Achieving clear skin feels hard, but it doesn't have to be! The key is getting to know your skin and what it needs. Too often, we get mad at our skin for breaking out, and we go straight for harsh chemicals to fix it (hint: it doesn't fix it). We must change the way we see our skin, and take care of it as we love it, not as we hate it! It is essential to incorporate a gentle, hydrating, soothing skincare routine in your life to give your skin the nourishment it craves and deserves. We're here to help you understand your skin a bit better and find a skincare routine that may be right for you!

The Five Skin Types

Based on genetics, there are five skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry), and sensitive. Although your skin type is genetic, it is prone to change over time as it is influenced by other factors such as stress, hormones, diet, environment, and skincare routine.

• Normal Skin: Normal skin is what you would consider "perfect skin." It is everyone's dream, but it is not common. Normal skin has a smooth texture, is not prone to acne, is blemish-free, and has a soft feel. This type of skin does not require special attention.

• Dry: The dry skin type is prone to irritation and flakiness. It lacks moisture. Dry skin is often caused by external factors such as weather, improper care, and dehydration. However, for some, it occurs naturally.

• Oily: This skin type tends to deal with the most acne. Oily skin is natural and normal, especially in teens and young adults, and can be controlled with the correct skincare routine. It is caused naturally by hormones. However, external factors can also cause oily skin, such as improper hygiene, an unhealthy diet, and touching your face.

• Combination: The combination skin type means that your skin is both dry and oily. It may sound confusing, but all it means is that some parts of your face are oily while other parts are dry. People with combination skin usually experience excess oil production on the t-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) while their cheeks are normal/dry.

• Sensitive: Those with sensitive skin experience irritation easily. Sensitive skin is prone to inflammation, redness, and itching. It is very reactive, and rashes are common.

Morning Skincare Routine

Cleanse

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. It is vital to find a gentle cleanser that does not dry out your skin. We recommend choosing a cleanser from one of the following brands: CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, Burt's Bees, or Cocokind. These cleansers are not harsh on the skin but get the job done. Cocokind and Burt's Bees use natural derivatives in their skincare products, and remember, nature heals. Burt's Bees' cleansers are almost 100% natural and include naturally derived hyaluronic acid to refresh and reset skin, leaving you with a soft glow. My favorite morning cleanser is Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream.

To cleanse, apply a dime-size amount of cleanser to your face, and move in upward circles until clean. Rinse with warm (not hot) water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Tone

After cleansing, the best practice is to tone your skin. Toner works to minimize the appearance of pores and remove any residue left over after cleansing. However, a lot of toners are too harsh and dry out your skin. We recommend using Burt's Bees' Aloe Toner. It gently balances the skin's pH without over-drying. Aloe is hydrating, which is an added benefit.

To tone, apply a few drops of toner onto a cotton pad and dab onto your face. You can also place a few drops into the palm of your hands and apply it that way, but make sure your hands are clean.

Serums

Adding serums into your routine will change the trajectory of your skin forever. I used to skip this step, but trust me, you need it. There are so many serums to choose from that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The best thing to do is to start with the basics. Everyone should be using a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C brightens, firms, and protects the skin. Cocokind has an amazing vitamin C serum that will leave your skin glowing. Another serum we recommend using is Niacinamide. The Ordinary has a fantastic, lightweight Niacinamide that infuses skin with an intense dose of Vitamin B3. It helps to minimize imperfections and discoloration. The addition of Zinc Salt in their formula regulates sebum production for a visibly clear and refined complexion.

There are hundreds of serums out there waiting for you to try, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid, and many others. The best way to find what works for you is a little bit of trial and error!

When applying serum, you want to apply the lightest ones first and go from there. Doing this allows your skin to benefit from each serum you apply without having the heavier ones block your skin from receiving nutrients from the others. To apply, use the serum's dropper tool to add 2-3 drops onto your skin. Use your hands to move it in upward circles until it soaks in. We recommend waiting at least 30 seconds between product applications to allow for each product to take effect.

Jade Roller and Gua Sha

A jade roller and gua sha look different but are pretty similar. Hamdan, the founder, and CEO of Shiffa Beauty, explains that "The main difference between jade rollers and gua sha tools is that jade rolling is mainly a lymphatic drainage massage, and gua sha is a fascial [i.e., fibrous tissue] release massage,"

A jade roller is a Chinese skincare tool made from jade stone. It has two stones: A larger stone designed for use on the cheeks, jaw, and forehead, and a smaller stone for under the eyes and around the mouth. In reality, explains Suzanne Friedler, a Manhattan-based dermatologist, jade rollers are as effective as any form of facial massage when done correctly. "Any time you massage any of the tissues, you're stimulating circulation and relaxing facial muscles," Suzanne states. This practice also encourages lymphatic drainage, which boosts the skin's natural detoxification process. Drawing away toxins allows a gentle toning and lifting effect.

A Gua Sha is also a Chinese skincare tool with similar benefits. Essentially, it increases circulation and creates a "lifting" effect on your skin, which may help lessen toxins in your body and promote healing.

You want to use these tools after applying serum. Then, your skin is moisturized and oily. It makes for a smooth glide. With light pressure, roll/move from the center of your face outward and up.

Sunscreen

Skin is delicate and very responsive to the sun, so it is necessary to apply sunscreen. Consistently wearing sunscreen will help reduce the signs of aging, limit sunspots, prevent sunburn, and reduce susceptibility to skin cancer. According to Dr. Hollmig, director of dermatologic surgery at the University of Texas Dell Medical School, "Chemical sunscreens act almost like a sponge, absorbing UV light, while physical sunscreens act more like a shield, deflecting the sun's rays."

Chemical sunscreens need to penetrate your skin and should be applied before other skincare products. Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, should be applied after other skincare products for maximum effectiveness.

Moisturize

Moisturizer is a key component of every skincare routine. Not only does it hydrate your skin, it helps to maintain your skin's youthful appearance and healthy skin cells while also working to prevent any dryness or irritation that may otherwise occur.

When choosing a moisturizer, be mindful of the ingredients. Using a moisturizer that is too heavy can override the benefits. You want to choose a moisturizer that uses hyaluronic acid, is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and lists water as the first ingredient. Our favorite is Neutrogena Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer.

Night-Time Skincare Routine

While some steps are the same, your night-time skincare routine should look slightly different from your morning routine since it removes makeup and impurities that have built up throughout the day.

Remove makeup

The first step to winding down at night is taking off your makeup. It is essential to remove makeup before going in with your cleanser to ensure that build-up is thoroughly washed away. Begin by using a good makeup-removing wipe. We recommend using Burt's Bees' Makeup Towelettes or Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes.

Next, you should go in with liquid makeup remover. You want to choose one that is gentle yet effective. We recommend using Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil. It removes dirt, makeup, impurities, and excess oil without stripping your skin or disturbing its pH.

Double Cleanse

The next step is to cleanse. The difference between cleansing in the morning and at night is the cleanser you use and the number of times you cleanse. At night we recommend using Burt's Bees' Truly Glowing Gel Cleanser. It uses naturally derived Hyaluronic Acid to nourish skin for a soft, resilient, and radiant glow. Another fantastic choice is Burt's Bees Renewal Refining Cleanser which uses naturally derived retinol and vitamin e to reveal smoother skin, reduce dullness, and provide healthier skin.

Double cleansing in the evenings ensures complete removal of oil, makeup, and build-up that inevitably occurs throughout the day. Double cleansing using a harsh cleanser will only hurt your skin. So, you want to ensure you are using a cleanser that shows your skin love!

Exfoliate

Exfoliating removes old skin cells and allows new skin cells to thrive, giving you a bright, fresh complexation. It also helps remove build-up in your pores that cleansing may have missed. It is not necessary to exfoliate every night. You want to exfoliate 2-3 times a week. We recommend exfoliating at night when you are not going to wear makeup so you can give your skin time to breathe.

When choosing an exfoliator, you must know the ingredients. Some exfoliators use tiny pieces of plastic that create micro-cuts in your skin which cause irritation and acne. Burt's Bees Peach and Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub are fabulous. It uses finely ground Peach Stone and Willow Bark, a natural source of salicylic acid, to gently exfoliate and remove excess oil revealing your gorgeous complexion!

Tone, Serum, and Moisturize

The final three steps are the same as your morning routine. Tone your skin with a gentle toner, nourish your skin with serums such as vitamin C and Niacinamide, and give your skin the hydration it needs with light and hydrating moisturizer!

Showing up as your best self truly begins with caring for your body and your skin. Taking time to give your skin the love it needs will be the foundation that leads you to a glowing aura, on and off camera!

Remember, we are not skincare experts! These are just some skincare routines that have helped us and are here to inspire you. Everyone's body is different, so do what works for you!

Written By: Corrie McHone