A person’s skincare routine depends largely on what type of skin they have. Skin types are separated into normal, oily, dry, sensitive or combination. In combination skin, for example, the T-shaped area that makes up the forehead and the nose may be oily while other areas of the face are normal or even dry. A consultation with a member of the team at Boulder Plastic Surgery can help you figure out a skincare routine that works best for you, but below is an outline of a basic skincare routine.
Cleanser
The beginning of your skincare routine should always start with a cleanser. The skin should be cleaned in the morning when you wake up and just before you go to bed. You shouldn’t use harsh cleansers and should wash gently with a washcloth. The cleanser should be rinsed thoroughly from the skin, and the skin should be patted as opposed to rubbed dry.
Toner
Like the cleanser, the toner you use should be gentle. Toner prepares the skin for the moisturizer and rebalances it after the cleanser. Some people use simple floral water. Whatever is used, it should be free from harsh chemicals and alcohol. Toner also clears the pores, so it is excellent to use right after a workout.
Moisturizer
Moisturizing is where the difference in skin types really comes into play. Normal or combination skin does well with a light moisturizer, while dry skin does best with a cream. Use a gel-based moisturizer on oily skin. Some people apply a serum at night to rejuvenate their skin while they sleep. A serum is a skin product that’s fortified with vitamins, enzymes, amino acids or anti-inflammatory agents.
Once a Week
A facial mask applied once or twice every week is a good idea. A good mask deep cleans and nourishes the skin. Again, avoid masks with harsh chemicals.
The skin should be exfoliated once or twice a week as well. Exfoliation removes the dead, dry cells from the very top layer of the skin and stimulates the body to produce new cells and more collagen. The user should rely on an exfoliant that doesn’t require too much scrubbing but does the job gently.
Tips for Different Skin
A person who has dry skin can benefit from applying a rich moisturizer right after their shower or bath. They should invest in a humidifier and make sure the rooms of their home do not get too hot. They shouldn’t take baths that last more than 10 minutes and should stay out of extreme weather.
A person with combination skin should also avoid extreme weather and wear a sunscreen whenever they go out in the sun. They should wear make-up that is water-based as opposed to oil-based.
People with sensitive skin should avoid hot baths or showers and strongly scented skin care products. They should use a patch test before they try any new cosmetic. With a patch test, a small bit of the substance is dabbed on the arm to see if it causes a reaction.
People with oily skin should wash their face twice a day, and use an astringent toner that helps keep oil under control. They should use water-based products that don’t clog their pores.
At Boulder Plastic Surgery we offer products that can help your skin reach its optimum potential. Professional lines we offer include: IV Seasons, SkinCeuticals, Sweat, Nectifirm, La Roche-Posay, Elta MD, Obagi, and PCA Skin. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation to receive your personalized treatment plan and product recommendations! We are conveniently located in Boulder, CO.