Clinique,
founded in 1968, started the world on a three-step system craze for skincare
that consisted of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Throwback, anyone? If
you were interested in skincare around the early 90s, the picture to the left
probably looks familiar to you.
Clinique
has since updated their 3-step system to include a new cleanser, and a plethora
of "add-on" treatments, from serums to lightening masks to even a
make-up line. But building off their 3-step system launched Clinique's brand
image as the simplest and best way to daily take care of your skin.
How
true is the 3-step system in modern day skin care regimen? Market analysis
shows that the demographic of people paying attention to their skin is becoming
consistently younger - individuals are more interested in maintaining youth
than recapturing it after it's too late.
In
honor of May Melanoma Awareness Month - the first most important thing to
stress about maintaining healthy and youthful skin is sun protection. The sun's
ultraviolet rays are the most damaging environmental factor to your skin. So
whether you use a separate sunscreen or have it included in your make-up or
moisturizing routine, ensure that you are protected! SPF30 or higher is usually
what is recommended, as often, the higher the SPF, the more chemical the
ingredients. However many steps your skin care regimen is, make sure applying
SPF is included or added!
Step
1: CLEANSE.
This
is the most basic and most straightforward of any skin care regimen. Avoid bar
soaps, as they tend to be harsh on the skin. Liquid cleansers come in different
textures and with different ingredients. For normal to dry skin, use a creamy
cleanser that can be washed off or wiped off. Wiping off creamy cleansers
eliminates the potential to strip your skin of essential oils, and further
hydrates dry or damaged skin. For normal to oily skin, look for small
percentages of glycolic or similar acids, that will not only reduce oiliness,
but even out imperfections and smooth fine lines.
Step
2: EXFOLIATE.
Exfoliation
really gives you the most bang for your buck. I recently started using Malin +
Goetz's Jojoba Scrub two or three times a week, and it really makes a
noticeable difference. Exfoliating sloughs off dead skin cells that have
collected at the upper dermis of your face, which gives your skin a dulled
look. Using an exfoliant a few times a week will not only eliminate those dead
cells, but revive and encourage skin cells to produce more rapidly. The biggest
factor in looking for a good scrub is the size of the bead - the more sensitive
your skin, the smaller the bead should be. (Generally speaking, always go for
smaller beads as they are easier on your skin. Depending on the manufacturer of
the product, the smaller beads should still do the same work as the larger
ones!)
Step
3: MOISTURIZE.
I
cannot even begin to describe all the different varieties and types of
moisturizers out there on the skincare market. In fact, 64% of consumers
maintain moisturizing as their #1 method of skin care! Moisturizers range from
full body to face, anti-aging to spot treatments, natural and organic to
lightening and brightening... Constantly, chemists and dermatologists are
developing and expanding on their moisturizers. The major thing to remember
when considering moisturizers is that their aim is to hydrate and maintain hydration in your skin.
Applying moisturizers right after the shower, for example, locks in the water
in your skin as you towel off. There are a few key ingredients to look out for
when searching for moisturizers (check out the blog post of last week for
details!), but much of it depends on a consumer's individual needs.
It
may be surprising that this three-step method doesn't include toning, one of
the primary entities in Clinique's original three-step process. Toning, while a
good option for people with combination to oily skin, is purely elective. For
many people, especially those with dry or sensitive skin, toning should be
avoided altogether, as its alcoholic nature can further irritate your skin.
Furthermore, with the right cleansing and exfoliating methods, toning can be
somewhat redundant.
What
cleansers and exfoliating scrubs do you
use and recommend? Do you tone? Any particular moisturizers you swear by? Let me know in the comments
section!
