Your Guide To Happy Skin
Happy, glowing skin begins with a well-rounded skincare routine. The goal of any good routine is to maintain and improve skin health, so itβs functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on.
Always remember, that although the science behind skin care products has come a long way, thereβs still no such thing as an instant fix β you need time to reap the benefits.
Hereβs how you can incorporate CIELβs multi-tasking products to help you achieve your ideal skin:
STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSE
Simply put, double cleansing Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: usually using two different types of cleansers, one right after the other. It can help remove stubborn impurities like makeup, dirt and oil that can remain on the skin even after washing your face once.
Use a cream based cleanser to remove residual oil-based products, makeup and SPF.
Follow it up with a water based face wash to rid skin of dirt and debris.
TIP: If your skin skews towards dry, or if you donβt wear a lot of makeup, you can opt for a single cleanse.
STEP 2: TONE
Give your skin a gentle boost of hydration with a refreshing alcohol-free toner. This will balance skinβs PH levels and prep it for optimal absorption of the goodness to follow.
Remember: Toners that contain alcohol are extremely drying to the skin and should never be used.
STEP 3: EYE SERUM
The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate and prone to dehydration, other concerns like dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. Serums that are specially formulated for the eye area can lead to a marked improvement.
TIP: Dot a tiny amount of serum around the eyes, then massage gently with your fingertips. Use your ring finger as it's the weakest and delivers the least amount of pressure.
STEP4: TREAT
In the treatment step, youβll use serums to target specific skin care concerns like dullness, dehydration or fine lines and wrinkles. With their concentrated levels of active ingredients, serums are a potent and essential part of your skincare routine. They can be used in the day, and at night.
For anyone whoβs ever wondered if Serums are the same as Moisturizers - The answer is No, even though they may share the same ingredients.
Serums are formulated for easier absorption and work their magic below the epidermis. Moisturizers on the other hand, work on the top layer of skin to hold water in.
Also, serums are water-based or anhydrous while moisturizers are generally oil or cream based.
TIP: Let the serum absorb completely into skin before moving on to the next step.
STEP 5: MOISTURIZE
A good moisturizer should hydrate and restore your skin effectively, without making it feel greasy or heavy. Moisturizers at this time will also help you seal in the precious serums from before.
A gel-based moisturizer or a lightweight cream one can help combination skin stay hydrated, regulate excess oil and address dryness.
Lightweight to rich cream moisturizers are best suited for dry and normal skin types.
People with oily skin should opt for oil-free gel-based moisturizers that can add water without adding any oil.
Remember: Oily skin needs moisturization too! Skipping a moisturizer can be counterproductive as dehydrated skin compensates for the lack of moisture by producing more oil.
STEP 6: SPF
SPF is the single most important treatment for your skin with massive benefits, and itβs not just for the summer months. Not only do sun defence products help protect your skin from serious damage, but they also help prevent signs of premature aging.
TIP: Make sure you look for a sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher, with PA+++ or more protection.
Apply it around 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Remember: The more sun protection you use and sooner, the better your skin will look and feel for longer.
EXTRA TLC
Getting into the habit of using a face mask 1-2 times a week will take your skincare regime to the next level. It will deliver that extra dosage of nutrients or help target a specific skin care concern like dullness, anti ageing or excessive oil production.
An overnight leave-on mask can work wonders ensuring that you wake up with a hydrated, radiant look and feel with just one use.
Use a clay mask to give yourself a purifying at-home facial for a brighter, even toned and matte look.
TIP: Cleanse your skin thoroughly before application. This will open and unclog pores and prepare your skin for the mask.