The 4 Elements of Skincare

BY ERIN FINAN

With the overwhelming amount of skincare products out there with so many promised benefits, it can be a daunting task to create a quick and simple skincare routine. A truly simple skincare routine only needs four elements, and the products used should cover a wide range of functions and provide the most health benefits for one’s skin.

The essential elements to a quick skincare routine are cleanser, a treatment option, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Different skin types have different needs and the type of skin one has will also dictate what products and essential ingredients you need in the routine.

1cleansers Cleansing can be the most stripping step in a skincare routine. Therefore, it is important to prioritize hydration. Using a gentle cleanser that will not strip the skin of its natural oils and can supply the skin with additional hydration is important. Key ingredients for these cleansers will be hyaluronic acid and glycerin. A great product for this is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. For more oily skin, however, the Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a substitute. It has the same hydrating ingredients while also providing additional exfoliation with salicylic acid.

2treatments A staple treatment option for a simple skincare routine is a niacinamide treatment. Niacinamide can be found in other products like moisturizers, but it can also be used on its own in a distinct formula. A niacinamide treatment on its own should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. A great product that includes niacinamide is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Another treatment option is an exfoliating treatment. There are many kinds of exfoliators and each has varying levels of effectiveness. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid physical exfoliants, as they can be extremely damaging to the skin. Physical exfoliants should be swapped for a chemical exfoliant if available.

Avoid facial cleansers with microbeads or sugar scrub exfoliators. Exfoliators in any form function by removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin which leaves the skin more vulnerable than usual and therefore should be applied at night when sun exposure is least likely. For those who are new to chemical exfoliants, products with salicylic acid are a great place to start. It is a gentle exfoliator that can be found in cleansers or can be used in its own formula. Two chemical exfoliants that are slightly stronger than salicylic acid are AHA and BHA exfoliating treatments. Effective products that are focused on these ingredients are the Kale-Lalu-yAHA exfoliator from KraveBeauty and the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice.

3Moisturizer is not just for those with dry skin. The skin creates natural oils, and if stripped of those oils, it will compensate by producing more. Therefore, even those with oily skin should use moisturizer. There are varying levels of moisturization and differences in skin types should be considered when deciding what to use. For those with dry or normal skin, a thicker moisturizer with glycerin and natural oils will be extremely beneficial. A product to fit these needs is the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream from Youth To The People. For those with oily or combination skin, a light, water-based moisturizer that still contains hydrating ingredients is best. A product to fit these needs is the Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream.

4sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most crucial step in a simple skincare routine. Any sunscreen is good sunscreen in this case! Whether one prefers a moisturizer with sunscreen mixed in or a sunscreen separate from other products, your skin will thank you for implementing sunscreen in your skincare routine. For adequate protection from UV rays, however, try to find a sunscreen with around 30 SPF.

Those four essential elements to a skincare routine are really all one needs. Once you feel comfortable with these steps, feel free to add more products and ingredients like toners, retinols, collagens, and more. But if you do not have a lot of time to create a lengthy skincare routine with a lot of products, sticking to this quick and simple routine is really all one needs to have healthy and happy skin.

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GIRLS EAT GREEN GODDESS SALADS

BY MIA WALSH PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Start to finish time: 20 minutes Serving size: 4

Salads can be boring. In fact, many people might say they are flavorless and bland. When the only ingredients present are lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons, it can become repetitive fairly quickly. Enter: Green Goddess Salad. This salad and its dressing are amazing because they can be eaten alone with a fork, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip with chips and crackers. Made popular on TikTok via Baked By Melissa, we guarantee this dish will not only give you a nice serving of vegetables, but it will also make you forevermore a “salad person.”

STEPS:

Step 1: Finely chop and dice all salad ingredients. If the blender you have is low power, you can also dice salad ingredients for a smoother dressing.

Step 2: Combine in a large bowl. This can be the same bowl used to serve the salad.

Step 3: Combine all salad dressing ingredients into a blender, adding the liquids first. Add the lid and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Pour dressing over the chopped salad and mix until coated well. For best results, toss with a spatula or large spoon.

INGREDIENTS:

Salad:

• 1 small cabbage, finely chopped • 1 large cucumber, diced • 1/2 bunch of green onion greens, finely chopped • 1/2 cup of chives, finely chopped

Salad Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar • 2 lemons, juiced • 1/4 c olive oil • 1 c fresh spinach • 2 garlic cloves • 1/4 c cashews • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 small shallot

Now you can enjoy your Green Goddess salad however you choose! Remember to eat your vegetables and store leftovers covered in a refrigerator.