Skincare

Consider your skincare as an important measure of self-respect, or how much you take care of yourself. Similar to brushing your teeth daily.

The optimal skin care routine should be 3 simple steps:
1. Cleanse (occasional exfoliation)
2. Moisturize
3. SPF

1. Cleansing in the night time is more important than when you wake up because your skin has absorbed many impurities and oils throughout the day. Therefore, if you have any masks or extra creams, save it for the nighttime regiment. A quick cleanse in the morning with cold water increases blood circulation leaving you refreshed and awake.
I alternate between Shiseido Skincare gentle cleansing cream and the microexfoliating wash as it promotes cell turnover and growth. They both are gentle and non-irritant for virtually any skin-type, and leaves the skin baby-butt soft and clean.




2. Moisturize is just as important as cleansing. When you cleanse, you strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry which can induce fine lines faster. Hydrating your skin maintains its softness and elasticity and minimizes irritation. You face can tackle anything during the day!
I also use Shiseido's Skincare line, the daytime moisturizer and the nighttime recharge moisturizer. I'm a loyal Shiseido customer...



3. SPF is a highly neglected routine. Cleansers with salicylic acid or BHA (common active ingredient for anti-acne washes) actually leave your skin much more susceptible to UV damage from the sun. Even if your cleansers don't have BHA, it's still a vital step to prevent DNA damage in your skin that can result in lines, aging, and uneven pigmentation.
I use Shiseido's sunscreen (creamy, wonderfully scented, and extremely effective). It is a little pricey but I use a peasize amount to do a full day's job. My Missha BB cream also has spf, so I alternate between the two.


Some other considerations:

- It is evident that everyone's skin has inherent characteristics, from oily to dry to combination. Therefore, it's important to find products that do not irritate your skin. I have normal skin prone to whiteheads.
- I don't think toners are greatly necessary...perhaps in 5 years. Toners balances, softens, and reduces pores supposedly, but if you have a good non-greasy diet and drink water often, this step isn't vital.
-Speaking of diet, what you ingest has a significant effect on your skin. Less oily your food, the less oily your skin and the less clogged your pores are.
- There are effective home remedies (will delve into later), but as a student on campus, a fridge/frequent trips to the groceries/the mess is unneeded. I need a regiment-in-a-tube so I can do everything in 5 minutes and go to class!