Issue link: http://www.finelinesmagazine.com/i/1320352
Have a question for Esty Emily? Email her at estyemily@ascpskincare.com. 4 ASCP Fine Lines A S K E S T Y E M I L Y by Emily Morgan Associated Skin Care Professionals emorgan@ascpskincare.com The Right Routine Your skin care system doesn't have to be complex, but it has to be specific to you My esthetician wants me to buy a full line of retail products— seven different products! ere's no way I'm going to keep up with such an intense routine. Is there anything a bit simpler I can do? A: Of course there is! A 10-step skin care routine certainly isn't for everyone—never mind for someone who might be just starting their skin care journey. But keep in mind that there is a balance. Do you need a million steps and products? No. However, your skin should have a "routine" of some sort. There is no miracle one-size-fits-all product that will address all of your unique skin care needs. Everyone needs a good cleanser; something you can use at the end of the day to wash away all the sweat, dirt, makeup, and bacteria that has accumulated on the surface of your skin. If you're not washing your face at least once a day, you're allowing that debris to slowly penetrate your pores or simply pile up, which can cause acne breakouts, blackheads, or dull- looking skin, and accelerate the aging process. The next must-have is a moisturizer or hydrating serum. It doesn't matter if your skin is super oily and acneic or if your skin seems perfectly fine just as it is. Having a moisturizer specifically recommended by your esthetician based on your unique skin type is key to ensuring your skin's pH levels are balanced and healthy, and that you're providing your skin with a protective barrier so it can continue doing what it does best: protecting you. The last non-negotiable product—no ifs, ands, or buts about it—is sunscreen. The good news is that it can absolutely be incorporated into your moisturizer! Having an everyday sunscreen is not only incredibly important for preventing harmful, sun-related issues such as malignant melanoma, but it helps prevent other undesirable effects such as deep wrinkling, brown age spots, cracked/dry skin, and more. Once you've gotten the basics down and are feeling comfortable with it, then you can move on to the fun stuff! Depending on your skin concerns and goals, you can ask your esthetician about adding exfoliants, chemical peels, masks, or eye serums to your routine, and maybe even skin care tools that are safe for at-home use. The possibilities are endless, but everyone has to start somewhere, and consistently using these three products is a great place to do just that. ▪