Your Daily Beauty Routine, Explained, articles, fashion beauty

Your Daily Beauty Routine, Explained

by Marie-Andrée Guimont
published June 15, 2011

rating: (16 Ratings)

The how and why of each step

Recently, we were introduced to the wonderful world of SkinCeuticals. When we were told that the label’s mantra is "prevention, protection and correction", we didn’t need any more convincing: we wanted to learn more about the prescribed beauty routine! When, how and why treat our skin: we spoke with training and business development expert Loulwa Rahbani to find out more.

CLEANSER

When? “Every morning and evening.” Why? “A morning cleanse prepares the skin for makeup and gets rid of the sebum that was produced overnight. In the evening, after of day of your skin being exposed to environmental pollution, cleansing allows you to get rid of these impurities and allows your skin to breathe while you sleep.”

Suggested product: “The SkinCeuticals Simply Clean gel cleanser ($35, 240 ml) contains 1% mixed hydroxyl acids for proper exfoliation and to optimize decongestion.” How? “Gently massage a small quantity onto your wet face and neck. Rinse with water.”

ANTIOXIDANT SERUM
When? “In the morning.” Why? “It actively protects the skin by neutralizing free radicals and preventing damage from outside aggressors (sun exposure, pollution, tobacco).”

Suggested product: “Phloretin CF ($160, 30 ml) is a concentrated formula rich in vitamin C and that helps brighten skin, all the while stimulating collagen so as to reduce the signs of aging.” How? “In the morning on clean and dry skin, apply three or four drops on the face, neck and chest. Using the antioxidant prior to moisturizing will allow the vitamin C to penetrate.”

DAILY MOISTURIZER

When? “Every morning and evening.” Why? “Hydrating the skin is vital, as it helps stabilize and balance the skin’s barrier. In the morning, a moisturizer with SPF 50 is recommended in order to protect skin from free radicals, and the evening is the ideal time to apply an anti-aging cream.”

Suggested morning product: “With its ultra-fine texture and matte finish, the Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 ($38, 50 ml) is ideal for hot and humid days.” How? “Shake well before use. Apply on the face, neck and chest.”

Suggested evening product: “Face Cream ($140, 50 ml) is specially made to help against the first signs of aging, collagen loss and dehydrated skin.” How? “Apply on the face, neck and chest.”

EYE CREAM
When? “Every morning and evening.” Why? “The area around the eyes is one of the most fragile of the face, with weak microcirculation and lacking in sebum production. Since the skin there is also thinner, it is where the first wrinkles appear.”

Suggested product: “Eye Balm ($85, 15 ml) stimulates microcirculation so as to diminish the appearance of dark circles all while offering added hydration.” How? “Apply around the eyes while avoiding the eyelids, massaging from the inside towards the outside.”

CHEMICAL EXFOLIANT

When? “In the evening.” Why? “It is important to first distinguish between physical and chemical exfoliants. The former, commonly known as a scrub, should only be used once per week as they can affect the cutaneous barrier.”

Suggested product: “The chemical exfoliant Retexturing Activator ($80, 30 ml) combines two opposite mechanisms—exfoliation and hydration—allowing for skin regeneration while hydrating and reinforcing the cutaneous barrier.” How? “Apply four to six drops on the face, neck and chest.”

FACE MASK

When? “In the evening once a week to eliminate the accumulation of exfoliated skin, or twice per week for clogged pores.” Why? “A mask made of clay helps purify skin, absorbs excess sebum and rids the skin of impurities.”

Suggested product: “The Clarifying Clay Masque ($50, 60 ml).” How? “Apply of clean and dry face and leave for five to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.”

Important: When integrating SkinCeuticals products to your beauty routine, a daily SPF protection of the skin is required. The corrective skincare products are photosensitive, so exposure to the sun without sun protection could cause a reaction in the skin.

Tag(s): beauty, skincare