What Should You Be Using In Your Skin Care Routine?

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What Skin Care Products Should I Use?

With the endless sea of skincare products and cosmetics available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. On one hand, it’s fantastic that we have so many options to choose from. On the other, finding the right products tailored to your skin type, condition, and unique needs can feel like a daunting task. Skincare and makeup aren't one-size-fits-all, and you certainly don’t want to get stuck in an endless loop of purchasing and trying products, only to discover they either don’t work for you or, even worse, cause a reaction.

This is one of the reasons why I started my business—to help individuals stop wasting time and money on skincare! Consumers are now becoming more savvy and doing their homework before making purchases. Many are seeking personalized skincare treatments, and some brands are finally starting to listen. For instance, in 2018, Clinique launched Clinique iD, a personalized moisturizer system where users can choose active ingredients based on specific skin concerns.

As an esthetician, my mission is to help you achieve your healthiest and most beautiful skin! In this article, I’ll guide you through five essential quizzes designed to help you reach your skin goals. Plus, I’ll recommend the best skincare products and ingredients tailored to your skin type while addressing any concerns you might have. So, let’s dive in!

Why Knowing Your Skin Matters

Today’s consumers are more educated than ever. Thanks to the power of search engines, you can easily find product reviews, company backgrounds, and ingredient information before you buy. Consumers now recognize that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many are reluctant to try products on a whim without understanding how they fit into their skincare journey.

If you’re feeling a bit lost about why personalized skincare is important, don’t fret! Personalized products and ingredients that cater to your skin will yield the best results. Skincare doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Many of my clients believe the myth perpetuated by the beauty industry that you need to spend a fortune to see results. The truth is, just a little bit of thoughtful care can have fantastic long-term effects.

Remember, prevention is easier than treatment! And just because a product is pricey doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your skin. The quizzes I’ve prepared will provide you with the essential answers about your skin, so you know exactly what to shop for!

Do You Have Healthy Skin?

First things first, let’s assess the health of your skin. To kick things off, answer a few quiz questions to help determine the current state of your complexion.

For a refresher, let’s consider why skin health is important. The skin is your body’s largest organ, and unhealthy skin can lead to serious issues down the line. For instance, prolonged tanning can increase the risk of skin cancer. Prioritizing healthy skin is crucial because it’s the first step toward achieving the results you desire.

If your skin is healthy, that’s fantastic! You can maintain and even enhance its health with the right products and routine, which I’ll discuss later in this article. But if your skin isn’t at its healthiest, that’s totally okay! I’m here to guide you back on track. Plus, I have a whole series of blog posts dedicated to improving skin health.

What Is Your Skin Type?

The next step in establishing your skincare routine is identifying your skin type. Knowing your skin type is essential for selecting the right products. Here’s a quick overview of the five major skin types:

Oily Skin: Characterized by excess oil and shine, often leading to enlarged pores and acne breakouts.
Dry Skin: Lacks moisture and may feel tight or flaky, with a dull appearance.
Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas, typically oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry elsewhere.
Sensitive Skin: Prone to redness, irritation, and reactions to certain products or environmental factors.
Normal Skin: Well-balanced skin that is neither too oily nor too dry, with few visible imperfections.

If you're unsure of your skin type, don’t worry! Simply take the skin type quiz to help you out. Once you have your results, let’s move on to specific products that are excellent for your skin type!

If You Got: Dry Skin

Alana Mitchell Full Spectrum Hemp Facial Rejuvenation Oil: This all-natural, moisturizing facial oil combats dryness and dullness while addressing aging signs, uneven texture, sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation.
Rhonda Allison HA Hydration Cream: This ultra-hydrator works day and night to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Formulated with the purest form of hyaluronic acid, it raises hydration levels in your skin by a whopping 300%!

If You Got: Combination Skin

Glymed Plus Hydrating Protection Gel With SPF 30: Experience sun protection without the greasy feel! This lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen not only guards your skin against harmful UV rays but also provides hydration and essential antioxidants, making it perfect for combination skin.
Alana Mitchell 4-in-1 Cleansing Sponge: A game-changer! This innovative sponge acts as a cleanser, mask, and exfoliator all in one, simplifying your daily routine and saving you both time and money.

If You Got: Sensitive Skin

Skin Script Cucumber Hydration Toner: A best-seller for a reason! This soothing toner refines your skin’s texture, minimizes the appearance of pores, and boosts the absorption of other skincare products.
Alana Mitchell Daily OC Cream Cleanser: Gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup with this soap-free cleanser made with 99% natural ingredients, including coconut oil, green tea, chamomile, and lavender extracts.

If You Got: Normal Skin

Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub: Revitalize your skin with this gentle yet effective scrub! Formulated with powerful antioxidants, it effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities, promoting a brighter, smoother complexion suitable for all skin types. Regular use helps protect your skin from environmental stressors, leaving it refreshed and glowing.
Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer: Brighten and rejuvenate your skin with this lightweight moisturizer, perfect for all skin types. Infused with vitamin C, it helps diminish the appearance of dark spots and fine lines, promoting a more even skin tone. Its hydrating formula provides essential moisture, ensuring your skin feels soft, supple, and radiantly healthy.

If You Got: Oily Skin

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser: This gentle cleanser is formulated with probiotics to help clear and prevent breakouts while promoting a balanced complexion. It effectively removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin, making it perfect for oily skin types seeking clarity and freshness.
Face Reality HydraBalance Gel: This lightweight hydrating gel is ideal for oily skin. It delivers essential moisture while controlling excess oil production, ensuring your skin remains hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. The result is a balanced and refreshed complexion that feels comfortable all day long.

What Skin Care Ingredients Should You Be Using?

Now that you know your skin type, let’s explore the ingredients that can help you achieve your skincare goals. Whether your concerns include hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, uneven texture, or dullness, incorporating the appropriate ingredients into your routine will yield visible results.

Take the personalized skincare quiz below to discover the key ingredients that can help you improve the look and feel of your complexion. Once you’ve taken the quiz, check out my favorite product recommendations based on your results!

If You Got: Retinol or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alana Mitchell Night R1 Retinol Facial Oil: Wake up to beautiful, glowing skin! This lightweight formula targets dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines while you sleep, without the flaking or redness commonly associated with traditional retinol products.
Glymed Plus Accelerator Gel With 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids: This potent gel features a powerful blend of glycolic and lactic acids, making it ideal for treating various skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. Its lightweight formula not only exfoliates and smooths the skin but also preps it for peels or microdermabrasion, enhancing your overall skincare routine.

If You Got: Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide

Image Skincare Clear Cell Medicated Acne Lotion: This powerful acne-fighting lotion won’t dry out your skin! With benzoyl peroxide, it tackles acne-causing bacteria while chamomile and tea tree extracts soothe irritation for a clear complexion.
Bioelements Acne Toner: This fragrance-free toner hydrates and smooths your skin for a clear, blemish-free complexion while salicylic acid neutralizes acne-causing bacteria and regulates oil production.

If You Got: Vitamin C or Willow Bark Extract

Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer: This fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer brightens your complexion and promotes collagen production with 20% vitamin C for fantastic anti-aging benefits.
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum: This multitasking serum evens your skin tone, prevents breakouts, and hydrates your complexion for a healthy appearance.

If You Got: Papaya Extract or Licorice Root

Alana Mitchell Brightening & Exfoliating Pumpkin Anti-Aging Masque: This masque removes dead skin cells and debris for the softest, smoothest complexion yet! The invigorating properties of AHAs and pumpkin and papaya enzymes revive dull skin and diminish aging signs.
Eminence Organics Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel: Reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots with this gentle peel that exfoliates your skin for a softer, brighter appearance.

If You Got: MCT Oil or Jojoba Oil

Alana Mitchell Organic MCT Facial Oil: This nourishing oil seamlessly absorbs into your skin as a moisturizer and can double as a lip oil or makeup remover, providing versatile hydration.
Dermaquest Delicate Essential Moisturizer: Blending argan, jojoba, and olive oil, this soothing moisturizer hydrates and calms irritation while restoring your skin's natural glow.

If You Got: Hyaluronic Acid or Peptides

Alana Mitchell Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum: This anti-aging serum instantly plumps fine lines and wrinkles by promoting 10x hydration, with 20% hyaluronic acid binding moisture to your skin.
Alana Mitchell Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream: A lightweight, revolutionary formula designed to nourish your skin and reduce crow's feet, fine lines, and dullness.

If You Got: CBD or Green Tea

Alana Mitchell Full Spectrum Hemp Hyaluronic Serum: Recapture youthful, hydrated skin! This serum visibly reduces fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, dark spots, and uneven texture for a brighter, more radiant look.
Skin Script Green Tea Citrus Cleanser: Refresh and rejuvenate your skin with this gentle cleanser infused with green tea and citrus extracts. It effectively removes impurities and makeup while providing antioxidant protection, leaving your skin feeling clean, bright, and balanced.

What Cleanser Should You Be Using?

Cleansing is the cornerstone of your skincare routine, making it essential to find the right formula for your skin. It’s easy to fall into a groove and use the same products without considering their effectiveness.

If you need a refresher on cleansing, be sure to read this article. I’ve also created a quiz to help you determine what type of cleanser will work best for your skin. I offer several cleansers in my skincare line that could be a perfect match for you, so click here to explore!

What Serum Should You Be Using?

Serums are fantastic for targeting specific skin concerns because they often contain concentrated ingredients. While not mandatory, they offer an extra boost beyond cleansing and moisturizing.

Whether you want to plump your skin or tackle acne, there’s a serum out there tailored for your needs. Remember to apply your serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. Take this quiz to discover which serum should become a staple in your skincare routine!

Final Thoughts

Prepare for fantastic skin days ahead! I’m thrilled to have shared these quizzes with you. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you’re now ready to navigate the vast world of skincare products with confidence. The goal is to help you develop a personalized skincare system with products that will give you results.

The recommendations provided for your skin type or concerns are a great place to start. And feel free to share the personalized skincare quiz with your friends so they can also find the right products for their skin!

Beauties, do you have any questions about specific products, your skin, or your routine? Don’t hesitate to reach out. You deserve a tailored approach to skincare, and I’m here to help you every step of the way!