STEP-BY-STEP SKIN CARE ROUTINE

SKIN CARE / SELF CARE

My Step-by-Step Skin Care Routine

Y’all asked enough times, that my guilt about procrastinating getting this done took over. I’m constantly sharing bits and bobs of my skin care routine on Instagram, and getting DM’s for the details . . . so here I am - finally getting it together!

Thanks to the friendship gods blessing me with my girl Kiyomi, who owns House of Kiyo salon and day spa, I often share online when I’m at the salon getting facials or product. Kiyomi and her advanced aesthetician Lena have really helped me figure out what products I need and how to use them.

I think of skin care as the ultimate form of self care. I’ve noticed the direct correlation between when I am really taking care of myself and how much of an effort I put into my skin care.

For context I have normal to dry skin and concerns are correcting sun damage, preventing more sun damage, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and having a natural, healthy glow.

CLEANSE, TONE & TAN

Aka - The Magic Trifecta!

I am not fussy about my basic cleanser and CeraVe is a great drug store brand. I believe in a two-step cleansing routine and find using the Clinique gentle exfoliator on a cotton round as step 2 so satisfying! I love seeing how much dirt and tinted sunscreen comes off after I’ve already washed my face!

Regular exfoliating is KEY if you want that healthy glow - you need that fresh skin to shine through!

Using an exfoliator is an important step to help remove dull dry skin and allow your products to better penetrate your skin. 2-3 times per week, I go for a deep exfoliation and use Glo’s Brighting Polish. It has environmentally friendly jojoba beads, and leaves your skin looking radiant.

4 Sacred’s Wild Rose Essence Toner is so good it makes the toner my favourite step. Rose is one of my favourite scents, and this facial mist is divine. Wild harvested, Indigenous plant-based skin care made on Vancouver Island.

Natural looking, easy to use, face tan mists like this one from Glow Coast gives me an instant mood boost!! I swear, if I am feeling a little down, a little tan, can do the trick! Glow Coast is another locally owned, female run business here on Vancouver Island that I’m totally obsessed with.

SERUMS

I like to think of serums as little droplets of magic. Serums should be tailored to your skin type and your skin goals and working with a professional to figure that out can help. Plus they are an investment in your skin so you really don’t want to waste your money on something you don’t need. I worked with Lena at Kiyo to get mine dialled in. If you go get a facial, you can ask her all about what would be best for you!

These drops will last me 6 months or more as it takes so little and some I don’t use year round.

I use the Brightening Serum to help counteract the effects of sun damage (brightens brown spots). Vitamin C is great is great for brightness, hyperpigmentation, collagen production and protection from sun damage. I also love the Glo Hydration Drops year round as they also contains Hyaluronic acid that helps the skin maintain its moisture content by holding up to 1000 times its weight in water.

RETINOL TIP - use only at night and wait 20 minutes before applying your moisturizer (If you use moisturizer at night).

Retinol boosts the production of elastin and collagen, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help reduce sun spots, melasma, and uneven skin texture.

DAY - I use the brightening serum and/or vitamin c and moisturizing drops (they give you that dewy look!)

NIGHT - I use retinol

MOISTURIZE + PROTECT

Day vs Night

MORNING - After cleansers and tonners I apply serums, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I have been using the La Roche Posay tinted sun screen for years. The colour matches my face and it is light weight. For my neck and chest I prefer a non-tinted option and love the TiZo.

When it comes to skin care it should be from your hairline to your nipples!

Gotta get that neck + chest (something I did not do until recently and regret big time!)

NIGHT - After cleansing I apply retinol. Some nights that’s all I have the energy for and hop into bed. Other nights I wait 20 minutes then add moisturizer and finish up with Egyptian Magic - it seals everything in a thick glassy layer. I have dry skin and it handles this oily cream great. On nights I skip retinol I love using Egyptian Magic.

STEP-BY-STEP

The order matters!

If you’re as forgetfull as me, then let this info graphic help be your reminder till it becomes second nature!

HYDRATE, REBUILD, NOURISH

Fuel your body & feed your skin!

These 3 steps - drinking water, taking collagen and enjoying nourishing foods + juices actually have a huge effect on the texture and glow of my skin. They can’t reverse sun damage, but they can do a heck of a lot to keep my skin looking good!!

Collagen especially, really improves the texture of my skin - it looks smoother, less bumps or fine lines while also helping my skin look hydrated. Collagen is one of the most studied supplements on the market and the results to your hair, skin and nails are pretty remarkable.

Eating a diet rich in whole foods ensures you are ingesting lots of nutrients, which are essential for healthy skin. Your hard working organs like the liver, intestines, kidneys, thyroid and adrenals need nutrients from whole foods to function properly and contribute to your healthy skin. From balanced hormones, to functioning thyroid and intestines that can expel waste properly all play a role. Whole foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants helping skin glow, regenerate new skin cells, reduce inflammation and so much more!

Happy Skin Care / Self Care Friends!

XO

Andrea