Simplify Your Skincare Routine and Actually Stick to It

Long, elaborate skincare routines have gained popularity in recent years, but sometimes less is more. Especially if you'll stick to it.

If it's been hard for you to commit to a skincare routine, it may be time to simplify. You can dwindle it down to 5 basic steps or stack it up to 20, but chances are the shorter regime will be just as good for your skin.

You shouldn't have to spend more than 10 minutes a day to maintain healthy vibrant skin. Keep reading for some ways to keep skincare stress free.

THE NON-NEGOTIABLES

If you can't manage anything else, at the very least cleanse and protect your skin.

Washing your face is important daily, whether you wear makeup or not. Our skin collects bacteria and pollutants throughout the day, and must be cleansed before we spread all this toxic goodness around on our pillowcases. 

Your skin's delicate microbiome needs protecting from environmental contaminants, the sun's damaging rays, and moisture loss. Invest in a great hydrator like Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix, and wear an SPF daily. 

A SIMPLE ROUTINE - THE FOREVER 5

You can treat your skin once a week to exfoliators and masks, but feel free to keep it simple on the daily. Here are the forever 5 that are recommended by skin care professionals.

1. CLEANSE TWICE A DAY

Yes, you need to wash your face in the morning too. A disturbing amount of bacteria can accumulate on your skin as you sleep.

"Most dermatologists recommend changing your pillowcase no less than once a week," Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC, a certified doctor of natural medicine, told Bustle. "If you're prone to acne then more often is better. You can change it every day if you find it helpful, but remember you can use both sides first."

When cleansing your face before bed, make sure to get all your makeup off. You can do this with a double cleanse. The first one removes your makeup, while the second really gets those pores spick and span.

2. TONE

Using a toner as part of a daily skincare routine is often neglected, but can greatly improve your skin’s appearance. Toners are known for balancing the skin’s PH, helping to shrink or tighten pores, and protect from environmental impurities.

A new wave of toners has hit the market that are great for all different skin types, not just oily or acne prone skin.

"They used to contain high concentrations of alcohol to help remove oil from the skin," Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Allure. "The newest generation of toners, however, have more than astringent properties, and many of them are alcohol-free." 

Use a cotton ball or reusable cotton pad to apply your toner. You can even use your fingers if you don't have cotton available. 

3. SERUM

Choose a serum that will help with your particular skincare goals. There are many different types of serums with varying ingredients and benefits. Some serums work to brighten dark spots and even skin tone, while others combat wrinkles and aging. 

Serums absorb quickly into your skin and work best when applied right after a good cleanse. They are known for their effectiveness treating skin and make a great addition to a daily routine.

4. MOISTURIZE

As one of the non-negotiables, it is vital to moisturize your skin each morning and night. Important year round, it is especially crucial in drier months where the skin's moisture levels can become compromised. 

Why does your skin need to be moisturized? First of all, dry skin ages quicker than hydrated skin. Like all living beings, our skin needs water to thrive and function properly. Keeping moisture levels up will keep your skin feeling and looking its best.

Moisturizing with Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix keeps your epidermis protected from moisture loss as the formula forms a protective barrier over your skin. It contains skin-loving ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid and PCA which attract water to the skin, maintaining ideal moisture all day. 

5. SPF

You need an SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin each day. Nothing ages skin quite like sun damage does. Make sure the sun protection you use is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.

EXFOLIATE OR MASK ONCE A WEEK

Simplify your life and do those extra skincare steps less often.

With all this time spent at home lately, you may be tempted to use your face masks more often than usual. Unfortunately for the overachievers, putting on a face mask more than once a week doesn't actually do much good. 

It is best to use masks as well as exfoliators only once a week. Exfoliating too often can damage your skin's barrier and sensitize your skin. 

INVEST WISELY

Invest your hard earned money wisely this year. Do your research and choose brands that deliver quality. Once you've found the products that work for you, stick to them. Your wallet and your skin will thank you. 

Instead of buying skincare you don't need, save up and treat yourself to a professional facial or cosmetic treatment. No one does it better than the pros, and nothing feels better than a day at the spa. 

Enjoy the simple life.