The Perfect Base

The Perfect Base

Everyone should know that having a good skincare routine is the answer to having an amazing makeup application. I’m not saying you need perfect skin, I’m saying you need exfoliated and hydrated skin that allows makeup product to sit properly atop it. 

- Firstly, drink LOTS of water.

- Secondly, ALWAYS remove your makeup at the end of the day. You can purchase cleansers that can also remove makeup as they clean or you can use a makeup remover followed by cleanser.

- Cleansing milk. I don’t use this often in my routine because I have oily skin but I do own one for the days my skin needs an extra boost or I’m wearing loads of makeup because it helps to remove the bits the makeup remover may have missed. If you have anything that isn’t oily skin this is a staple.

- Epidermal or “foaming” cleanser. The foaming from this product is what ensures it gets deep down in the pore to flush debris out. Acne prone people should use this twice a day to help control the debris on the face. If you have dry skin I’d say to try using it only in the evening whereas I’d tell sensitive skin to either opt out or try only using it 2 or three times a week.

- Exfoliation. Most people should do it once or twice a week. Acne prone people can do it up to every other day because their cells build up so quickly. I can easily say about 7/10 cases of acne can be dramatically changed just by regular exfoliation. Let me break it down. Acne, when not caused by hormones,  is caused by bacteria and sebum trapped in the hair follicle by a layer of dead skin that has built up over the opening. By sloughing this thick dead layer off you are essentially not allowing the bacteria a chance to thrive, as the bacteria that causes acne thrives without the presence of oxygen. These little buggers are whats known to the science community as an Anaerobic Bacteria. So open up those pores my friend! You are only doing yourself a disservice if you don't.
Aside from acne this step is amazing for anti aging as it encourages cell renewal and allows products to penetrate without that dead layer of skin blocking its way. 
Please note some types of exfoliation are better for different types of skin: Dry or sensitive: enzymatic or light mechanical. Oily or breakout prone: Chemical or enzymatic but can still try mechanical just use toner after. Basically normal or combo skin: Mechanical, chemical or enzymatic.

- Masks. About once or twice a week using a mask is fitting. Weather your using an algae mask to detox or a moisturizing mask to hydrate, you are doing wonders for your skin. I always do my mask on the days I exfoliate because thats when my skin is most open and ready to absorb helpful ingredients.
Heres a tip: Clay-based pulls impurities out so its very suitable for oily skin.  

- Toning. Most people think this step is unnecessary. It is 100% necessary. Here’s why: For oily skin toners with more astringent properties control oil and are antibacterial, lessening the chance for breakouts while also adding some positive hydration to the skin. For dry skin toners usually have Rose or chamomile in them to calm and hydrate the skin. Recently, I saw a toner for dry skin with hyaluronic acid in it. Talk about moisture prep.

- I use a serum every day in the evening. It helps with my acne scarring and refines the texture of my skin. In North America serum use is still up for debate however, in Europe it is a staple aspect of most routines. You can buy anti-redness serums, vitamin C serums, collagen serums, the list goes on. I recommend them because I’ve seen a noticeable difference in my skin since I started using it. They penetrate deeper than a moisturizer because the molecule is smaller.

- Moisturizer. In this step you’re putting hydration and nutrients back in the skin. While stripping all the debris and oils off with the cleansers and exfoliants you took the moisture with it! For acne prone and oily skin: YES, even though you have oily skin you still NEED to moisturize. With a matteifying cream/gel. Its hydration on YOUR terms. If you don’t moisturize your body thinks its dry… so it creates more oil production. Let’s be honest, you don’t want that. For dry skin: A heavier cream packed with nutrients is essential for avoiding a dull complexion. You want to breath radiant life back into your skin! Normal: you also need moisture but thankfully its minimal so stick to a lighter cream. For ALL skin types this step is going to be your first line of defense against the aging process as lack of hydration causes fine lines!