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Have you ever wondered if you are getting the most out of your skin care regimen? Not really? You may be surprised to find out that the order in which you apply your skin care products ACTUALLY does matter! In fact, not only the order, but the time of day in which a product is applied will make a huge impact on how effective it will be, and more importantly, the results you will see.
Not all skin care products are made the same. Over-the-counter creams and serums do not have the right amount of active ingredients to successfully help with many of the conditions that you are trying to treat. Medical-grade products can greatly change your skin and will combat a number of problems including acne, dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles and environmental damage. For optimal results, also include physician grade makeup, lotion and body wash in your daily skin care routine.
In this article, we will be discussing a facial cleaning regimen, but these steps can also be applied to all over skin care:
DAYTIME REGIMEN
#1. Cleanser
Starting with a cleanser gives you a clean slate. It clears your skin of oil and dirt that may block the other products from being able to penetrate into the skin where they are needed. Your skin produces pore-clogging oil during the night (even if you wash your face before bed) so don’t think you can skip this step in the morning!
#2. Toner
Make sure the toner you use is specific to your skin concerns.
#3. Moisturizer
A moisturizer works best when it is applied to damp skin. After you finish cleansing, you will want to pat your face, but you do not want to completely dry it. Make sure you are choosing a moisturizer that contains plant-based oils, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
#4. Sunscreen
There are certain moisturizers that contain sunscreen, but the delicate skin on your face, especially around your eyes, needs at least a 30 SPF or higher to protect from harmful UV rays. Our medical-grade  line offers a range of products including a broad spectrum tinted sun shield with a SPF of 50. It is available in warm and cool shades for different skin tones.
NIGHTTIME REGIMEN
#1. Cleanser and Toner – Repeating the cleansing and toning sequence at night helps to prepare your skin for the rest of the night treatments. Start with a face wash to remove makeup and dirt. Consider using a tool such as a Clarisonic® to improve the removal of dirt, makeup and oil to give your face a deep-clean that cannot be achieved by traditional washing. These electric facial brushes also improve circulation and invigorate the skin.
#2. Spot Treatments
If you are dealing with acne, spot treatments will help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with pimples. The medication in the treatment needs to be able to kill the bacteria that causes the acne, so you will want it as close to the skin as possible. Let the spot treatment dry for at least five minutes before applying additional products.
#3. Serum
Address wrinkles, fine lines and skin discoloration with a serum containing Vitamin C. Serum is concentrated and has many nutrients that need to be close to the skin for better absorption. The ZO® Skin Care line offers a skin brightening serum that contains 10% Vitamin C to give you a pure and powerful treatment.
#4. Eye Cream
Eye cream keeps the skin healthy and elastic which will prevent fine lines and the loss of collagen as you age. Apply the cream at night, beginning as early as your 20’s for the best protection. Hydrafirm is full of ingredients that will help to combat fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles while promoting brighter skin.
#5. Moisturizer or Night Cream
End with a moisturizer or a thicker night cream to lock in moisture overnight. When you awake the next morning, repeat!
Because the skin is so delicate, it is extremely important to consult with a professional before beginning a skin care regimen. A licensed esthetician can help you to determine which products will be best for you and will not cause further damage to your skin. You will need to discuss your lifestyle, habits, concerns, history of skin conditions and your desired results in order for the esthetician to accurately prescribe your products. We offer a variety of medical-grade cleansers, serums, moisturizers, makeup and more! Call us today to schedule a consultation!