The Mirror

How to Build a Skincare Routine

5/10/2022

Self-love manifests in various ways and having a solid skincare routine is one of them. Our skin needs its essential nutrients and vitamins to stay hydrated and healthy despite being exposed to several atmospheric and environmental pollutants. In this article, you’ll learn how to build a skincare routine and the proper order for applying your skincare!

Why Should you Have a Skincare Routine?

There is a never-ending list of benefits for your skin when you opt for a proper and complete skincare routine, but there are also some lesser-known benefits to this process. One important benefit is the fact that you get to unwind and relax by taking sometime to yourself. This is why we suggest that everyone learn how to build a skincare routine.

If you start your day with a simple yet effective routine, it brings a purpose and sense to your day and you get a fresh start! On the other hand, a soothing cleanse at the end of the day can help you relax. You could think of removing the grime from your skin as washing away the negatives of your day!

Skincare Routines in the Morning and at Night

To know how to build a skincare routine, you’ll need to start with a morning or nighttime routine. Not everyone can find time in the mornings to adopt a thorough, cleansing routine for the skin. We suggest that you choose the most convenient time for yourself, either the mornings or the evenings, so that you can relax for a few blissful minutes.

Wondering what’s the difference between the day and night skincare routine? Well, the order in which you apply skincare products will vary according to the time of the day. The state of your skin before a day out and after a day out isn’t the same, and this is why the routine varies. If you have enough time, you can even opt for both.

How to Order your Morning Skincare Routine

If you have been searching nonstop about “what my skincare routine should be”, then you’ll find your answers here!

1.   Cleanser

Use an oil-based or water-based cleanser to clear off any dirt or grime that accumulated on your face overnight. This step is a must even if you follow a skincare routine during at night.

2.   Toner

Toners rejuvenate your skin and get rid of the dead cells and any remaining dirt found on your skin.

3.   Antioxidant Serum

An antioxidant-based serum can reduce redness, wrinkles and protect your skin against damage caused by free radicals.

4.   Hydrating Under Eye Mask or Eye Cream

Under eye masks and eye creams keep the sensitive skin around your eyes soft and fight against signs of aging, like puffiness and wrinkles.

5.   Face Oil

Use lighter face oils before applying a moisturizer so that your skin absorbs it easily.

6.   Moisturizer

Apply a moisturizer with clean hands to see the best results - it will soften your skin and protect it from blemishes.

7.   Sunscreen

Never skip your sunscreen - it significantly reduces your risk of skin cancer and also minimizes the signs of aging. Opt for lotions rated SPF 30 or more for effective results.

 

This is how to layer skincare if you are a morning person! Now, the next section is for those who would like to leave the stress and problems of the day behind with a relaxing routine at night!

How to Layer Skincare at Night?

Some experts suggest that building a skincare routine during the nighttime can give you excellent results. At night, your blood flow increases and your skin takes the time to repair itself. Here is how to layer skincare and build a fruitful skincare routine in the evenings!

1.   Double Cleanse

There’ll be extra grime and dirt on your skin from all the pollution you have faced during the day.  If you have the habit of applying make-up, then first opt for an oil-based makeup remover and then use a cleanser suited to your skin type.

2.   Exfoliator

Exfoliating helps you remove the dead cells in your skin and reduce the chance of breakouts.

3.   Hydrating Mist

A hydrating mist or a toner removes any residuals and balances the pH of your skin.

4.   Serums

Depending on the ingredients, a serum can offer you several benefits including replenished skin.

5.   Hydrating Under Eye Mask or Face Mask

If you have dry and flaky skin, then a hydrating under eye mask or face mask can be of great use - it keeps your skin looking healthy and young!

6.   Face Oil

Remove other products like makeup and then apply your face oil. This keeps your skin radiant and healthy.

7.   Sleep Mask

Sleep masks are optional but opting for them helps you preserve the benefits of the other products that you’ve used.

What is the Best Time to Use Under Eye Masks?

Under eye patches are suitable for everyone. If you are looking forward to keeping the skin under your eyes healthy and young, this is a product that you should consider! But many people wonder about the best time to use under eye patches. Is it alright to use them during the day?

 

The answer is yes! Take a break for 10-15 minutes and pop on a pair of under eye masks, it’s that simple. Look out for the ones with retinol and ceramides. The patches can be slightly more effective if you can keep them in the freezer before use.

Final Words

Not everyone can afford the time to opt for a multi-step skincare routine, so if you are a busy bee, feel free to skip some of these products. But the vital ones are cleansers, moisturizers, oils, and sunscreen (during the day). It is never too late to start, and now that you know how to build a skincare routine, start taking care of your skin today!

If you’re a night owl, then the skin underneath your eyes may need some extra love. A few extra Zzz’s or a dab of your favorite face cream may help, but more often than not, they’re just a temporary fix. Well, my trademark formula for LOOK OLÉOACTIF® uses the goodness of the following ingredients, to help you say goodbye to your dark circles!

1. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice or aloe vera as it’s more commonly known has wide applications in skin care for its cell-regenerative and soothing properties. It also contains campesterol and bradykinin, which impart anti-inflammatory properties and improve microcirculation, respectively. One of the best properties of Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice that makes it a key active ingredient in my product is that it can penetrate deep into the skin. It, therefore, provides deep hydration that keeps your skin radiant and healthy! This star ingredient facilitates the removal of dead skin cells from your skin’s epidermal layer and promotes skin rejuvenation. This is all thanks to proteolytic enzymes that give it an astringent power, which in turn activates cell renewal.

2. Terminalia Arjuna ExtractThis ingredient is extracted from the Terminalia Arjuna or Arjuna tree which is recognized in Ayurvedic Science for its medical properties. Native to the Indian subcontinent, the extract has four active mechanisms. Terminalia Arjuna extract is used to improve the skin’s suppleness and combat the red- blue pigmentation of dark circles underneath the eyes. Another benefit is that it helps reduce visible blood vessels and puffiness in your eye contour area, making it the perfect ingredient in an under-eye mask.

3. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum in skin care is utilized as an emulsifier, binder, texture enhancer, or thickening agent. This ingredient is a polysaccharide carbohydrate that consists of several bonded sugar molecules. It is created when simple sugars ferment, due to the Xanthomonas Campestris bacteria, from which it gets its name. Since it has binding properties, xanthan gum in skin care is used to prevent the splitting or separating of other ingredients in the formulation. Another common role of xanthan gum in skin care is as a thickening agent.In products like an under-eye mask, the thickness is a sensory aspect and makes it feel great against your skin. Even in small concentrations of less than a percent, this ingredient can make formulations thicker and improve their texture significantly.

4. Oleic Acid

The term “acid” must’ve put you on high alert - a potent chemical that may burn your skin? No thanks! But in the right amounts, they have some great benefits! Oleic acid belongs to the category of omega-3 fatty acids, and the human body produces it too! Plant-based oils like grapeseed and olive oil are excellent sources of this colorless, odorless acid.The benefits of oleic acid for skin are several! While in its pure form, it disrupts the skin’s barrier. But, when used with other fats or lipids, oleic acid can reduce dryness and sensitivity, while keeping skin nourished from deep within. Oleic acid for skin care products improves their texture. It also shields some other delicate ingredients like antioxidants from getting spoilt due to excessive sun or air exposure. It, therefore, improves the product’s durability.

5. Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
You may have already got a hint from its name! This ingredient is extracted from the German Chamomile or Chamomilla Recutita plant which has several favorable applications in skin care. It contains a significant amount of α-bisabolol, which imparts anti-inflammatory properties to it, and therefore, reduces redness or inflammation. It is also believed to be a natural moisturizer, nourishing the skin from deep within.

6. Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is derived from hyaluronic acid or HA, a natural acid that is found in our bodies. While both HA and sodium hyaluronate can be used in skin care products, the latter has smaller molecules and is water-soluble. This enables it to reach the deepest layers of the skin, and improve its water retention.Sodium hyaluronate in skin care has several benefits. When it’s applied, it moisturizes the skin cells, which minimizes dry and flaky skin. Fine lines or wrinkles are more noticeable when your skin is dry. Since sodium hyaluronate nourishes the skin and hydrates it, it slowly fades away fine lines and wrinkles. Other benefits of sodium hyaluronate in skin care products are that it naturally plumps up the skin, leaving it soft and supple. It also aids in fighting the signs of aging and gives the skin a healthy glow.

7. Citric Acid

Citric acid may sound like something to enhance the flavor of food, but it has some great properties that are beneficial in skin care. It belongs to a class of acids called AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids. Utilizing citric acid in skin care has several benefits, mainly because it is an excellent antioxidant and exfoliant. Its antioxidant properties help fight against external aggressors in the skin’s hydrating matrix, therefore, fading fine lines and wrinkles. The exfoliating properties of citric acid in skin care remove the dead skin cells, and this leaves your skin smoother, softer, and more radiant than ever before. It can also be used as a pH adjuster, to ensure that the skin care product is mild and non-irritating for sensitive skin.

Final Words

In addition to these amazing organic ingredients like Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium hyaluronate, Terminalia Arjuna, and Matricaria flower extract, I can also say that my skin care product is free from sulfates and parabens! The ingredients of my skin care product keep the skin under your eyes soft, radiant, and youthful while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and puffiness. So, bid adieu to those pesky dark circles and embrace the new you!

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The Mirror

How to Build a Skincare Routine

5/10/2022

Self-love manifests in various ways and having a solid skincare routine is one of them. Our skin needs its essential nutrients and vitamins to stay hydrated and healthy despite being exposed to several atmospheric and environmental pollutants. In this article, you’ll learn how to build a skincare routine and the proper order for applying your skincare!

Why Should you Have a Skincare Routine?

There is a never-ending list of benefits for your skin when you opt for a proper and complete skincare routine, but there are also some lesser-known benefits to this process. One important benefit is the fact that you get to unwind and relax by taking sometime to yourself. This is why we suggest that everyone learn how to build a skincare routine.

If you start your day with a simple yet effective routine, it brings a purpose and sense to your day and you get a fresh start! On the other hand, a soothing cleanse at the end of the day can help you relax. You could think of removing the grime from your skin as washing away the negatives of your day!

Skincare Routines in the Morning and at Night

To know how to build a skincare routine, you’ll need to start with a morning or nighttime routine. Not everyone can find time in the mornings to adopt a thorough, cleansing routine for the skin. We suggest that you choose the most convenient time for yourself, either the mornings or the evenings, so that you can relax for a few blissful minutes.

Wondering what’s the difference between the day and night skincare routine? Well, the order in which you apply skincare products will vary according to the time of the day. The state of your skin before a day out and after a day out isn’t the same, and this is why the routine varies. If you have enough time, you can even opt for both.

How to Order your Morning Skincare Routine

If you have been searching nonstop about “what my skincare routine should be”, then you’ll find your answers here!

1.   Cleanser

Use an oil-based or water-based cleanser to clear off any dirt or grime that accumulated on your face overnight. This step is a must even if you follow a skincare routine during at night.

2.   Toner

Toners rejuvenate your skin and get rid of the dead cells and any remaining dirt found on your skin.

3.   Antioxidant Serum

An antioxidant-based serum can reduce redness, wrinkles and protect your skin against damage caused by free radicals.

4.   Hydrating Under Eye Mask or Eye Cream

Under eye masks and eye creams keep the sensitive skin around your eyes soft and fight against signs of aging, like puffiness and wrinkles.

5.   Face Oil

Use lighter face oils before applying a moisturizer so that your skin absorbs it easily.

6.   Moisturizer

Apply a moisturizer with clean hands to see the best results - it will soften your skin and protect it from blemishes.

7.   Sunscreen

Never skip your sunscreen - it significantly reduces your risk of skin cancer and also minimizes the signs of aging. Opt for lotions rated SPF 30 or more for effective results.

 

This is how to layer skincare if you are a morning person! Now, the next section is for those who would like to leave the stress and problems of the day behind with a relaxing routine at night!

How to Layer Skincare at Night?

Some experts suggest that building a skincare routine during the nighttime can give you excellent results. At night, your blood flow increases and your skin takes the time to repair itself. Here is how to layer skincare and build a fruitful skincare routine in the evenings!

1.   Double Cleanse

There’ll be extra grime and dirt on your skin from all the pollution you have faced during the day.  If you have the habit of applying make-up, then first opt for an oil-based makeup remover and then use a cleanser suited to your skin type.

2.   Exfoliator

Exfoliating helps you remove the dead cells in your skin and reduce the chance of breakouts.

3.   Hydrating Mist

A hydrating mist or a toner removes any residuals and balances the pH of your skin.

4.   Serums

Depending on the ingredients, a serum can offer you several benefits including replenished skin.

5.   Hydrating Under Eye Mask or Face Mask

If you have dry and flaky skin, then a hydrating under eye mask or face mask can be of great use - it keeps your skin looking healthy and young!

6.   Face Oil

Remove other products like makeup and then apply your face oil. This keeps your skin radiant and healthy.

7.   Sleep Mask

Sleep masks are optional but opting for them helps you preserve the benefits of the other products that you’ve used.

What is the Best Time to Use Under Eye Masks?

Under eye patches are suitable for everyone. If you are looking forward to keeping the skin under your eyes healthy and young, this is a product that you should consider! But many people wonder about the best time to use under eye patches. Is it alright to use them during the day?

 

The answer is yes! Take a break for 10-15 minutes and pop on a pair of under eye masks, it’s that simple. Look out for the ones with retinol and ceramides. The patches can be slightly more effective if you can keep them in the freezer before use.

Final Words

Not everyone can afford the time to opt for a multi-step skincare routine, so if you are a busy bee, feel free to skip some of these products. But the vital ones are cleansers, moisturizers, oils, and sunscreen (during the day). It is never too late to start, and now that you know how to build a skincare routine, start taking care of your skin today!

If you’re a night owl, then the skin underneath your eyes may need some extra love. A few extra Zzz’s or a dab of your favorite face cream may help, but more often than not, they’re just a temporary fix. Well, my trademark formula for LOOK OLÉOACTIF® uses the goodness of the following ingredients, to help you say goodbye to your dark circles!

1. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice or aloe vera as it’s more commonly known has wide applications in skin care for its cell-regenerative and soothing properties. It also contains campesterol and bradykinin, which impart anti-inflammatory properties and improve microcirculation, respectively. One of the best properties of Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice that makes it a key active ingredient in my product is that it can penetrate deep into the skin. It, therefore, provides deep hydration that keeps your skin radiant and healthy! This star ingredient facilitates the removal of dead skin cells from your skin’s epidermal layer and promotes skin rejuvenation. This is all thanks to proteolytic enzymes that give it an astringent power, which in turn activates cell renewal.

2. Terminalia Arjuna ExtractThis ingredient is extracted from the Terminalia Arjuna or Arjuna tree which is recognized in Ayurvedic Science for its medical properties. Native to the Indian subcontinent, the extract has four active mechanisms. Terminalia Arjuna extract is used to improve the skin’s suppleness and combat the red- blue pigmentation of dark circles underneath the eyes. Another benefit is that it helps reduce visible blood vessels and puffiness in your eye contour area, making it the perfect ingredient in an under-eye mask.

3. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum in skin care is utilized as an emulsifier, binder, texture enhancer, or thickening agent. This ingredient is a polysaccharide carbohydrate that consists of several bonded sugar molecules. It is created when simple sugars ferment, due to the Xanthomonas Campestris bacteria, from which it gets its name. Since it has binding properties, xanthan gum in skin care is used to prevent the splitting or separating of other ingredients in the formulation. Another common role of xanthan gum in skin care is as a thickening agent.In products like an under-eye mask, the thickness is a sensory aspect and makes it feel great against your skin. Even in small concentrations of less than a percent, this ingredient can make formulations thicker and improve their texture significantly.

4. Oleic Acid

The term “acid” must’ve put you on high alert - a potent chemical that may burn your skin? No thanks! But in the right amounts, they have some great benefits! Oleic acid belongs to the category of omega-3 fatty acids, and the human body produces it too! Plant-based oils like grapeseed and olive oil are excellent sources of this colorless, odorless acid.The benefits of oleic acid for skin are several! While in its pure form, it disrupts the skin’s barrier. But, when used with other fats or lipids, oleic acid can reduce dryness and sensitivity, while keeping skin nourished from deep within. Oleic acid for skin care products improves their texture. It also shields some other delicate ingredients like antioxidants from getting spoilt due to excessive sun or air exposure. It, therefore, improves the product’s durability.

5. Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
You may have already got a hint from its name! This ingredient is extracted from the German Chamomile or Chamomilla Recutita plant which has several favorable applications in skin care. It contains a significant amount of α-bisabolol, which imparts anti-inflammatory properties to it, and therefore, reduces redness or inflammation. It is also believed to be a natural moisturizer, nourishing the skin from deep within.

6. Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is derived from hyaluronic acid or HA, a natural acid that is found in our bodies. While both HA and sodium hyaluronate can be used in skin care products, the latter has smaller molecules and is water-soluble. This enables it to reach the deepest layers of the skin, and improve its water retention.Sodium hyaluronate in skin care has several benefits. When it’s applied, it moisturizes the skin cells, which minimizes dry and flaky skin. Fine lines or wrinkles are more noticeable when your skin is dry. Since sodium hyaluronate nourishes the skin and hydrates it, it slowly fades away fine lines and wrinkles. Other benefits of sodium hyaluronate in skin care products are that it naturally plumps up the skin, leaving it soft and supple. It also aids in fighting the signs of aging and gives the skin a healthy glow.

7. Citric Acid

Citric acid may sound like something to enhance the flavor of food, but it has some great properties that are beneficial in skin care. It belongs to a class of acids called AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids. Utilizing citric acid in skin care has several benefits, mainly because it is an excellent antioxidant and exfoliant. Its antioxidant properties help fight against external aggressors in the skin’s hydrating matrix, therefore, fading fine lines and wrinkles. The exfoliating properties of citric acid in skin care remove the dead skin cells, and this leaves your skin smoother, softer, and more radiant than ever before. It can also be used as a pH adjuster, to ensure that the skin care product is mild and non-irritating for sensitive skin.

Final Words

In addition to these amazing organic ingredients like Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium hyaluronate, Terminalia Arjuna, and Matricaria flower extract, I can also say that my skin care product is free from sulfates and parabens! The ingredients of my skin care product keep the skin under your eyes soft, radiant, and youthful while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and puffiness. So, bid adieu to those pesky dark circles and embrace the new you!

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