Your Essential Skincare Regimen
Simple Powerful ~ Age-Defying ~
Beautiful Skin Takes Time - Consistency is Key
Achieving radiant, healthy skin isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a long-term commitment that requires consistency and patience. BUT, I’ve put together a simple, easy to follow guide to get you started. You can easily incorporate this regime into your daily routine with about 2-3 minutes in the morning and evening. I know you’re busy, so simple is better than nothing. You can always add in or explore other ingredients as you get more comfortable with the products.
I will link my favorite products that are medical grade, yet affordable.
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Each product in your regimen is designed to work gradually, strengthening and revitalizing your skin over time. And remember, using daily SPF is essential—it truly will make or break your results. Protecting your skin from UV damage is one of the best ways to preserve all your hard work and ensure your skin ages beautifully. Stick with it, and you’ll start to see the benefits unfold!
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Your Essential Skincare Regimen: Simple, Powerful, Age-Defying
Keep your skin looking youthful with just a few key products! Our morning and evening routines are designed to prevent collagen and elastin loss, maintain hydration, and smooth out those fine lines by removing dead skin cells and bringing the new one’s to the surface. Here’s what you need to know about each step and ingredient, and how they’ll work for you! I live in Calgary, so as we shift into winter, this is a great time to revisit your skin-care routine with ingredients that are backed by science and research. As always, consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have more complex concerns. This is not medical advice, only compiled information for your reference.
AM Regimen
1. The Ordinary Gentle Cleanser (Non-Sudsing Cream)
What it does: Cleans away impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Look for a non-sudsing cream formula that’s gentle on your skin, as it won’t disrupt the skin barrier or cause dryness.
Why it’s important: Starting your day with a clean base helps your skin absorb all the goodness from the products you’ll be using next. Finding the right cleanser can take a little trial and error since everyone’s skin is unique. But don’t stress over spending a lot on cleansers—since they’re washed off, a budget-friendly option can be just as effective.
2. Inkey List Antioxidant Serum (Vitamin C)
What it does: Brightens skin, evens out tone, and defends against daily environmental stressors.
Why it’s important: Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient that combats free radicals, which can damage collagen and lead to wrinkles.
3. The Ordinary Moisturizer +/- Hyaluronic Acid as first step OR CeraVe all-in-on
What it does: Hydrates and plumps by locking in moisture.
Why it’s important: As we age, skin loses moisture more easily. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin supple, hydrated, and resilient. For an extra hydration boost, especially during Calgary’s dry winters, try spritzing your face with a bit of water before applying your moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. This helps the hyaluronic acid draw in extra moisture, leaving your skin even more plump and hydrated.
4. Mineral SPF 30+
What it does: Protects from harmful UVA/UVB rays and prevents sun damage (one of the biggest culprits of skin aging). Mineral sunscreen works right away and protects better than chemical versions. Look for zinc or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient.
Why it’s important: Protecting your skin daily is crucial to prevent collagen breakdown and reduce the chance of new wrinkles. Reapply if you’re spending the afternoon outdoors!
PM Regimen
1. The Ordinary Gentle Cleanser (Non-Sudsing Cream)
What it does: Removes makeup, SPF, and any debris from the day. A gentle, non-sudsing cream cleanser will effectively clean your skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry.
Why it’s important: Clean skin allows your nighttime products to work more effectively. Consider the double cleanse, which means doing it twice, especially if you need to remove makeup first. Remember, finding the right cleanser can be trial and error based on your skin’s needs, so don’t hesitate to try different options. And since this product just gets rinsed off, you don’t need to splurge on it!
2A. The Ordinary Retinol (0.02% to start)
What it does: Increases cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and promotes collagen production.
How to use it: Start with a 0.02% concentration and apply a small amount every other night. Once your skin adjusts, you can move up, gradually, to a 1% formulation. Only use retinol at night to avoid photosensitivity.
Why it’s important: Retinol is the gold standard for reversing signs of aging, addressing static wrinkles, promoting firmer skin, and helping with overall texture.
2B. The Ordinary Gentle Chemical Exfoliant (Lactic Acid)
What it does: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.
How to use it: Alternate lactic acid with retinol nights. Apply a thin layer to clean skin and avoid using any abrasive scrubs to prevent irritation.
Why it’s important: This step aids in skin renewal, keeping pores clear and boosting your other products’ effectiveness.
3. The Ordinary Moisturizer +/- Hyaluronic Acid as first step or CeraVe all-in-one
What it does: Hydrates and plumps by locking in moisture.
Why it’s important: A well-formulated moisturizer helps repair your skin overnight, keeping it supple and hydrated by morning.
Best Anti-Aging Skincare Ingredients for Women (and Men) 40 and Over
Hyaluronic Acid: Deep hydration. Does not behave like other acids - lactic, glycolic, etc - so you can use this as much as you like. It is very gentle on the skin and our bodies also produce it naturally. Apply to damp skin after cleansing or a mid-day spritz to help draw moisture into the skin.
Moisturizing & Toning Spritz: Spritz all day and all night with this affordable easy spray. Add hydration over your makeup or after washing and between steps during your skin care. All skin care layers should be added over damp skin to lock in that moisture! Especially useful during Calgary winters.
Niacinamide and Zinc: Calms redness and strengthens the skin barrier, general anti-aging. I also time this product for a few days before I anticipate a hormonal shift and acne breakout to stop blemishes before they form.
Peptides: Improves elasticity and firmness, look for this in your PM moisturizer
Lactic, salicylic, glycolic acid: chemical exfoliants. Gone are the days of the apricot scrub (too harsh). You can safely remove dead skin cells using these products. Using only one at a time, I’ve ranked them by strength. Start low and go slow with lactic acid on alternating nights. Do not use it in the morning, it will make you more vulnerable to UV damage.
Caffeine: Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens blood vessels. This helps reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes, by minimizing fluid retention in the area and creating a firmer skin appearance.
