Want To Start A New Skincare Routine? Here’s What You Need To Do

Remember your first skincare routine? I bet it looked a lot like a foamy bar of soap or cream cleanser, a bottle of toner and some cotton pads, and maybe a little lotion or acne spot treatment. Sound familiar? I bet you couldn’t imagine following that same regimen now. That's because as we get older and as our skin changes and ages, we adapt our skincare routine.

When it comes to skincare, routines vary from person to person. They can be minimal or extreme, depending on your type of skin, environment, age, and budget. It’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed when presented with such a wide variety of cleansers, serums, moisturizers, hydrators, eye creams, acne treatments, and oils.

Proper skincare is essential to the health and radiance of your skin, and research shows that the industry is not slowing down anytime soon. The U.S. skincare market alone is projected to reach nearly $11 billion in sales next year.¹ The cost associated with the treatment of acne exceeds $3 billion annually in the U.S. as well.² Consumers are more vested in developing a skincare routine now more than ever.

If you’re thinking of starting a brand-new skincare routine, or adding new products to your existing regimen, there are important things to consider. In order to get the results you want, practicing patience and understanding your skin are the keys to success.

I.D. Your Skin Type

If you don’t already have a pretty good idea what your skin type is, you definitely want to be able to identify that before beginning a new routine. It will help you narrow down your shopping list and address all potential concerns. You don’t want to purchase a facial cleanser meant for dry skin if your skin errs on the oily side, that’s for sure! Skin types are typically as follows:

• Dry
• Oily
• Combination (dry + oily)
• Sensitive
• Normal

Start With Samples

This is super easy to do, and I highly recommend this for all skin types - especially if you’re prone to acne or allergic reactions (sensitive skin). During your next trip to your favorite beauty supply store, ask for samples before you make a commitment. You just never know - and what works for your friends, family members, or even celebrities won’t necessarily work for you. It’s the easiest way to do a little “test run” so you can see if the product works well, and most importantly, ensure that you don't experience a reaction (think: hives, blisters, and burning) or a full-blown allergic reaction (think: long-term rashes or pain). Sample it up, please!

Have Patience

Once you’ve started a new product or a whole new routine altogether, it’s important to pay close attention to see how your skin is reacting to it. This is where you get up close and personal with your complexion, inspecting for dry skin, flakes, redness, or acne. If you notice your skin isn’t improving but rather looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to reduce the frequency in which you’re using your new products.

Another important fact to note: Most active ingredients in skincare products need at least two months or so to take full effect and achieve your desired results. So practice patience, grasshopper. Just because your skin hasn’t improved immediately doesn’t mean that it won’t. Your skin needs time to adjust to the new routine.

Figure Out What Works

Unless you have an allergic reaction -- and if you do, please stop using whatever it is you’re using -- you’ve got to narrow down what works for you. Remember that typically, unless otherwise noted, skincare products shouldn’t irritate or sting your skin. Identifying your skin type is the most effective way to avoid a reaction and find the beauty products that will make your skin flourish!

Buying samples allows you to try a few different options to help you choose what you like, what feels good, and what you think will ultimately work for you.

And to my sensitive skin folks: choose wisely. Unscented, natural products that contain calming ingredients are your best bet. Be warned though, even products that claim they are “unscented” can still contain a masking agent to cover up chemical scents. It can still cause an allergic reaction.³

Discuss With A Dermatologist

If you’re not sure where to start with new skincare, consult a dermatologist or esthetician. Simply ask a professional for their opinions and recommendations, especially if you develop a reaction, or if your new products make your skin feel uncomfortable.

A dermatologist can offer knowledgeable suggestions and prescribe medications or products to help you on your path to healthy and clear skin.

The Perfect Start To Amazing Skincare: Alana Mitchell Skincare Full Line Kit

Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer 2oz:
Perfect for a variety of skin types, especially dry, combo, and sensitive skin, Alana's Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer delivers hydrating, anti-aging, and rejuvenating results! This formula is a wonderful option for those with rosacea, eczema, and sensitive skin, and is artificial fragrance- and paraben-free!

Alana Mitchell Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser 6oz:
The perfect starting point to any skin care regimen, Alana Mitchell is proud to announce her Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser! This gentle, daily, pore-refining wash is great for all skin types and was designed to deliver healthy, glowing skin. This wonderful cleanser is non-tingling and soothing.

Alana Mitchell Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum 2oz:
Designed with dry, combo, and sensitive skin in mind, this ultra-hydrating serum harnesses the power of Hyaluronic Acid to bind moisture to the skin. It works to plump fine lines and wrinkles by promoting 10x hydration, and is proudly artificial fragrance- and paraben-free! This product is ideal for use before your moisturizer and/or makeup application to hydrate and plump dehydrated facial lines. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving behind any residue.

Alana Mitchell Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream .5oz:
This moisturizing eye cream is made with multi-peptides and anti-enzyme plant extracts to diminish fine lines and guard against future signs of aging.

Alana Mitchell 4-in-1 Cleansing Pod - 2 Pack:
The 4-in-1 Cleansing Pod was designed to deliver the benefits of a cleanser, sponge, masque, and exfoliant in one easy-to-use product.

Alana Mitchell Quick Comeback Masque:

Designed to deliver instant tightening, smoothing, and toning results, the Alana Mitchell Quick Comeback Masque is perfect for those who want to firm up their skin for a night on the town.

*As always, all Alana Mitchell products come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Free shipping on all U.S. orders!

Final Thoughts

I hope this blog serves as a guide to help you find the products you’re looking for, and, more importantly, a skincare regimen that makes you feel as great as you look. Whether you’re more of a minimalist or prefer an entire countertop full of the latest and greatest skincare products, taking proper care of your skin through a regular routine is the way to go!

What did your first skincare routine look like way back when? What are some of your go-to products now? Let us know in the comments!

^{1 http://www.gcimagazine.com/marketstrends/segments/skincare/US-Skin-Care-Market-to-Reach-Nearly-11-Million-in-2018-311287121.html}

^{2 https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions}

^{3 http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin-reactions#1}