It’s that time of year again! And even if the school library is the last place you’ll be found this fall, we’re taking the opportunity to go back to basics with Skincare 101. When it comes to the steps in your skincare routine, it’s easy to get caught up in product names that are as long as the ABC’s and adjective-heavy product descriptions. But why do we use the products we do? Grab a pen and paper while we take you through the beauty basics. (Don’t worry, we won’t surprise you with a pop quiz at the end.)

Why Cleanse?

Cleansing should always be step number one in your skincare routine, as its job is to provide a clean canvas for the rest of the products in your regimen. Choose a cleanser that’s effective enough to remove debris and makeup like our Double Cleanse sets, or if you’re looking for a quicker fix, try our Hydra-Therapy Foaming Cleanse!

Your cleanser is responsible for removing dead skin cells, oil, dirt and pollutants, and unclogging pores. Essentially, it’s your topical defense for keeping your skin sane. And if you think you can get away with only cleansing at night, reconsider after learning this fact: you sweat up to 1-2 liters each night (when you’re sick you can sweat 4-6)!  On top of that, you lose 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells EVERY MINUTE. And no, these don’t all fall off your face naturally.

Why Tone?

While toner might not be the class president of your skincare routine, it has several benefits including providing an extra layer of protection against pollutants. Our personal favorite reason for using toners (Step 2 in your routine) is that they balance the pH levels of your skin.

Our skin is naturally acidic - generally with a pH balance between 5 and 6. Depending on the pH of the cleanser you use and how alkaline it is, it can potentially throw off your natural pH balance. This can cause your skin to produce extra oil to compensate for the change. Another reason to use toners (especially in the AM) is that your skin becomes slightly more acidic when you sleep, leading to flaky skin and breakouts if left unattended. Using a toner balances your skin before moving on with your third step.

Our iconic Light Controlling Toner contains sweet birch that gently exfoliates while calming irritation and locking in moisture. Our Hydraphel Skin Supplement helps build up skin’s defenses and aids cell repair and renewal

Why Use a Serum?

Serums supply a layer of lightweight hydration, providing an extra punch of moisture to your skin. Their superpower is their ability to penetrate deeper than your regular moisturizer as they deliver active ingredients straight into your skin.

What serum you choose depends on what you want out of your skincare routine. If you’re concerned about aging skin, our Transphuse Night or Day Serums contain key ingredients like Acmella Oleracea that relax facial muscles, acting as a substitute to Botox. If battling dry skin is your main issue, our Hydra-Therapy Refresh Infusion is for you. Skim the rest of our serum collection here. 

Why Moisturize?

This one is pretty much a given. Failing to fulfill your skin’s hydration needs can lead to a whole host of problems as a result of dryness (or overproducing oil to compensate for dryness). Either way, neglecting to keep your skin properly hydrated can lead to acne and breakouts and speed up the signs of aging. We’d go so far as to say that moisturizing is the most important step in your routine (next to cleansing, of course).

At night your skin enters ‘recovery mode’ where the regeneration process is 3 times more faster than during the day. That means that your skin’s loss of moisture is at its highest at night.

Since wearing SPF is a necessity each and every day, we recommend using a moisturizer that contains 15 SPF or higher like our Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30 or Phelityl Day Lotion SPF 15 in the morning. For your PM routine, we suggest switching to a night-tailored moisturizer. Our Phelityl Night Cream boosts cell renewal while you sleep. 

Why Mask?

To say that we love masking is an understatement. We don’t need an excuse to throw on a mask and neither do you! With so many different types of masks (overnight, powder, hydrogel, sheet, etc.), introducing a regular self-care Sunday (and every other day of the week) ritual is a great way to treat yourself.

Different masks have different effects, such as brightening, anti-aging, detoxing, or hydration (our Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask is a favorite).

In this golden age of masking, there are even masks like our Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask that will brighten under eyes and soften signs of fatigue.

Whatever your masking preference, we strongly encourage indulging in a session after a long hard day of studying (or work or vacationing).