How to Build a Skincare Routine: 4 Steps to Glowing Skin

What is Skincare?

Skincare is an important wellness practice that enhances your skin's appearance and prevents skin conditions. You can build a proper skincare routine through a range of techniques, including the use of products, proper nutrition and avoidance of excessive sun exposure.

Your skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated, but you should customize your routine based on your skin type. Read on to learn how to build a simple but effective skincare routine.

Step 1. Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step of any skincare routine. Cleansing removes oil, dirt, makeup, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants (debris which forms free radicals). This is an important step because cleansing prepares your skin to receive active ingredients and nutrients in the following steps. The best cleanser for you depends on your skin type, but we've outlined a few suggestions of cleansers for the most common skin types, below.

Recommended Cleansers

Dry or Sensitive Skin

• Budget Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• Professional Cleanser: PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser

Normal/Combination Skin

• Budget Cleanser: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

• Professional Cleanser: PCA SKIN Facial Wash Oily/Problem, Exfoliating Daily CleanserWash or Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Oily Skin

• Budget Cleanser: La Roche Posay Effaclar Gel

• Professional Cleanser: PCA Facial Wash Oily/Problem

Step 2. Treat The Skin

The treatment step delivers active ingredients to treat specific skin condition(s) and restore, replenish and revitalize the skin. When treating your skin, look for product formulations with active ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Retinols, Peptides, Tyrosinase Inhibitors, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide and more that focus on treating specific skin conditions and concerns.

Recommended Hydrating Mists

• Budget: Garnier Skinactive Hydrating Facial Mist

• Professional: Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner or PCA Skin Hydrating Toner

Recommended Treatment Serums

• Budget:  Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Serum | The Inky List Lactic Acid Serum | The Ordinary Retinol

• Professional: iS Clinical Pro-Health Serum | PCA Skin Hydrating Serum | PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment

Step 3.Moisturize The Skin

This is the nourishing step. The balance step uses targeted ingredients to revive your skin's ability to repair and renew for a nourished, healthy glow. Products in this step typically include antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatories to nourish and balance the skin. This step is a crucial part of the skincare routine regardless of what type of skin you have,

Recommended Moisturizers

Budget Moisturizer: La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Light 

Professional Moisturizers: PCA Skin Silkcoat Balm

Step 4.Apply SPF

This is the final step in your morning skin routine. Daily application of photo-age protection protects the skin against the sun's damaging UVA/UVB rays, and environmental pollutants and debris. SPF ensures your skin's ability to grow and build healthy skin cells. EVERYONE needs to be wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30, 365 days a year, rain or shine.

Sunscreen Recommendations

Budget: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 50 with Hyaluronic Acid

Professional: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-spectrum SPF 46

About the Author

Naomi is a Certified Esthetician, Acne Specialist, Makeup Artist, and the owner of Naomi Mundy Beauty in Toronto. Naomi has been working in the beauty industry since 2008 when she began her career as a freelance makeup artist. In 2012, she enrolled at Marvel Beauty School’s Esthetics program and graduated with honours. Naomi takes an integrative and progressive approach to the skin to ensure the best results without compromising the skin. You can find her on Instagram @naomimundybeauty. Please visit her website www.naomimundybeauty.ca for more information on her services.