WHAT DOES REGIMEN MEAN?
As an esthetician, I get frequent questions about skin care regimens. Clients want to understand what they are and what is most effective for their skin type. Additionally, they like to know how much product to use. These are my favorite questions because I love talking about skin care. However, I thought a blog post would be beneficial since it is a confusing topic for many. There are many different types of regimens for skin care but I will discuss the two most common. Both of these skin care regimens will work for BOTH men and women.
Although skin care regimens have changed over the years, the idea is pretty much the same. Treat (improve the skin) or maintain the skin. Regimen is from the Latin word Regere which means to rule. Regimen according to the Dictionary means – a plan or set of rules about food, exercise or health to make someone become or stay at their optimum health. I do not believe we need to be so extreme as to call your skin care routine a ‘rule’. Think of it more as a healthy habit.
Let us discuss the two basic types of skin care regimens – Maintenance and Treatment. Maintenance is generally to maintain the skin’s current state and slow down aging. It also is to prevent breakouts, discoloration or sagging. The maintenance routine will keep your skin looking nice. As long as your diet is clean and not full of processed foods, it will also keep you free of breakouts.
Maintenance Regimen:
*Cleanse
*Moisturize
*Eye Treatment
*SPF – if necessary
For a treatment regimen, serums, scrubs and masks are included. These products are stronger and penetrate the skin more deeply. Serums are often a thinner consistency allowing for better absorption. These products are intended to treat the skin. They are meant to reverse damage or improve the skin’s current state.
Treatment Regimen:
*Cleanse
*Mask or Scrub (a couple times a week)
*Tone
*Serum
*Moisturize
*Eye Treatment
*SPF – if necessary
Of course, regular facials also help tremendously for whatever regimen you choose. Facial massage and extractions can maintain and improve the skin’s appearance. Additionally, massage can help relieve muscle tension which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
As you can see from the two different routines, there is only a small difference between maintaining and treating. An important thing I would like to mention is that your nighttime routine is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than your morning routine. Your skin cells are regenerating while you sleep, so make sure you have a wonderful serum and night cream on your skin before you go to bed. Let your body do the rest of the work! There really is such a thing as ‘beauty sleep’. Washing your face every evening will make all the difference!
Now that you know the two different types of routines, you may be wondering how much product to use. I like to be a little generous with these amounts. I love products so tend to go a little on the heavy side. Feel free to go with less or more, depending on your preference. This is just a simple guide that I have found useful. These amounts should cover the face, neck and decollete.
Product Size:
Cleanser – Almond Size
Mask/Scrub – Walnut Size
Toner – Couple of Spritz or a Damp Cotton Ball
Serum – Pea Size
Moisturizer – Blueberry Size
Eye Cream – Sunflower Seed Size
SPF – Blueberry Size
Choose the regimen that works best for you and one that you will stick to regularly. Consistency is important with skin care. If you forget to wash your face a couple days a week, you will see the results of that choice.
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