Okay, class. It’s time for an anatomy lesson. Nope, not the boring kind that you slogged through in high school. Instead, this is a fun anatomy lesson, where everyone ends up with better-looking skin for life! Today we’re talking about the anatomy of skin care regimens—why they’re important and how to put together the right one for your skin’s needs. Over time, your complexion is likely to alter, and you’ll have to change the products you’re using, but the regimen itself will stay the same. It’s a reliable routine in a world of chaos and—even better—it works.

 

Let’s start with your CLEANSER, TONER, and MOISTURIZER. You’ll want to cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day (in the morning and at night). Once you’re done with these three steps, be sure to apply EYE CREAM. The cleanser and toner you choose will likely stay the same, but it’s possible that your moisturizer may differ between morning and night. Daytime moisturizers should provide sun protection (especially if you’re not wearing an all-over foundation with SPF). Your skin doesn’t need sun protection at night, so you’ll want either a moisturizer without it or a NIGHT CREAM. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you’ll also be using an EXFOLIANT 1-3 times a week. Exfoliants can be either mechanical (in the form of scrubs) or chemical (Glycolic Acid, for example). If you’re using a scrub, you’ll use it after you cleanse but before you moisturize. If you’re using an exfoliant that’s also a cleanser (the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, for example), you can use it in place of your usual cleanser, preferably at night. Okay, we’ve covered the basics. Let’s talk a bit about MASKS and SERUMS. Both are intended to treat specific skin issues, but each does so in a totally different way. Use your mask two to three times a week. The Drying Mask, for example, helps absorb excess oil on troubled skin whereas the Enzyme Revitalizing Mask is formulated with natural fruit enzymes to help exfoliate and reveal fresh skin. Apply masks after cleansing but before toning. Serums deliver high concentrations of active ingredients into the skin; they are able to penetrate the skin due to a smaller molecular structure. Some ingredients, such as Vitamin C, work to help brighten up discoloration while providing free radical protection for anti-aging. Apply serums after toning but before moisturizer or night cream. What’s left? If you have acne, you might also need a few ACNE TREATMENT products. Our iconic Drying Lotion was designed to help dry up whiteheads while you sleep. This should be applied before bed after moisturizer. Any questions?