Skincare 101: How Many and Which Products are Best?

I am constantly reminding the members of our very own Team AG that we have to remember, YOU as our valued guest (& friend!) do not just naturally know all of the random things that we know as professionals! Whether that is in regard to which products to use, how many products are really necessary, combining the right product mix…If you already knew all of these things for your skin, hair, and nails, you wouldn’t need us! (And that thought just makes me sad!)

Then I found myself in this same situation with a client of my own! (OK. To be honest, it was 3 clients in one week! LOL!) Client number 1 asked “Do I need to change my products? I feel like they are not working for me!” I did my usual, “Well, let’s see what all you are using and tell me what has changed!” She sends me a pic of her bathroom counter, with maybe 5 products, and informs me she is now feeling a little dry. Hmmmm. But this client has always battled some serious oil production! “Can you walk me through what you put on, in order, morning and night?” Within 6 words, I knew the problem! For me, it was so basic! She simply flip flopped the order of a couple products! She was so embarrassed! But in all honesty, I was embarrassed that I didn’t have that written down for her! Within just a few days, her skin had normalized and is already better! Now. What if I told you that all 3 clients had done something similar? I bet you would believe it, because you’ve probably done something like that yourself? Or you have looked at those products that you purchased, whether in a kit, or piece-meal after watching influencers and thought to yourself, “How am I supposed to apply these again?” (You are not alone!)

So this blog is all about going back to the FUNDAMENTALS! Some will read this and want to argue about how I am leaving out the game changing pieces to a great skincare routine! If you want to learn more about when to start incorporating more of the heavy hitter serums, read about that here! But I find most of us are like the 3 clients I worked with this week! And sometimes, we need to go back to basics! Your 101, FUNDAMENTAL skincare routine should always have these 3 things: Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer (& ideally an additional SPF during the daytime!) That’s it. 3 steps. 3. Simple. Steps. Hear me out on this concept, you wouldn’t build a new house without laying a proper foundation, would you? That is what these 3 steps are for your skin! The FUNDAMENTAL foundation of any great skincare routine. This creates the clean slate for those heavy hitter serums, and then seals in those same serums to increase their effectiveness! Sounds like a good investment to me!

Now that we’ve established we all can benefit from a 3 step routine, how do you choose the right 3 steps for your skin? There are so many options, right? (If you are feeling overwhelmed, then this is the post for you here. Thank me later!)

The best 3 step FUNDAMENTAL routine should be built around skin type! Your skin type is going to fall into only one of a few categories: dry, oily, combination, or sensitive! (In my professional opinion, I do not consider ACNE a skin type, but instead, a skin condition! Keep reading, even if you suffer with acne, because this next part will still resonate with you! But our acne sufferers should always seek out personalized advice!)

You may be acutely aware of your skin type, which is great! Or, you could be like the many clients we see regularly that think one thing, but their skin is screaming something different! So how do you know where you fall in the world of skin types? You can take this super easy quiz to help you out!

Once you know your skin type, always remember that Dry skin needs more hydration (water) and moisture (emollients and occlusive!) So no super sudsy cleansers for you! Oily skin totally needs hydration (water) but it should still help your skin feel “breathable” and not greasy! Look for pH balancing toners, after a foaming cleanser, and a gel moisturizer! Combination skin likes a mixture of these two things! Normally a foaming cleanser helps your skin feel deep down clean, with a medium consistency moisturizer. And sensitive skin? You need extra gentle things, that do not strip the skin, but you actually don’t want to weigh it down with too heavy a moisturizer, too.

Do you still need help determining your skin type? Or just have more skin related questions in general? (Seriously. We can talk skin all day!) Send us a message! We truly love to help! That’s what friends are for! xo