Hello beauties! I have been getting so many questions about what I use everyday in regards to skincare. So, I figured I would share my morning routine with you all!!
I have made a few tweaks along the way, stumbled and forgotten steps. If the idea of a routine scares you, remember…
“IF YOU WANT TO FEEL GOOD HAVE A MARTINI, BUT REAL SKIN HEALTH TAKES WORK- DR. ZEIN OBAGI”
Great skin is not something that will happen overnight and every skincare routine is different. Part of the consultations in my office is so that we can ensure that the routine is customized and specific to you and your needs/goals. So please keep that in mind when reading this; that what I do, may not be the best routine for you.
In the beginning getting in the flow of things can be frustrating, almost discouraging as your skin will get worse before it gets better. I do try to spend time with each of you in consultation reviewing anticipated reactions and what to know in regards to transitioning to “happy and healthy skin”. No matter what I say, I always get texts, calls and emails saying: “I think I’m allergic to ZO, my skin is the worst it's ever been, I’m breaking out”, “I stopped using the products after a few days'', then after a week or so after I tell my clients to “trust the process”, I start receiving texts saying: “OH MY GOD, my skin is amazing”, “I’m glowing”, “I am more confident in my skin than I have ever been”. I repeat, trust the process… it takes a little time and consistency with your “new routine”... but you will get there!
Initially I started using retinol at night only, and only a few times a week. Now I have conditioned my skin - and added retinol to my morning routine as well and am using retinol daily. You will get there.
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is the most important step in getting your skin ready to receive all the goodness you’re about to apply! We want to make sure that your skin will be able to absorb the following products with ease.
It also helps to wash away products used the night before along with anything else that may have gotten on your skin while you slept like oil, dirt, makeup, etc. I choose to exfoliate at night, but you can also do this after cleansing in the morning.
[I use: ZO Gentle Cleanser]
Step 2: Tone
Next step is: Toner. Toners are helpful because anything that your cleanser may not have gotten off your face completely in the first step is then hopefully removed on the second attempt with your toner. The toner also helps to balance the pH of your skin. Not to mention, it is helping to prep your skin for the products that are about to be received while reducing pore size, helping to smooth the skin’s surface and decreasing inflammation of the skin.
[I use: ZO Complexion Renewal Pads]
Step 3: Prevent & Correct
Depending on my needs and goals, I have swapped out products during this stage and also added products, stopped using a specific product etc. Currently, I have been working on the texture and tone of my skin as well as pore size. I have been using ZO Exfoliation Accelerator and ZO Instant Pore Refiner to help with this. I have also been getting regular Hydrafacials to help with pore size, overall skin texture and tone. The Hydrafacial helps by providing a deep exfoliation that cleans the pores, removes debris and allows for better penetration of skincare products as well. (For those of you that don’t know… Glo just recently purchased a Hydrafacial. I am beyond excited to provide this service for you all, head on over to the promo’s tab and see some exciting launch promotions that are available).
I also am working on brightening my skin and decreasing hyperpigmentation that has occurred because of sun damage when I was young and naive in my teens and twenties. Initially I started out with ZO Brightalive and the ZO Self-activating Vitamin C Serum, however have been working on the overall health of my skin and have taken a break from the Vitamin C and started the Retinol Skin Brightener instead because my skin can now accept Retinol in this frequency and I am taking a bit more of an aggressive approach.
[I use: ZO Exfoliation Accelerator, ZO Instant Pore Refiner, ZO Brightalive Skin Brightener, ZO Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5%]
Step 4: Illuminating AOX Serum - Get that Glo
I know I have raved about this one - but this is my secret weapon in the am!! This serum helps to fight against “inflammaging” as well as to give the skin an overall all natural Glo!
With age, skin loses its ability to withstand environmental aggressors + to repair damage. Oxidative stress from external + internal factors can accumulate to cause low-grade inflammation that depletes skin’s health (i.e. exposure to the sun).
Low-grade inflammation that persists long-term can result in cell + tissue damage known as “inflammaging.” In the skin, inflammaging leads to premature signs of aging, including dehydration, dullness, uneven tone and lines + wrinkles.
This serum is a concentrated antioxidant serum that provides protection against pollution + premature signs of aging while visibly brightening the skin with a subtly luminous, soft-focus finish.
[I use: ZO Illuminating AOX Serum]
Step 5: Protect - Sunscreen
You guys, THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!! I cannot stress this enough… No- Moisturizer with SPF does not count as SPF! I repeat moisturizer with SPF does not count as SPF! This is one of your simplest and most effective things you can do to target anti-aging. UV exposure is one of the top causes of premature aging - it is responsible for roughly 80% of the signs of skin damage. It is really the first line of defense against damage!! You want to apply this as your last step in your morning skincare routine, but also reapply every 2 hours throughout the day! I use the Sun Shield Tinted Sunscreen that not only protects my skin but also doubles as foundation. I love this product and can’t speak to it enough.
[I use: Obagi Sun Shield Tinted Sunscreen in Cool]
I hope you all enjoyed learning more about my morning skincare routine. I know this can seem really overwhelming and time consuming, but I promise you - once you get the hang of it, you will fly through your routine in no time at all!! It really does just take a few minutes. The key to all of this is consistency, as mentioned above - you may forget a step here and there, be traveling and leave a product behind etc. Don’t beat yourself up, just continue to work towards your goals.
I do really encourage you to start and stick with a skincare routine so you can see your best skin results long term. Especially if you are going to be investing in injectables, lasers and more advanced treatments. I like to line up my products in order so I can grab and go for a quick application. If you need help deciding on what products are right for you, the order you should use them, etc please don’t hesitate to reach out and make a complimentary skincare consultation with me.
I can't wait to see your transformations! You got this!