There comes a time when you ask yourself – ‘Why am I holding on to all these skin care products?’ Many people have an abundance of products that they are not using but the bottles, jars and tubes remain on the shelf. Maybe it seemed like a good purchase at the time. Maybe it didn’t meet your expectations, feels bad on your skin, or you think when the seasons change it will come in handy. For some reason, you are holding on to a bottle of toner with a broken sprayer but because you can see a bit at the bottom you don’t want to waste it. You say to yourself, ‘use it or lose it’ but the bottle remains. Maybe you suspect the product has passed its expiration date but are unsure. It’s time to simplify your skin care arsenal and tidy up your skin care shelf.
Whatever the reason, like unworn clothes in your closet, toss what you don’t use. When you tidy up your skin care shelf you’ll see how easy your routine can be. What products do you really need to keep your skin clean, healthy, and let’s add, radiant? Whatever your skin type – dry, oily or combination – it remains relatively consistent though it may become more extreme during a change of season. To evaluate what you need on your shelf, here’s a list of the must-haves.
Cleanser
Your face is special and deserves a proper, gentle cleaning whenever you work up a sweat and at night. Avoid harsh scrubbing and hot water so the skin’s natural oils and moisture remain intact. As far as cleansing goes, for most people it’s okay to simply rinse your face with warm water in the morning and not use a facial cleanser. If you have dry skin avoid facial cleansers containing alcohol or fragrance. An oil-free option may be best if your skin is oily.
Toner
A good toner contains ingredients that add and restore the skin’s nutrients creating a smooth, soft look. Apply after washing your face.
Moisturizer
Don’t let your skin dry out! Apply a moisturizer every time after you cleanse or rinse with water. This applies to your face as well as to the rest of your body. While the skin is still a bit damp use a moisturizer to seal in moisture.
Sunscreen
UV exposure wreaks havoc on the skin causing wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. While some skin care products include SPF protection it may be below the recommended amount of 30, so applying sunscreen daily is required to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
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Exfoliate
To increase skin cell turnover, use an exfoliant once or twice a week. Apply after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Serums
If you have issues with skin texture, firmness, or redness serums containing antioxidants may improve skin condition. They serve as collagen stimulators. Collagen strengthens the skin and its structure while also playing a role in replacing dead skin cells.
These are the skin care products that protect and nourish your skin. Look at everything on your shelf and consider letting go. Decide what you really need and toss the rest. If you can’t find an expiration date assume that opened products are good for one year from the manufactured date. If the product color has changed or looks and smells different from when you bought it, trash it. Your skin care shelf may be one of the first things you look at in the morning. Kick out the clutter. Organize what’s left. Feel the calm and carry on.
(image: polina tankilevitch | pexels)