Welcome to Lluvia!
Today, we’re diving into the science of perfect skin care. Have you ever admired someone’s glowing complexion and wondered what their secret is? Achieving radiant, healthy skin is a combination of the right skincare routine and lifestyle choices. Ready? Let’s get started!
Taking care of your skin requires a consistent and well-thought-out routine. Along with topically treating your skin, what you consume plays an integral role in its health and appearance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to give your skin the best care both inside and out.
Morning Skin Care Routine
- Wash Hands: Always start with clean hands to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria onto your face. Fun fact: Using lukewarm water is less harsh on your skin compared to hot water. Your skin will thank you!
- Double Cleanse: Start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based one. This two-step process ensures all makeup and sunscreen are gone. Tip for oily skin: Opt for gel cleansers to help control oil. Tip for dry skin: Choose cream cleansers to maintain moisture balance.
- Exfoliate: Use AHAs or BHAs 1-2 times a week. Adjust based on how your skin reacts. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, but remember to hydrate afterwards to avoid dryness. Tip for sensitive skin: Use a gentle exfoliant and limit to once a week.
- Essence/Toner: These help prep and hydrate your skin. Apply products in an upward motion to defy gravity – keep that skin looking firm! Tip for oily skin: Use a toner with salicylic acid to help control oil. Tip for dry skin: Look for hydrating essences with hyaluronic acid.
- Ampoule/Serum: These concentrated solutions target specific skin concerns. Choose one based on what your skin needs most. Tip for acne-prone skin: Use a serum with niacinamide or tea tree oil. Tip for aging skin: Look for serums with retinol or peptides.
- Moisturizing Cream: Lock in hydration with a good moisturizer. Give it a few minutes to sink in before the next step. Tip for oily skin: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Tip for dry skin: Opt for a richer, cream-based moisturizer.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Protect your skin every day, even when it’s cloudy. Tip for oily skin: Use a matte finish sunscreen. Tip for dry skin: Look for sunscreens with added moisturizers.
Evening Skin Care Routine
- Wash Hands: Clean hands are just as important in the evening.
- Cleanser: Cleanse away the day’s grime. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing is your best bet. Tip for oily skin: Use a gel cleanser. Tip for dry skin: Opt for a cream cleanser.
- Toner or Essence: Choose one based on your skin’s needs. Apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency for best absorption.
- Vitamin C Ampoule/Serum: Vitamin C brightens and rejuvenates your skin. A nighttime boost is perfect for a fresh morning glow. Tip for sensitive skin: Use a lower concentration of Vitamin C.
- Retinol: Use retinol cautiously. It can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so always use sunscreen in the morning. If using both Vitamin C and Retinol, monitor your skin for irritation.
- Moisturizer: Repair and nourish your skin while you sleep. A hydrating mask once a week can be a game-changer. Tip for oily skin: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Tip for dry skin: Choose a rich, hydrating night cream.
- Lip Balm: Keep your lips soft and hydrated.
- Eye Cream: Optional, but great for targeting concerns around the delicate eye area. Tip for dark circles: Use an eye cream with caffeine. Tip for puffiness: Look for eye creams with cooling ingredients like cucumber extract.
Dietary Tips for Skin Health
Nourish your skin from within by including these in your diet:
- Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, preventing premature aging and promoting a healthy complexion.
- Carrots: Rich in vitamin A which promotes healthy skin and helps repair skin tissues, reducing the risk of breakouts.
- Walnuts: Filled with essential fatty acids that help maintain skin's oil production and keep it hydrated and supple.
- Avocados: Great source of vitamins E and C, which help protect your skin from oxidative damage and support collagen production for firmer skin.
- Pumpkin: High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, promoting cell turnover and a brighter, more even complexion.
- Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy glow.
- Water: Aim for 3-4 liters daily. Hydration is key to flushing out toxins and keeping your skin clear, plump, and radiant.
Limit or Avoid:
- Deep-fried foods
- Excessive cheese
- Alcohol
- High sugar foods and beverages
- Excessive coffee (moderation is key)
Additional Dietary Tips:
- A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is excellent for your skin.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help protect your skin from environmental damage and reduce inflammation.
- Moderate coffee consumption can still be hydrating and provides antioxidants that benefit the skin.
- Ensure a good intake of Vitamin E and C through foods like berries, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens to support skin health and repair.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Sleep: Get enough rest. Adequate sleep helps your skin repair and regenerate.
- Stress Management: Lower stress levels. Stress can trigger skin issues like acne and eczema. Consider activities such as regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness practices to manage stress effectively.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and damages collagen and elastin. Avoid smoking to maintain healthy skin.
Recommended Products List:
Oily Skin:
Routine Suggestion:
- Morning: Cleanser → Vitamin C Serum → Oil-Free Moisturizer → Matte Finish Sunscreen
- Evening: Cleanser → Exfoliant (2-3 times a week) → Retinoid (on alternate nights) → Moisturizer
- Oil Cleanser: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, IUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil
- Gel Cleanser: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance Free Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Exfoliant (optional): Fenti Preshow Glow and Exfoliant 10% AHA, ISNTREE Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Toner (optional): Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
- Serum (optional): Lanmeri C E Ferulic, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Moisturizing Cream: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc SPF 50+, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
- Retinol (optional): Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
- Lip Balm: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Eye Cream (optional): Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream
Dry Skin:
Routine Suggestion:
- Morning: Cleanser → Vitamin C Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
- Evening: Cleanser → Exfoliant (2-3 times a week) → Retinoid (on alternate nights) → Moisturizer
- Oil Cleanser: IUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
- Cream Cleanser: TATCHA The Rice Wash | Soft Cream Facial Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Exfoliant (optional): Fenti Preshow Glow and Exfoliant 10% AHA, ISNTREE Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid, L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Toner (optional): Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
- Essence (optional): Vegan Kombucha Cream Essence, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- Serum (optional): Lanmeri C E Ferulic, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 by The Ordinary, Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
- Moisturizing Cream: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
- Retinol (optional): RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Lip Balm: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Eye Cream (optional): Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream
Sensitive Skin:
Routine Suggestion:
- Morning: Cleanser → Vitamin C Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
- Evening: Cleanser → Exfoliant (2-3 times a week) → Retinoid (on alternate nights) → Moisturizer
- Oil Cleanser: IUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil, Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
- Foaming Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Exfoliant (optional): ISNTREE Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid, Pixi Glow Tonic, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Toner (optional): Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
- Essence (optional): Vegan Kombucha Cream Essence, Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
- Serum (optional): Lanmeri C E Ferulic, Avene Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Cream Cleanser: TATCHA The Rice Wash | Soft Cream Facial Cleanser, Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser
- Moisturizing Cream: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc SPF 50+, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen SPF 50, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
- Retinol (optional): RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Lip Balm: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Eye Cream (optional): Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream
Ingredients to Avoid:
When choosing skincare products, it’s essential to be aware of certain ingredients that may cause adverse effects:
- Hydroquinone: Used for skin lightening but can cause ochronosis (a bluish-black discoloration) and potential carcinogenic risks with long-term use.
- Parabens: Commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, but they can disrupt hormone function and are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Sulfates: Found in many cleansers and shampoos, sulfates can strip natural oils, leading to skin irritation and dryness, especially in sensitive skin types.
- Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and even trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Formaldehyde: Used in some cosmetics as a preservative, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause skin irritation.
- Retinyl Palmitate: While it is a form of vitamin A, when exposed to sunlight, it can produce free radicals that can cause skin damage and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.
Always read the ingredient labels and consult with a dermatologist if you are unsure about the safety of a product. Your skin's health and safety come first!