For Those of us investing in treatments like Botox, microneedling, and other injectables, having an intentional skincare routine with quality products will preserve and protect your investment.

Literature differentiates comprehensive routines from simple ones. A comprehensive routine can include a cleanser, toner, serum, exfoliator, and moisturizer as compared to a simple routine of solely a cleanser and moisturizer. I know from my experience that an advanced routine just doesn’t work for some, and my younger-self relates. However a comprehensive routine has been shown to outperform a simple one when it comes to improving hydration, texture, pore size, skin tone evenness, brightness and wrinkle depth (1). 

Any skincare routine should occur most nights and in the mornings. And, it’s important to have some ease and pleasure in the process. If we are too obsessive, we are constricted and stressed, which is contraindicated for wellness and skin health. I’m also a proponent of using what you have at home before buying more; I like no product to go wasted!

What a Comprehensive Skincare Routine Looks Like: 

Step 1: Cleansing is an important daily ritual that helps us start and end our day. This is the opportunity to wash away the day’s pollutants, sweat, sunscreen, and makeup and help prevent clogged pores. Which cleanser to use will be based on your skin type. My personal favorite is a deep glycolic wash that preps the skin for the products to follow. For a more gentle cleanser, check out Cleansing Thyme Oil Serum which is handmade here in the Gorge.

Step 2: Antioxidant/Vitamin C Serum products help mitigate oxidation caused by the sun. In doing so, it promotes collagen production, addresses uneven skin tone, and offers protection from sun damage (2). My top three favorites: Bottled Magic Antioxidant Serum, C-Esta Face Serum, and Hyaluronic and C Anti Aging Serum. 

Step 3: Resurfacing. For those with tolerable skin, I love using a lower concentration of glycolic acid or combination of glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic acid to help slough off the outermost layers of the skin. For most skin types, you don’t experience visible shedding, however the products are working by progressively weakening the cohesions of the outermost skin layers to give an exfoliative effect (3).

Step 4: Retinol is an exfoliator used for acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and texture. Retinols are a form of Vitamin A that help resurface the skin through cellular turnover. This, with the acidic exfoliators above, will have compounding effects. Retinoids have been extensively researched and proven to be effective however they can have irritating effects when used inappropriately. Regular sunscreen use is a must during all times of the year with retinol use. 

Step 5: Moisturizers are products that are intended to increase the water content of the skin. The best moisturizer will be one that works for your skin. When I’m shopping for one, I like for there to be minimal ingredients and a formula that reflects intention. For example, I am currently using Transformation Face Cream which is formulated with growth factors and hyaluronic acid. 

Step 6: Sunscreen applied in the morning and throughout the day when in the sun. 

I have learned a lot about what works for me with the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System (SCMS). Most of my clients love this kit, however there are a few who experienced irritation. This is a medical-grade system and for those with more sensitive skin, I recommend starting with a more simple routine and gradually adding in products that support your goals. While I love the results from the SCMS, I also appreciate clean, green, homegrown products like SkinFancy offers and Portland curated Wholeness Face and Body. 

We all have our own skin type, goals, and needs; so it’s prudent to build a relationship with each product and determine whether or not it’s for you. The factors in decision making are individualized to meet our values, willingness to invest, and commitment to outcomes. I offer a complimentary skincare consultation where we talk about which products are best for supporting your goals.

XO
Heather