A Skin Care Routine is the Key to a Healthy Companion

A Skin Care Routine is the Key to a Healthy Companion

skin care

A skincare routine sounds like an indulgent beauty ritual, but it’s the foundation of a healthy complexion. It’s how your skin gets refueled each morning and night, and it’s how you help it defend against environmental stressors (like pollution or sun damage) and internal aggressors like acne. Plus, it’s your chance to slow down in a busy world and take care of yourself.

Whether you have a few products or a whole arsenal, establishing a skin-care routine will make all the difference in the health and appearance of your face—and ultimately, how you feel about yourself. A consistent routine refuels your skin, boosting its self-healing abilities. Like a plant that’s watered consistently, it’s only able to thrive and bloom with the right amount of nourishment.

If you’re looking to get started, it’s important to know your primary skin type and concerns. Those factors will inform the kind of ingredients and formulas that will best suit you. More is not always better, and going with a brand that focuses on clinical testing and is backed by dermatologists and estheticians is wise.

For example, if you have fine lines and wrinkles, a serum with peptides and hyaluronic acid will help plump them out. If you’re battling clogged pores, look for one with salicylic acid or niacinamide. And if you struggle with dark circles under your eyes, seek out eye creams that contain caffeine or kojic acid.

Then, add in a few face masks to keep your complexion on point. “Masks deliver highly concentrated treatments that are more effective because they’re applied under occlusion, where the ingredients can penetrate more deeply,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner. And while some can be a little gimmicky with bubbles and bright colors, they’re not completely unnecessary.

In the early 1900s, women like Elizabeth Arden and Madam C.J. Walker founded cosmetic companies that sold multi-product “systems” that claimed to cleanse, tone and protect skin. And while some of these brands still exist today, many have taken a more holistic approach to skin care.

Today, you’ll find that there are more options than ever when it comes to buying the right products for your skin. The Luxe packaging and sleek aesthetic might have you believe that these high-end brands are worth the price tag, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters most. The best-performing products offer innovative new ingredients, a wide range of textures and formulations, and, of course, real results. From caviar retinol to anti-aging probiotics, here are the best products on the market that will transform your complexion—and your confidence.