The perfect 8-step routine for gorgeous skin

Your skin care routine is the best way to treat yourself while taking care of your body’s largest organ! Keeping your skin healthy and happy is so important, and we understand it can feel overwhelming at times, especially when there are so many choices of products. People that have flawless, porcelain-like skin use on average 7 different skin care products in their daily routine. But, one of the most common questions is: in what order do I apply my skin care products? We’re here to help with some special bonus information that we think is life changing for your routine!

Step #1: Cleanse

Cleansing is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine to remove impurities, such as dead skin cells, makeup and excess oil- a clean canvas to then feed your skin with all products that follow. Use your cleanser of choice, twice daily both AM & PM. Depending on the season (and of course your skin concerns) we often recommend to use a lighter cleanser in the AM such as the Cool & Clear Cleansing Gel from Elemental Herbology which helps balance oil production throughout the day. Then, using a richer, oil-based cleansing balm at night, such as the Flowers Cleansing Balm from Cinq Mondes to melt away the day’s make-up and grime, without stripping skin, leaving it pleasantly hydrated overnight.

Step #2: Exfoliate (weekly)

The secret to smooth, healthy and glowing skin is exfoliation! It's an important weekly (or at most 2x per weekly) solution to effectively but gently shed dead skin, unclog the pores and prep skin so the following products can penetrate better. There are many forms of exfoliants available, our favorite mechanical exfoliant is the Seeds & Flowers Exfoliant from Cinq Mondes with organic Turmeric and Diatomaceous Earth. A best-selling AHA-based (glycolic acid) exfoliant are the Skin Resurfacing Multi-Acid Pads from Elemental Herbology- just swipe 1 pad over the skin 1-2x per week.

Step #3: Tone

Often bypassed in your skin care routine, but so very important, a toner is used directly after cleansing to supply a quick surge of hydration and remove all of the excess debris leftover on the skin. We recommend the Antioxidant Hydration Mist from Elemental Herbology- 100% pure Rose Damask Water to soothe and cool skin, while balancing its pH.

Step #4:  Balance with a prebiotic/probiotic

This step takes your routine to a next level, supercharged status! Prebiotics & probiotics when used topically balance the skin’s microbiome. Microbiome = all of the billions of microorganisms that reside on the skin’s surface (mostly harmless bacteria to protect our skin ie: the skin’s immune system). The combination will strengthen and protect the skin’s barrier and feed nutrients to the healthy bacteria to fight off the bad, meaning no matter your skin type or skin concerns this step is vital to effectively balance YOUR SKIN, for a beautiful and healthy complexion. Try the Pre+Probiotic Hydration Serum from Cinq Mondes.

Step #5: Serum

Formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients, they are a lighter-weight (water-based) then your moisturizer which means you apply it under your moisturizer. Serums target specific concerns such as lines & wrinkles or hyperpigmentation and their consistencies range from very light water-like essences, to gels and even oils. A fabulous total anti-aging serum to target wrinkles, dark spots and loss of firmness is the Precious Concentrate from Cinq Mondes. If dullness and pigmentation/dark spots are what you want to target, we recommend the Sublime Brightening Serum from Cinq Mondes.

Step #6: Boost with an Elixir

Our next best skincare secret that steps up your routine are the Precious Elixirs from Cinq Mondes. Used like a serum, but made from 100% pure plant oils (facial oil), they stimulate and rebalance the skin’s metabolism, providing the skin cells with the right nutrients. And, it will boost your moisturizer’s performance. All it takes is 2-3 drops, every AM & PM and there are 5 to choose from depending on your skin concern. See them all here

Step #7: Eye Cream

Apply an eye cream twice daily every AM & PM to keep your gaze youthful- firm, tighten and lift to transform weary, parched or weathered eyes. We recommend trying the Resveratrol Eye Cream from reveel by MedSkin Solutions- it contains 2% Resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed which protects cells from UV damage, blue-light and firms for less wrinkles.

Step #8: Moisturize & SPF

Moisturizers are the key to overall skin-health and keep it hydrated, nourished and happy. Apply your moisturizer twice daily, every AM & PM – of course in the daytime always follow with a SPF to protect your skin from the sun if your moisturizer doesn’t already include a level of SPF.  A cult-favorite moisturizer we always recommend for normal skin is the Rich Cream of Youth from Cinq Mondes which contains two natural anti-wrinkle ingredients for an instant plumping, tightening and lifting effect.  The Cell Plumping from Elemental Herbology is loved for its ability to quickly plump and hydrate dryness, while the Comforting Moisturizer from reveel by MedSkin Solutions is an ideal option to really nurture and protect sensitive or dehydrated skin.