Step 1: Double Cleanse
See Part 1 to learn about Double Cleansing your face and neck.
Step 2: Toner
A toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that delivers skin a quick dose of hydration and helps remove some dead cells off the surface of the skin. It results in plump, glowy skin. Toner is like a primer for the rest of your skincare routine and is applied before serums and moisturizer. It should be applied directly after cleansing for the best result. You can apply it with a cotton pad or with your hands, whatever works best for you.
Toner is preparation for your pores. It brings your skin back to its natural acidic state, sweeping impurities away and helping your skin absorb your skincare products.
Here are two toners that I use and would recommend:
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera
Neutrogena Oil- and Alcohol-Free Facial Toner
Step 3: Essential Oils & Serums
Generally, this is the step where you would apply any prescriptions creams for conditions like acne or wrinkle treatment. I don’t use any of these (yet!), but I will share with you what I do use on a regular basis.
a. Rosehip Oil
I wrote an article about rosehip oil sometime ago and it’s important to bring it up now because I feel that it contained some good information.
Classified as a dry oil, rosehip is super light, non-greasy, and easily absorbed by the skin. It’s also very affordable, especially compared with other higher end serums and oils.
My personal favorite brand is Eden’s Semilla which contains 100% Pure Organic Rosehip Oil. Also, Pura D’Or Organic Rosehip Seed Oil is a great choice along with Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil to garner all the benefits that rosehip oil can deliver.
b. Hyaluronic Acid Serum
If you want dewy, glowing, hydrated skin, hyaluronic acid serum is the key. It’s great at holding water and gives skin resilience and firmness. I currently use Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin (L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift). However, there are plenty of other choices as named in Allure’s recent article.
c. Vitamin C Serum
If you want healthy, glowing skin, you should probably be using a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C helps produce collagen (which keeps skin firm and reduces the appearance of wrinkles), and protects skin from sun damage and dark spots. My regiment consists of using the Vitamin C Serum by L’Oreal Paris which complements the hyaluronic acid listed above.
