Moisturizers, face oils, serums, toners, oh my! It can be quite confusing figuring out which products to use and in what order. Let's demystify this so you're not crying in dismay at your sink every night.
Overall, you want to remember this philosophy: light to heavy, or thin to thick. Start with the thinnest and lightest products, progressing to the heavier and thicker products.
You don't need to do every step in this routine, it depends on how much time you have and how much you want to pamper yourself! The key steps are cleansing, moisturizing and SPF in the mornings.
1. Makeup Removal
In the evening, the first step should be removing makeup. Yes, you can use a cleanser right away, but it may not get all the makeup off.
You can use any makeup remover, of course we're partial to our SubLime Makeup Remover or our Eye Makeup Remover.
2. Cleanser
Next - you got it - cleanse your skin. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser like our Two-Step Cleansers, which don't strip your skin's natural oils. That can dry out your skin and even make it oily, as it tries to compensate for the dryness (so sad).
In the morning, if you haven't exercised or applied any products, you can simply splash your face with warm water, or a gently wipe it with a damp washcloth! It's not necessary to cleanse twice a day, but some people like to, it's your preference.
3. Scrubs and Masks
Right after cleansing is the time to use a scrub or do a face mask. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to avoid this step. Otherwise, you can use masks 1-2 times a week and scrubs 2-3 times a week.
If your skin is more dry, sensitive or aging, you can try out the scrubs and masks in our Beautiful Aging Collection. If your skin is more oily or acne prone, check out the scrubs and masks from our Acne/Oily Skincare Collection.
4. Toners and Essences
After cleansing, use any products which are very light and watery, like toners or essences, for example our Organic 3-in-1 Hydration Mists. This step is not crucial, but can be quite nice and refreshing, morning and/or evening.
5. Serums
Next use serums, like our Intensive Immortal Elixir. You may want to allow serums to absorb for a few minutes before the next step, if you have time.
If you want to double the effectiveness of your serums, you can use them both morning and evening, however with the time crunch most of us are under in the AM, only using serums at night is fine.
6. Moisturizers
Yes, we are at the moisturizing stage, so crucial! Try our Organic Facial Serum for a nourishing daily treatment. Give this a few minutes to absorb before hitting the sack, or your pillows may get the benefits of your moisturizer more than your face does.
Moisturizer should be used morning and night. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may prefer our Organically Clear Moisturizer.
7. Sun Protection
In the mornings, do not skip SPF, even in the winter! Your future self will thank you. Sunscreen can help prevent dark spots, sensitivity, wrinkles and premature aging.
Our Creme Foundation and Tinted Sunscreen both have an SPF 28 from natural minerals. If you're just running errands, it may be enough, however in general it's not advised to rely solely on SPF makeup, as we likely won't put on enough to get the maximum protection.
If you'll be out in the sun for extended amounts of time, use a dedicated SPF sunscreen underneath and view our SPF makeup as bonus protection.
So there you have it, no more skincare confusion! Remember, using natural, organic and gentle products (like ours) is your best bet for healthy, youthful and glowing skin for many years to come.