The Skin Care 1-2-3's (a.k.a. what you should be doing, but let's face it--probably aren't)

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The Skin Care 1-2-3's (a.k.a. what you should be doing, but let's face it--probably aren't)

Posted by Claire | Monday February 14, 2011

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My husband recently told me there’s a right way and a wrong way to assemble a push lawn mower. And also, would I please refrain from practicing small engine repair for the foreseeable future?

My daughter has recently started wearing makeup, and so I needed to have a similar discussion with her about skincare: there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Because until that point, her idea of skincare was allowing the shampoo suds to rinse from her hair over her face in the shower and call it a day. (I think she learned that trick from her dad.)

Step 1: Purify and Deep Cleanse Your Skin

Seems like a no-brainer, right? But where she gets tripped up is choosing the right wash for her skin type. This means a simple cleansing gel for normal and oily skin types, or gentle milk for sensitive and dry skin types.

An easy choice for both of us is Nivea’s Refreshing Cleansing Gel – a great way to energize the face early in the morning before the rush to school and work!

Step 2: Tone and Refresh Your Skin

Toner catches any last bits of makeup or grime you may have missed with your cleanser. It gently cleans and refines your pores while giving skin a refreshing perk-me-up. Your skin is now prepped to receive the final important element.

My Pick: Nivea’s Refreshing Toner, enriched with Lotus Extract and Vitamins to clarify and revitalize pores.

Step 3: Pamper It with Long Lasting Moisture

Moisturized skin stands up to the stress of the day better, looks healthier, and feels softer. It’s also here where the choice in product is most important. A good basic to start with is Nivea’s Light Moisturizing Day Care – its light hydration absorbs quickly and quenches the skin for a fresher-feeling face.

I’m also a big fan of choosing a single product line on my face for Steps 1 through 3. If there’s one thing I’ve learned (aside from I’ll never have a future as a mechanic), it’s that my skin doesn’t like a hodgepodge of treatments. And anything that makes my busy day a little more stress free is automatically a win in my book.

What is most important for you in your daily skincare routine?

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10 Comments

	on February 18, 2011 dolce_bellissima 4,214 said: Currently, my cleanser and toner are from a different brand than my moisturizers/foundation. So, I don't think you necessarily need to stick to the same line all the time, but it makes sense for some people to do that. For one, it is usually cheaper to buy a package vs each product individually. Each persons skin is so unique, I think it is most important to find what works best for you individually.
	on February 16, 2011 cathy3087 98 said: I like to use the same cleanser/toner for my skin - I started using it maybe 5 years ago and it keeps my face clear so I have no interest in trying something new. But I always switch up my moisturizer. I like something that is fairly thick but not sticky. I actually am currently using Nivea Soft cream and I'm pleased with it. It's kept my face from getting dry, the price is right, and it smells nice.
	on February 16, 2011 Becky 13,128 said: I'm a total makeup, skin care and hair junkie!! i absolutely love trying new products so the whole 'stick to one' thing never works for me. The "if it ain't broke don't fix it" only applies to my computer and other electronics. Never about my skin, hair or makeup :) There i'm all about experimenting and trying new products, trying to find the magic ONE! In all my experiments I've come to realize that I have dry skin, not sensitive. Toners dry me out more, I need good exfoliation and lots of moisture.
	on February 15, 2011 Ali de Bold STAFF said: I'm a total product whore. It's part of my job (obviously), but I was also like that before. Every now and then you find a line of products you could be happy using forever exclusively. BUT on a day to day basis I'm always using cleansers, toners and lotions from different lines. It all really depends on your skin and how it reacts. It's the whole 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. For many people that's just using one line.
	on February 15, 2011 mushi said: wow after reading above comments m bit surprised ,as i totally mix my products and i love trying new products . I cant use same product for more than 5-6 months or i should say 2-3 bottles,then i want to try something new.I have combination skin ,which at time becomes more oily and at time it becomes more dry ,depending on weather. but yeah i keep my routine simple ,one cleanser ,one toner ,one moisturizer at a time ..not like using 7 different moisturizers in 7 days .scrub and mask on weekly basis and steam once in 2 months i guess..and i m happy with my skin :)
	on February 15, 2011 jchang212 106 said: I usually like to mix things up in my routine, so I've been using the toner from this line for a few years now and it still works great! really gentle on the skin. I never realized how important toner is until i started using it. It really preps your skin to help absorb moisturizer better, and a little goes a long way!
	on February 15, 2011 curlysue10 7,191 said: I have to say that from experience I believe in using one brand. I have been using Cetaphil products for a while now (cleanser, a heavier lotion for night and a lighter lotion with sunscreen for day) and the improvement in my skin has been noticeable. Clearly using one brand agrees with my skin, but this isn't to say that this would work for everyone. Also I have read in a number of places that using toner is not necessary because it strips your skin of its natural oils. I have found that using a facial brush with my cleaner has gotten my skin that squeaky clean feeling that toner used to, without applying more chemicals to my face. And I completely agree with Lauren, moisturizing is the most important part (and don't forget the sunscreen!!)
	on February 15, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: I agree you should stick with one brand/line for your skin. The products (1 cleanser, 1 toner, 1 moisturizer) are made to work in combination. I'm glad I listened to my mom through my teenage years; moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
	on February 14, 2011 meredithk115 4,186 said: Oh wow, it took me a while to find my 'best' skincare routine. What I do now is.... Cleanse (with a sensitive skin cleansing milk) Tone Oil-I use an ayurvedic oil on my face based on my skin type moisturize sunscreen 1-2 times a month I use a mask and once a month I go for a facial. I use a sunscreen separate from my moisturizer....not that I am famous or anything but moisturizers with sunscreen tend to 'flash white' in front of cameras and I am white enough, thank you. I apply separately. My skincare routine isn't complicated-I use organic, natural products that are made in Canada for a company run by someone that I actually know (and think very highly of). She taught me a lot about taking good care of my skin and I have followed her advice and seen a huge improvement!
	on February 14, 2011 Laura said: I disagree on having to stick with one brand. I have talked to dermatologists and experts about this, and you don't have to. Yes sticking to fewer products is better than having 10 gels and serums on your face a day, but do whatever works best for you. Over the years I have found the cleanser, moisturizer, and toner that works best for me, and they're not all from the same brand. I try to stay as natural with the ingredients as possible, and I avoid anything with fragrance, which is doing more harm than good. Stick to a simple routine and natural products.