Start with the minimum
If you are new to skin care, I will recommend that you start with a few things. Cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer. If you're doing at least that, you're probably way ahead of the game. If you want to go a little further and make your moisturizer work harder for you, invest in a great serum. And to prevent wrinkles, a daily night cream, or a stronger retinol 2-3 times a week. More on each of these types of products, what they mean, and how to use them below.
The 8 Skincare Products Every Woman Should Own
- Cleanser
This is the no-brainer. If you're not wiping your face, we've got some trouble, buddy! I usually clean my face in the morning in the shower. But you will also use your cleanser at night before your nightly routine.
Cleansers remove dirt, grease, and makeup. They help unclog pores and remove dead skin. I personally use this cleanser and this cleanser. One in summer and one in winter. Benefit Clean is super mild, a great universal cleanser.
You should also do a DOUBLE cleaning. Cleanse your skin for a full two minutes OR one minute with your mild cleanser and another with a more exfoliating type.
- Exfoliator
An exfoliator is designed to improve the texture of your skin by removing the surface layer. This sounds harsher than it really is. But removing a layer of dead skin will not only reveal younger, more beautiful skin, it will also allow the next step products (serums and moisturizers) to absorb better. It will also allow your makeup to apply more evenly and smoothly. The peel shouldn't be done every day, but maybe once or twice a week. Always work your way to more frequency.
You can also find gentler exfoliating face washes that can be used on a daily basis. Just check the labels! When you find a good one every day, this may be your second cleanse.
- Toner
A toner should be used immediately after cleansing and before serums or moisturizers are
applied. I use Purity Balance for its lactic and salicylic acid. I am quite oily so this helps balance my skin. It also helps remove another layer of skin that the scrub didn't remove.
I sprinkle a few drops on a cotton ball and rub the original source it on my face. You will see dead skin on the pad after wiping it over your face and neck (I never forget my neck!). What you are seeing on the pad is dead skin that your cleanser and scrub may have missed.
- Serum
Before your moisturizer, you will want to use a serum or body lotions. The best way to understand the serum and moisturizer combination is that the serum is your vitamin and the moisturizer is your water drink to remove them. A serum is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and high-potency ingredients that will help transform your skin. If you're not using a serum yet, I'd say this is what you need to add to your routine right away. The price can often be a bit high, but use such a small quantity that it will last you a long time.
- Moisturizer + SPF
Finally, moisturizer! I know it seems like it took you forever to get to what you thought was ALL you needed. But trust me. Once you have your toner, body oil and serum in place, not only will your moisturizer work better, but you will probably need one less pump. Truth! I have a few moisturizers that I alternate depending on how my skin feels or what the day throws at me.
My tried and true and the only item I would like with me on a desert island is my Peptide Rich Defense Moisturizer with SPF 50. I have been using this for YEARS and cannot recommend it highly enough. There's also Humidify, which is great if you live in a super dry climate, or Shineless if you're very oily. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure this step ALSO includes an SPF for the day. This is a crucial step and I think it easily goes hand in hand with your moisturizer. I also love this Olay Regenerist Whip for a matte finish and affordable price.
- Anti-Aging Night Cream
Now let's move on to our nightly routine. At night, you should also cleanse your face and use a toner. Exfoliate occasionally when you can. But you can skip your moisturizer and let your night beauty creams do the work here. If you want anti-aging, you need retinol. Period. Retinol helps stimulate the growth of new cells. It is a form of vitamin A and it really is the fountain of youth if you ask me.
At night, I use Cosmedix Define. This product has a 2% AGP complex, which basically means that it is a retinol that is microencapsulated for a more even application and controlled release. In the evening, you can also use a facial oil or a thick moisturizer for extra hydration.
- Eye cream
We can't forget under our make up eyes, right? This is something I struggle with the most because I suffer from very dark circles. I also want to give my skin volume and renew it so that wrinkles do not appear. For that, I use Eye Genius which helps combat both.
You can also use an eye cream in the morning to hydrate and help brighten the under-eye area.
- Weekly mask
Everyone should apply a mask once a week to address their specific skincare concerns. Moisturizing, anti-aging, rejuvenating, whatever it is. Pick one, or keep a few on hand, to wear weekly. You want to do this only weekly as they are generally powerful. Too frequent use can cause irritation and lead to new skin problems.
Broken between two masks for my skin. The Pure Enzyme mask that you can really FEEL working and see a difference on your skin right away. Feel a tingling while you do it and your skin looks like it has been regenerated (it will be a little red, do not panic, it is normal!). With gluconic acid that increases hydration, your skin is smoother, exfoliated and, in general, more beautiful. And the other, a charcoal detox mask.