Your Daily Skincare Regimen

At T/A, we know everyone's skin is unique, and everyone has different skincare goals in mind. There is no cookie-cutter skincare formula that works for everyone. In this post, we'll do the heavy lifting for you and help you eliminate the guesswork when it comes to building a routine for your skin.

Cleanser

A good cleanser should be step one, day and night. Choose one that works for your skin type to wash away impurities and excess oils that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use a cream-based cleanser to add moisturizing agents back into your skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, use a foaming or gel cleanser to lift away dirt and oils using acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Exfoliant

Exfoliants can be chemical or physical and help slough away dead skin cells for deeper cleaning of the pores. If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing your face to remove any residual debris or stubborn makeup for its purifying effects. If you prefer a mechanical or physical exfoliant, use a gentle scrub and rub in circular motions to lift away any leftover grime.

Serum

A good quality serum will treat areas of concern such as dullness, fine lines, and dark spots. Because serums pack a powerful punch of concentrated ingredients, applying serums to a clean face right after washing and exfoliating is best. A standard serum that is useful across the board for all skin types and age groups contains vitamin C. Vitamin C brightens the skin and helps to rejuvenate the skin from pollution and superficial UV damage.

Eye Cream

Eye creams come next. The under-eye area is delicate, and skin tends to be thinner here than anywhere else on the face. Suppleness in the under-eye area depletes as we age, so eye cream is a must for treating fine lines, eye bags, and dark circles. Based on your concerns, look for formulas with caffeine, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or retinol. When applying, make sure to use your ring finger to gently tap (not rub) the cream into the areas of concern.

Spot Treatment

This step isn't for everyone, but if you have trouble spots like the odd stray pimples, use a spot treatment before using your moisturizer. Spot treatments are best used at night when your body is in “rest and repair” mode to get the most out of your regimen. You can use an acne spot treatment that contains anti-acne agents like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Apply a small amount that covers the concerned spot, and leave it as is. It may take a few nights to completely eliminate the concern, but spot treating over several nights will help calm the skin, reduce redness, and decrease inflammation until the problem area is gone.

Moisturizer

Finally, let's seal it all in place with a moisturizer. Moisturizers should be used year-round, regardless of your skin type. During the day, opt for a moisturizer with SPF to protect against the damaging effects of the sun. Look for active ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to build moisture retention and keep the skin looking supple.

There you have it. A skincare framework that works for you. In that order!