Putting Your Best Face Forward

Putting Your Best Face Forward
by Claire Ziperski





They say beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be with skin care. Although skin concerns can be a source of anxiety for many, skin care is a practice that provides an outlet for self-care in a comforting, confidence boosting way.


Skin care is for everyone; it is not just for women, and it doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. The skincare industry has historically been deeply female-centered and marketed towards those with higher disposable incomes, but newer product lines and increased attention to a wider range of consumers has allowed skincare products to become more accessible and affordable to all.


The Beginning of Skincare


Not only is your skin the largest organ in your body, but it’s also the first thing people see when they meet you. This is why developing a strong skin care routine is vital to your overall health and self-confidence.


The concept of skin care seems modern, but it has been around since 6000 BC. Though a bit more minimalistic than the seemingly twenty-step routines we see today, humans have always taken care of their skin in one way or another. The first record of skin care was found in ancient Egypt and Greece, where women used oils such as olive, castor, moringa, and sesame to create a natural glow. Natural minerals were used to protect from the outside elements and clay masks, honey and milk, and sea salt scrubs were also incorporated to exfoliate, cleanse, and rejuvenate tired skin. Even before scientists fully understood the benefits of certain ingredients, skin care was known to increase beauty and hygiene.


Building The Perfect Routine For You


Although there are many sources that recommend having a 10+ step skincare routine, I’ll break it down to the basics so you have all the information you need to create a routine that fits your lifestyle, regardless of previous skincare experience. 

Cleanser


A gentle cleanser with natural ingredients does the trick for most skin types. For cleansers, you do not need to splurge, and a simple $10-$15 cleanser will do the trick. After a long day of heavy makeup or sweating, you may want to double cleanse to fully remove any dirt or makeup. I opt for a cleansing balm to remove makeup to avoid irritation and rubbing that makeup wipes or pads have on the face.


When looking for a cleanser, it is important to find one that will both fit your skin type (dry, oily, combination, balanced) and is free of any fragrances, synthetic dyes, or any carcinogenic or generally harmful artificial ingredients.


My favorite cleansers are the Youth to the People Kale Cleanser and the Vanicream Gentle Facial
Cleanser.

 
 
Toner


The purpose of a toner is to refresh the skin, remove any extra dirt, bacteria, or leftover makeup, and prepare to “drink up” any other products applied onto the face. Toner can also rebalance your skin’s natural pH. Avoid toners with harsh astringents. I recommend the CeraVe Toner Hydrating Alcohol Free from the drugstore.
 


Exfoliator


Exfoliation can help slough away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, improve your complexion, even out your skin tone, and allow for better absorption of other skincare treatments. Overall, it can help make your skin appear softer, smoother, and radiant. I prefer a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical exfoliant, which can be harsh on the face; either way, you should use exfoliant no more than twice a week, as it can be intense. My recommendation: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.


 


Treatment and Serums


Depending on your skin type, you can apply treatments to your face for specific skincare concerns, such as acne, dryness, discoloration, retinol usage, just to name a few. Always consult a licensed esthetician before moving forward with a specific treatment, since they are often strong and should be approved by a doctor.


I switch off using Sunday Riley’s Vitamin C Serum (gives me a glowy look, minimizes pores, brightens dark spots, and target signs of aging), The Ordinary hyaluronic acid & squalane (draws moisture to my skin, keeps it feeling hydrated), and Niacinamide (builds skin cells and fights acne), but I am always looking for more treatment options for my skincare needs.


 


Moisturize


Moisturizing–my favorite step–is important in protecting, softening, and keeping your face bouncy and youthful. “Even though your body has its own natural lubricating system consisting of glands that secrete oil (or sebum) to maintain a protective coating against harsh outside conditions and infections, most of us do need extra hydration after the havoc that sun, weather and harsh chemicals wreak on our skin,” explains Dr. Sandra Kopp, a board-certified dermatologist. Popular ingredients in moisturizers are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, urea, sorbitol and alpha hydroxy acids. My favorite moisturizers are CeraVe Face PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream.


 


Protect


One of the most important steps in your routine should be daily application of a high quality sunscreen with one of the following ingredients: ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide. While it can be nice to soak up some sun, UV damage can take a toll on your skin, damaging underlying connective tissue, giving you sunburns, wrinkles, or even skin cancer. Sunscreen is the easiest way to protect your skin, and it’s a must in your daily skincare routine.



That’s it! You don’t need to complicate your skincare routine too much; if you can only stick to cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen, that’s a great start.


As a reminder, it is important to stay consistent and to modify your skincare routine to your own skin’s specific concerns, especially as you age, the seasons change, and you make any lifestyle changes. Beyond using products, remember to hydrate with lots of water, look out for inflammatory foods in your diet, exercise, limit touching your face, and avoid any ingredients with harsh chemicals or fragrances. By following these steps and general guidelines, you can maintain a healthy glow to your skin.


Pro tip: If you are not an expert on keeping an eye out for these ingredients, you can consult a website like https://incidecoder.com/ that will tell you which chemicals and ingredients you should avoid.


Beauty is Only Skin Deep.


Although the appearance of your skin can create an important first impression, skin care is all about building confidence. If you feel good about yourself, you are even more capable of making others feel good as well. The most important thing you can do to create a good impression on someone is to make them feel comfortable with themselves. Growing up, I never struggled with skin issues such as acne and didn’t understand when my friends complained about their concerns (or let it affect their confidence). Since coming to college, I have begun to deal with more acne and now relate to their anxiety about my appearance. I understand that most don’t think twice about seeing a pimple on their friend’s face, but when you’re the one with skin problems, it can quickly diminish self confidence. Although skin care is now an important part of my self care routine, I am now reminded that someone’s appearance does not reflect who they are on the inside. How others view you has more to do with the kind of person you are and how you make them feel. This is why I recommend taking steps for yourself that bring you joy and self love. Feeling good on the outside and within will allow you to bring more abundance to those around you and create more positive relationships within your life.

Works Cited

Ahern, Kelly. “History of Skin Care.” ANTARA Organics, ANTARA Organics, 22 June 2022, https://antaraorganics.com/blogs/journal/history-of-skin-care.
Cassandra Bankson. “Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser.” Cassandra Bankson, https://www.cassandrabankson.com/products/youth-to-the-people-superfood-antioxidant-cleanser.
“Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation: Which Is Better for Skin?” Kiehl's – Naturally Inspired Skin Care, Body and Haircare, https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/chemical-vs-physical-exfoliation.html#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20chemical%20exfoliants%20are%20generally,ending%20up%20with%20irritated%20skin.
“ELTAMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 (1.7 Oz.).” Dermstore US, https://www.dermstore.com/eltamd-uv-daily-broad-spectrum-tinted-moisturizer-spf40/11370311.html?utm_egbu=DS%2B%3A%3A%2BDERM%2B%3A%3A%2BUS%2B%3A%3A%2BEN%2B%3A%3A%2BGGL%2B%3A%3A%2BPMAX%2B%3A%3A%2BLP%2FSF%2B%3A%3A%2BShopping-Only&utm_egb=&utm_ega=&utm_egc=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-ajxxdWM_QIV_gitBh3OYQt9EAQYAyABEgLKxPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.
“Hydrating Toner.” Hydrating Toner For Normal To Dry Skin | CeraVe , https://www.cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/hydrating-toner.
“Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - Paula's Choice.” Sephora, https://www.sephora.com/product/paula-s-choice-mini-skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant-P469503.
“Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum.” Sunday Riley, https://sundayriley.com/products/ceo-vitamin-c-brightening-serum.
“Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream.” Tatcha.com, https://www.tatcha.com/product/dewy-skin-cream-replenishing-and-plumping-moisturizer/CA06110T.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrZC0rdWM_QIVWR-tBh2dWQDYEAQYAiABEgJa9_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin?8 Fl Oz ... https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Gentle-Facial-Cleanser-Sensitive/dp/B018IYLV7U.