What if I told you that you could have a simple yet highly effective skincare routine and it would only take a few minutes a day?
You’d want to hear all about it right? 5 easy steps is all it takes to establish a consistent skincare routine.
The first step in any skin care routine is to properly cleanse it!
Perspiration, grease, dust, old make-up, dirt, and bacteria all collect on your skin and girl, it all has to be completely removed.
Cleansing helps to clean the skin, open the pores, and allows for the skin to best absorb the products you are going to apply.
If you're starting from scratch with your skincare routine, don't worry. I'm going to break down each step in detail so you can begin with a basic understanding.
Step 1 CLEANSING
To properly cleanse, start by wetting your face with lukewarm water. Apply the cleanser that is best for your skin type on your face and neck (ALWAYS include the neck in your skincare) and gently massage in a light circular, upward motion for 2-4 minutes. Remove by using a damp washcloth or gentle facial sponge and warm water to ensure all of the residue is removed from the face. We love to use a gentle konjac sponge to cleanse and ever so gently exfoliate our skin.
Step 2 TONING
Tone your skin using a skin freshener. Toning is important because it helps remove any remaining greasiness or leftover debris on your skin after the cleansing process is complete.
It also helps to close pores and maintain the skin's natural pH.
BONUS 💥 If you are a makeup user, it will leave a smooth clean texture which will hold foundation and powder much longer.
Yep, you heard right, your skin needs to be nourished too. Dirt, dust, hot 🔥and cold ❄️ weather, cosmetics 💋, and even sunlight ☀️, all tend to dry out the skin, robbing it of moisture and oil.
Skin "foods" or moisturizers attempt to replenish nourishment to the skin, reviving its natural healthiness and youthful glow.
It is never too early to start moisturizing and also drinking plenty of water. 💧
🎂 May your skin be as moisturized as a tres leches cake ~ unknown
Perhaps one of my favorite steps! It took me way too long into my adult years to get my first facial. I can't tell you what took me so long but I can tell you I haven't stopped since that first one.
A facial is the quickest way of cleansing, reviving, and brightening faded skin, on a much deeper level and leaving the skin light, soft and glowing. A facial also does a thorough job of relaxing frazzled nerves so that you emerge not only looking younger but also feeling fresher and more relaxed! A facial once or twice each month will ensure rejuvenated and fresh skin for a long time to come!
If it is in your budget, seek out a spa or professional for your facial. Find someone who uses natural products and pays attention to your skin type. However, if you do not have the time or it's not in your budget at the moment, you can give yourself a facial at home. There are so many amazing DIY facials out there to choose from. (psst, stay tuned and read to the end or scroll down for my Free BONUS material)
Choose a time when you can be undisturbed and quiet, and get everything ready before you start so that you can relax and really enjoy it!
Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and as a side bonus can also be really relaxing!
While being an effective way to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it is practiced regularly for an extended period of time. That said, there is no doubt that massage is highly beneficial for tightening facial tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating nerves and thus, boosting collagen production.
Massage is most effective if the skin is thoroughly cleansed first. That's why it's coming in as step 5.
After having cleaned the skin, press it with light but firm fingers, putting a little pressure while applying a good moisturizer. Make sure to hold the skin firmly and apply even pressure. The massage should start from the neck and move upwards ending at the forehead or temples. A gua sha stone is an effective tool to use when performing a facial massage on yourself. Veins and tissues get an increased flow of oxygen/ blood supply by this process.
Note - The skin around the eyes is delicate so it is best to apply cream on this part without pressing it in too deeply or rubbing. Lightly pat using the pad of your ring finger for gentle application.
Many facial moisturizers can take up to 15 to 20 minutes to get fully absorbed by the skin, so massage could continue up to that long if you have the time. Gently wipe off any excess cream when finished.
Although facial massage should be practiced regularly it does not need to be every day, 1-3 times per week is sufficient as you work to build up the habit.
Spending 5-10 minutes in the morning and evening on your skincare routine can dramatically impact the overall of your skin. Build this time into your schedule, make it part of your routine. You deserve it!
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