Skincare: here are my ten essential products to take care of your skin

During the pandemic, I decided to lighten up my skincare routine. I used to use everything from toners to balance pH, to various serums with different active ingredients, to masks to achieve different goals. But at some point it became too much and I felt the need to make things simpler.

I think there were two reasons: the first was feeling that between that amount of product and using the mask, rather than helping it maintain its health, it was just occluding my skin.

The second, if we read deeper, I consider it a real metaphor for what we were experiencing at that moment: I realized that what was important was what was simple and I felt the need to reduce , to uncomplicate my life. . But here I am approaching another subject.

This is how I arrived at my essentials. I am a firm believer in listening to your skin, that they are all different and if you identify your type first then you can figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. And from there start testing.

My skin has always been oily, but over the years it has become more combination, although it goes through stages that I am now able to detect and treat. From there, I leave you with an explanatory list of what my must-haves are and why.

Micellar waters are a quick and easy way to remove makeup, cleanse and help tone the face, neck and décolleté. Its name comes from the micelles it contains, molecules that act like a magnet, retaining dirt and oil from the skin. They can do this because of their bipolar nature, because on one side they attract water and on the other they repel it. To do this, the solution is gently applied to the skin using a cotton pad or a reusable makeup remover pad. Although it’s common not to rinse your face after using micellar water, I personally prefer to do so. Today, fortunately, there are micellar waters for all budgets and needs.

After years of trial and error, I have come to the conclusion that the best thing for my skin is to double cleanse in the evening. I use micellar water first to remove the surface, then deepen with a cleanser.

Every skin is different and each requires different products, with different formulations and textures. Mine being mixed/oily, I choose a cleansing gel. I have to admit that it was difficult for me to find the right one, as these tend to become dehydrated; This is why I am absolutely loyal to the one I currently use: the fel Hyseac from Uriage.

It is easy to understand the logic of the order in which skincare products should be applied: go from lightest to densest; This means that after cleansing, the first step is to apply the serum.

There is a world of possibilities depending on your age, your skin type or the objective to be treated. Personally, I favor hydration and that is why I use a light serum with hyaluronic acid and, sometimes, vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid is the hydrating active ingredient par excellence, a great addition for all skin types. skin types if the appropriate texture is chosen. My favorite is Mineral 89 from Vichy.

Specific products for the eye area are formulated taking into account the delicacy of the orbicular area, much finer than other areas of the face. Its active ingredients are generally hydrating, nourishing and/or decongestant, but, like the rest of the steps, their choice depends on the desired objective. Given the delicate nature of the area, it is advisable to apply the product with the ring finger, finishing with light tapping to promote penetration.

The key to healthy skin is following three basic steps: cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. And with much of our country being particularly dry, hydration becomes even more relevant. Although it is common for people to think otherwise, dry skin is not the same as dehydrated skin: while the former is a condition caused by low sebum production, dehydrated skin is a condition that occurs while consuming little water. Oily skin can (and often does) become dehydrated, which is why a good product to balance the water level is essential, but with a suitable texture: denser for dry skin and lighter for dry skin. oily skin.

Whether you leave the house or not, whether it’s sunny or rainy, whether it’s hot or cold, sunscreen is imperative at these times for daily skin care.

We are all aware that exposure to the sun without using sunscreen exponentially increases the risk of skin cancer, but it also has effects on appearance: the consequences of damage to cells from radiation solar are linked to sagging, hyperpigmentation, dehydration and hyperkeratosis, generating a rough texture. Now why should we also use sunscreen indoors? It’s simple: blue light from screens (computers, cell phones, etc.) emits radiation that generates powerful photoaging, because it contributes to the generation of free radicals, causing cellular dysfunction. Using sunscreen is therefore essential. I also choose one with color, ISDIN FusionWater Color, to even out the complexion.

Exfoliation is the removal of dead cells that accumulate in the outermost layer of the skin. Their accumulation can make the skin appear dull and can even accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, as the darkness of these cells makes the folds more visible. Therefore, using an exfoliant suitable for your skin type is a great contribution to your health and luminosity.

A good exfoliant, applied correctly, can boost cell renewal and even blur imperfections. My personal choice is Masivol, a mandelic acid product, in a formula that also includes hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. As my skin is sensitive and very reactive, I currently only apply it once a week.

Despite the evidence, it’s not common for people to incorporate a face-exclusive towel into their daily cleansing routine. There is no point in applying moisturizers, sunscreens and serums if in the end we use the towel that the whole family uses to dry our hands and perhaps other parts of the body. There’s not much to say: it’s a real essential.

Although I studied cosmetology, when a pimple or blackhead appears, I avoid touching myself: I leave the extractions to the expert in charge of my facial cleansing. As my skin type tends to be oily, the appearance of impurities is common. This is why professional cleaning with extraction is essential for your health. I usually do this every two months.

Of all the products on this list, this one is the least essential, but I won’t let it go. Specialists have confirmed that using a silk pillowcase is beneficial for the skin, and that’s how I feel.

Silk, among other things, has an antibacterial effect, so it accumulates fewer bacteria and mites. In addition, if we compare it to harder materials, such as cotton or polyester, this material generates a very pleasant sensation in contact with the skin and prevents the fabric from marking. Silk can also regulate excess moisture.

Another advantage is that it absorbs much less cream than other materials, making it a good ally after the night care routine.

*Product prices in this article are current as of September 20, 2023. Values ​​and availability are subject to change.