Everything You Need to Know to Get the Perfect Skincare Routine

A skin care routine is not as simple as it seems. Most of us think we know how to cleanse, tone and moisturize our skin using the right products. But we will tell you why the way we apply them is not always correct.

It's not just a matter of having the right DNA that makes your skin look good. It’s important to remember that healthy skin also depends on how you take care of it.

It’s important to evaluate the products you use and how you apply them.  Believe it or not, this is very important for you to get the promised results.

"There are many opinions on what is the right skin-care routine, from how to moisturize to how to protect from UV rays. Ultimately, skin care is simply personal," says “Beauty Alchemist” Dr. Maribel Pedrozo, a facial care specialist at Biobell Oriental MedSpa in Miami.

"Creating a skin care routine shouldn't be anything complicated, as long as you follow the right steps and use the products according to your needs. It is limited to three simple steps," added Pedrozo.

The technique referred to by this specialist basically consists of the following:

Cleansing: Washing the face.

Toning: Balancing the skin.

Moisturizing: Hydrating and softening the skin.

"Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself," says Pedrozo. The skin undergoes changes with age, so you also have to change products. However, the specialist emphasizes the importance of creating a routine.

While we may have access to very effective products, there is no such thing as an instant fix; it takes time to observe and feel the benefits. "Results are only seen through consistent use. In general, the goal is to use a product for at least six weeks, once or twice a day, to notice a difference," recommends the specialist.

Tip: Any skin care product should be applied in order of consistency, from the thinnest to the thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum and then moisturizer.

CLEANSING

Washing your face is the most basic and essential step in any routine. "Our skin comes into contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors, every day, which must be gently removed." Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.

HOW TO USE TONER

"Toners should be used after cleansing and before applying anything else," says Pedrozo. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and wipe it over the face. The downside of this method is that you end up losing a lot of product."

Tip: "Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Simply pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and apply it until it is absorbed. Most formulas can be used morning and night, but you may want to use those with exfoliating acids only at night or every other day."

To increase the benefits, try pressing toner and serums with your hands, over and over again.

Here are some ingredients to consider:

-Rose water and green tea, to soothe irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.

-Vitamin E and C, to combat daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.

- Serum treatment

In short, serums are powerful allies of the skin. Especially those with concentrated doses of active ingredients. These elixirs can mitigate a range of problems, from dark spots to wrinkles. Even if you don't have specific problems, everyone still needs a general antioxidant serum in the morning to protect against daily aggressors," says the specialist.

To treat specific problems, look for these products:

-Hyaluronic acid, to seal in hydration and strengthen the barrier function (the top layer of skin) to prevent moisture loss.

-Vitamin C, to help lighten dull skin and diminish dark spots with continued use.

-Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.

-Retinol, vitamin B3, and peptides to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins in the body that help prevent lines and sagging skin.

-Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide, to calm redness and irritation by decreasing inflammation, and improve acne with its antimicrobial effects.

Tip: To save time, don't try to mix a serum into your moisturizer. This "decreases the serum's ability to absorb effectively. Products should be applied one at a time," Pedrozo concludes.