Maintaining a healthy, radiant skin requires proper skin care. Genetics also has a fairly big say on whether you were blessed with good skin... or would have to take a couple more steps to achieve it. Nevertheless, if you have good skin now - or skin that needs help - the steps you take in your current skincare routine should include preventative steps in the future.
As we get older, our habits today will eventually show on our skin. And it doesn't just start and end with your skincare routine, but also, your current lifestyle. For instance, if you smoke, don't drink enough water, don't eat well, or constantly go out into the sun without some sort of SPF, even if your skin looks nice now, you'll slowly begin to notice hard lines and wrinkles start to form, maybe even some pigmentation and rougher skin. And of course, some of these formations can come with age, but with the right care, we can prologue the radiance of our skin!
One thing to keep in mind is that everyone has different skin types - from oily skin, to dry, to normal, and to combination. Make sure to cater your products to the type of skin you have for the best results.
Here are 5 basic steps that everyone should follow daily to keep their skin looking its best.
1. CLEANSE
It's important to start your skin care routine by cleansing your skin to remove dirt, oil, and whatever elements you're exposed to. Choose a gentle, non-irritating cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Avoid using hot water, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and tight. Try to cleanse your skin in the morning when you wake up, and at night before your sleep.
To Cleanse, we recommend using our King's Crown Deluxe Gel Facial Cleanser! Made here in Toronto with certified organic oils and extracts, such as Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Lavender, our Deluxe Gel Facial Cleanser leaves your skin feeling super fresh and clean!
2. TONE
Toning helps to balance your skin's pH and can also help tighten and firm the skin. Use a toner that is suitable for your skin type and apply it using a cotton pad or your fingertips. For instance, if you have oily skin, try to get a toner that has salicylic acid as this will exfoliate and control excess oil. And if you have dry skin, aim for a toner with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rosewater or aloe, and stay away from alcohol-based toners - you would want a toner that would add and retain as much natural oils into your skin as much as possible.
3. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can help to prevent breakouts and improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. Choose an exfoliator that is suitable for your skin type and use it once or twice a week, depending on your skin's needs. Although, you wouldn't want to exfoliate too often, as doing so would strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling overly dry - resulting in irritation and inflammation.
To Exfoliate, we recommend using our very own King's Crown Micro Derm Cleanser! Paraben-free and made for all skin types, this 3-in-1 cleanser contains the same crystals used in professional micro-dermabrasion treatments. It cleanses and exfoliates, leaving your skin revitalized and younger looking!
4. MOISTURIZE
Moisturizing your skin is essential for keeping it hydrated and nourished. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and apply it to your face and neck after cleansing and toning. Be sure to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. A common misconception is that if you have oily skin, you wouldn't want to moisturize often - but the complete opposite is true. It's important to moisturize, regardless of skin type. In some cases, those that don't moisture enough have oily skin because they don't moisture enough, resulting in their skin overcompensating by producing more oils to accommodate lack of moisture.
To Moisturize, we recommend using our very own King's Crown Enriched Vitamin C Moisturizer! This non-greasy cream is great for all skin-types and is made with Vitamin C for energizing and healthier-looking skin.
5. PROTECT
Sun damage on your skin is lasting, and sometimes just using a strong SPF isn't enough. So, in addition to using sunscreen, it's also important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a hat when outside. Sun damage on skin can include pigmentation such as age spots, liver spots and freckles, it can include loss of skin tone as a result from decreased elasticity, and rough, uneven skin texture.
By following these basic steps and choosing skin care products that are suitable for your skin type, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin! Remember to be consistent with your skin care routine and to be gentle with your skin to avoid irritation. Again, lifestyle choices also make a significant difference on the outcome of your skin, so quitting smoking, drinking more water, and reducing the consumptions of fatty or oily foods, will not only make you feel better on the inside, but will keep you looking great on the outside! And don't be shy to limit your skin care to just the aforementioned steps, incorporating serums into your daily routine can help target specific concerns you may have with your skin and help prevent wrinkles and pigmentations in the future!
