Choosing A Skin Care Regimen

Here is your mission – if you choose to accept it – choose the correct skin care regimen for YOUR skin. How do you go about doing that, you ask? Well, it’s rather simple once you determine a few factors about your skin. The first thing every person looking for the proper skin care regimen does is ask friends for advice – or what they use – not factoring in that their friend probably do not share the same skin type and/or issues, so they cannot share the exact same skin care regimen. Not saying your friend’s regimen may not work for you; depending on the products they use, it could deliver some results but may not be the ultimate results you’re looking for. Enough about your friends, let’s get back to you. Here is how you choose the perfect skin care regimen for YOU (in five easy steps)

Step 1 – Determine Your Skin Type

As simple as this sounds, this is a CRUCIAL step – which is why it is first. Did you know that majority of people have absolutely no clue what their skin type is? Without this knowledge, you could very well be using the wrong products. Most people tend to treat one or two skin issues versus their actual skin type – which isn’t completely wrong (step 2 will explain) – and could be irritating the actual skin itself. Based on the current customer base, majority of the people I encounter feel they have combination skin. Over 60% of people feel they have sensitive skin – which I don’t feel is an actual skin type more than say normal or dry – and I think this is because they have had something irritate their skin. We are all prone to having something irritate our skin, especially when we are using products on our skin that are filled with harsh chemicals and not administered by a professional.

Let’s determine the skin types, shall we?

Dry Skin – Quick signs of dry skin are dry patches, rough skin, flaky skin, very small pores (almost invisible) and it sucks moisturizer up like a sponge. Your skin usually feels tight, dehydrated and sometimes itchy.
Oily Skin – Quick signs of oily skin are, of course, oil production, excessive shine, large, visible pores, prone to breakouts with blackheads and pimples. Your skin usually gets shiny by the middle of the day.
Combination Skin – Quick signs of combination skin are dryness or normal everywhere except the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and oiliness in the t-zone, larger pores around the forehead and nose, small pores in the cheeks.
Normal Skin – Quick signs of normal skin are no or few imperfections, no severe sensitivity, small pores. Your skin rarely has any issues.

Now once you have determined your skin type, you can start eliminating what products won’t work for you. From there, you can move on to the next step:

Step 2 – Determine Your Skin Issues

This one seems easy enough because if there is anything humans are great at; it’s pointing out their flaws. The issue can be one or more of MANY skin issues that exist. Some minuscule (like excessive oil), some major (like psoriasis). No matter the issue, it can be calmed and/or healed. Here is a list of common skin issues:

Acne – inflamed or infected oil glands in the skin, characterized by red pimples
Hyperpigmentation – flat brown spots on the skin
Large Pores – tiny openings in the skin which oils are released
Under Eye Circles – darkened skin beneath the eye
Wrinkles – lines, folds and creases in the skin that appear over time
Rosacea – facial redness and swelling in the skin
Eczema – rough and inflamed patches of skin
Psoriasis – scales and itchy dry patches

Once you determine what the skin issues are, if minimal – on your own, if major – with the help of a professional, you can start to determine the cause:

Step 3 – Determine the Cause of Your Skin Issue

Figuring out the cause of your skin issues will take some attention on your part. You will have to pay attention to your routine, and what is off your routine. A lot of times our skin reacts to changes, especially sudden changes, and it shows. You have to listen to your skin, like really listen to it. Pay attention to what is going on when the issue starts and what is going on when the issue subsides. This will help you to figure out what to use in the basket of options after you’ve eliminated that items that WON’T work for your skin type (remember that little snippet?). In addition to that basket, you have to make sure you’re doing things to keep your skin clean and healthy outside of cleansing it. Your diet, your water intake, how often you wash your hair and pillow cases, clean your makeup brushes, etc. etc. Do you get a light case of psoriasis around your hair line that gets worse the longer you wait to wash your hair? Wash it more often. Do you have acne breakouts when you don’t wash your pillow cases weekly? Wash them weekly. Notice your skin is a little drier in the winter, and oily in the summer? Switch up your routine to cater to your skin. You see my pattern here?

Step 4 – Gauge Your Level of Lazy

I know what you are probably thinking; I’m not lazy, I’m just busy. Yeah. Yeah. We all are. We all also want clear skin so it is up to you to determine what will work for your skin AND your schedule. When I say gauge your level of lazy, you have to figure out if you want to use a one product or if you are up to giving yourself an at-home facial once a week. Depending on your skin issues, one product may not work – keep that in mind. I always say everyone need at least two items; a cleanser and a moisturizer. You can find a product that caters to every issue, if that exists for you, or you can gather a routine that targets each issue individually. Don’t skimp on the products because you feel you don’t have the time. It takes less than 5 minutes to thoroughly wash, toner and hydrate the face. Whatever you choose, make sure it works for your skin type and issues and STICK TO IT!

Step 5 – Commit to Healthy Skin

Yes. YES! I said COMMIT for all you commitment-phobes out there. Once you determine the proper routine for you by following the previous 4 steps, you have to actually USE the items for them to work. Try to remember the purpose of you gathering all this information and utilizing it to figure out the perfect routine for you. Follow the directions and use it DAILY. From there, you will be well on your way to healthy, clear skin!

That wasn’t so bad, now was it?? Follow these simple steps and you will see results. If your issues are more severe, a monthly visit to a professional is advised. Have questions, consult with your dermatologist, esthetician or for the all-natural route – clinical herbalist. You can email any questions regarding our products at info@shopandrelles.com and someone will be happy to assist you. We love giving recommendations and helping others achieve healthy skin!