot treatment

For treating sun damage, acne, etc. As always, follow the directions on product packaging.

6. Moisturizer (AM/PM)

Light moisturizers are best for mornings, while thicker is great for evenings.

7. Sunscreen (AM) [always]

Sunscreen is the #1 product to help with antiaging and preventing skin cancers caused by sun damage. If you’re already spending a lot of money on products to help protect and improve your skin, you better make sure a good sunscreen is included in your regimen!

8. Retinoid (PM)

Retinols help with cellular turnover for smother, more radiant skin. However, we recommend going low and slow, as Retinols may cause irritation. Try to increase application gradually, over time, rather than jumping right in with a heavy dose.

Apply your products by layering them. The goal is to allow each product to absorb before layering on your next step.

This is all meant to be a framework of sorts, from which you will add or subtract products according to your personal needs and how your skin responds. However, as you can see, your routine should change from morning to night. In the AM, for example, you apply sunscreen, and in the PM, Retinols. Mornings should be concentrated on protecting your skin from the sun, pollutants, and light waves which our skin will have to combat all day. In the evenings, your focus should be on applying more active ingredients, as nighttime is when your skin naturally regenerates itself.

The process of keeping your skin healthy and radiant begins with a daily regimen like above, monthly treatments like Glycolic / Retinol peels, and HydraFacials. Equally important, though, are routine appointments with an expert whom can help you listen to your skin–speak to your Dermatologist or Skincare specialist for a more customized approach.

— Heather Colon, LPN

Heather Colon provides teen & adult Skincare services including HydraFacial treatments, IPL/Photo Facial, Micro-Needling, PRP, Laser Hair Removal, non-invasive fat reduction, Chemical Peels, Acne treatments, Anti-Aging treatments and more.

ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE

Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule an appointment with one of our Skincare specialists in Norwalk, Ridgefield and Stamford, CT.