ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I GET ASKED ON A REGULAR BASIS BY MY CLIENTS IS: HOW DO I USE MY PRODUCTS?
For most people the answers to these questions are the same, although there may be some variability based on individual needs. For a definitive answer based on your skin, I would advise you to make an appointment for a Consultation and Analysis, (C&A). During a C&A I cleanse the skin, and then take a detailed look under both a bright magnifying lamp and a black (Woods) lamp. After that is done I discuss in detail with each client what I see and what is the best course of action to address and correct their skin care concerns. We also discuss the products a client is currently using and how they can tweak their home skincare regimen to best suit the needs of their skin. I also always apply a corrective mask that targets clients concerns, and follow with a moisturizer suited to each person’s individual needs.
An appointment for a Consultation and Analysis can be made by clicking on the Facials button and following the link. It is quite affordable at a price of $35.00, and will be very beneficial to getting your skin on the right track.
So as far as how to use products there are a couple of suggestions I give to clients so they can get the best results from their skin care AND get the most use of their products. Let’s be honest, some products can be costly and I want you to get the most bang for your buck and not waste a drop. Additionally it is important to know how to get your product from the container onto your skin correctly. (Yes, there is a right and wrong way to do this.) In a previous blog, I have provided a picture that shows how much product to use and I love the fact that it is very clear and easy to understand.
With face cleansing, I tell clients to use their fingers and not a cloth or rag. Unless you are using a clean washcloth EVERY time you cleanse you may be doing more harm than good. When a cloth is damp it can start to grow mold and bacteria and I don’t want you putting that on your skin. So wash your hands, and then use your hands to wash your face. To dry use a paper towel or if you have a clean towel, pat (don’t wipe) your face dry. (See, I told you there was a right and wrong way to do things.)
Toner should be used after washing for a couple of reasons. First of all it removes any cleanser that may have been left behind (which can lead to blemishes if left there), and also because it cleans and leftover oils away so your products (especially the targeted ones) can get into your skin and do what they are meant to do.
Targeted products should always be the first products to go onto your skin once it is cleansed and toned. Targeted products are the performance products such as anti-wrinkle treatments, Vitamin C serums, eye Serums and treatments for hyperpigmentation (dark spots). If they are in a pump just use a pea sized amount and if they are in a jar please please use a Q-tip or other disposable item such as a popsicle stick broken in half (I buy mine at Michaels) or a spatula to remove the product from the container. Fingers should never be used, as they can introduce bacteria and dirt into your products.
Once the targeted products are on, you can finish up your regimen to make your skin ready for the day or for sleeping. These would be things such as eye creams, moisturizers, and SPF. Eye creams should always be applied with your middle or ring finger and gently patted under, on the sides and on the upper eyelids (so you don’t pull the delicate skin around the eyes). Also, please read the instructions on your eye cream to ensure it is safe for use on your upper lid. If you are unsure send me a text or private message via Facebook and I can help.
Moisturizer and SPF should be dotted around the face and rubbed in until it has been absorbed. You usually only need a pea sized amount for your entire face and neck. Yes, please pull your moisturizer done to your neck. And if you are wearing a v neck or scoop neck shirt apply a little to your décolleté also so you don’t have a youthful face and old looking neck and décolleté area.
Please remember these are general guidelines and may be different for each person based on their skin and skincare needs. If you are unsure about your products or need further guidance please schedule an appointment for a C&A so we can get you on the right track to correcting any concerns and having beautiful skin!