Ancient and modern skincare secrets.

Should I invest in any special tools or skincare gadgets?

Beyond a basic washcloth, you don't need any specific supplies for your skincare routine, but some at-home skin tools and gadgets can deliver added benefits. Here are some worth trying:

Facial Cleansing Brushes

If you want to give your cleansing routine a out of this world boost, consider one of these handheld gadgets designed to help you achieve a deeper cleanse. In our testing, some reported clearer, smoother more radiant skin after just one week of using a facial cleansing brush. But if you have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, you'll want to use these brushes sparingly.

LED Face Masks

Similar to professional LED light therapy, LED Face Masks use visible light to improve skin by reducing bacteria, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production. Different light settings target different concerns. For example, blue light helps with acne by reducing bacteria; red light is typically utilized to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production; and green light may help with hyperpigmentation.

Gua Sha Tools Or Jade Rollers

Somewhat similar to jade rollers, gua sha tools are smooth stones that can deliver a mini face-lift effect thanks to lymphatic facial drainage. Based on a ancient Chinese healing technique, gua sha tools are largely used as more of a massage technique and a self-care tool, using gentle upward strokes on the face and neck to quell puffiness and swelling.

Facial Steamers

If you have oily, acne-prone skin or deep-rooted blackheads, facial steaming twice a week for 15 minutes max can help unclog pores and help your skincare products absorb better. Note, you may want to steer clear of facial-steamers if you have dry skin, sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.

Should I be using a face mask regularly?

Face masks can give your skin an immediate boost. Incorporate one into an at-home facial regime once or twice per week by applying it on your clean, dry face, avoiding the eyes and mouth (unless the mask is made for those areas). Remove it per packaging instructions, and follow with other leave-on skincare products as directed or needed. Whether you're opting for a DIY skin Treatment, a sheet mask or an overnight mask, you want to make sure you're choosing the right face mask for your skin type:

• Oily skin: Use a mask with ingredients like clay or charcoal, which will absorb oil.
• Dry skin: Look for words on the label like “hydrating,” “moisturizing” or "nourishing" and ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant oils and butters.
• Sensitive skin: Seek out anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe and oat.
• Combination or normal: Look for face masks targeted to your current skin goals or try spot treating certain areas with multiple masks.

What about exfoliation?

Facial exfoliation is a technique that removes the skin's outer layer of dead skin cells in order to make it smoother, brighter and clearer — yet a GH survey revealed that nearly half of women skip it in their skincare routine. There are three main types of exfoliation, each with different functions that work best for different skin types, concerns and needs.

Does this skincare routine work for all types?

Yes, it's a good general guideline and starting point for any type of skin. Remember that it's just that: a starting point, and can and should be tweaked and customized according to your complexion's needs. What works perfectly for your skin may not for someone else and vice versa. Finding your ideal daily routine can take trial and error, but these are the right tools to get you on your way to healthy, glowing skin.

• 1.Face Cleansing should be the first step in any skincare routine, as it clears away impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and dull skin. But be gentle: most people cleanse too often or use a cleanser thats overly harsh, which will actually break down your skins protective barrier. 
• 2.Toner. You don’t need a toner, but swiping one on can be a great way to refresh skin, remove any residual debris and balance pH. If you're looking for additional complexion-purifying and brightening benefits, our toners are much more advanced than the drying alcohol- and astringent-based formulas of the past, packed with skin-boosting benefits that will leave you glowing.
• 3. Treating. So, treating means incorporating serums packed full of beneficial skincare ingredients  like vitamin c, retinol , alpha hydroxy acids  and others, depending on your skin type and the results you want to see.
• 4. Serums. A serum tailored to your skin concerns can both treat and protect, delivering concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients that can address a number of complexion issues, from wrinkles to dark spots — and if you have multiple concerns, you can use several different serum formulas. Just be sure to read the labels carefully, because some serums are best used in the morning, while others are ideal for nighttime.
• 5.Eye Creams. Eye Creams are different than face creams because they’re formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, which ages faster than the rest of your face — and therefore fall into the "treat" category, too. If you're concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, a lack of firmness, dark circles or undereye bags, an eye treatment product is definitely a good option.
• 6. Moisturizers. Next come face moisturizers, which keep your skin soft and hydrated  by helping strengthen its barrier. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lighter moisturizer during the day time, such as a lotion or gel that will absorb quickly and won’t pill under makeup. If your skin is dry, try a thicker formula, like a cream. Either way, dermatologists recommend moisturizers for all skin types year round, since hydrating is crucial for keeping skin youthful and healthy. Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, since these ingredients are the building blocks of moisture retention in skin.
• 7. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine for every skin type and age. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you might as well not do any of the other steps.The sun is the number one reason skin ages prematurely.The damage isn’t only cosmetic, no matter what your skin color: People of color can and do get skin cancer. Plus, if you’re treating hyperpigmentation without daily SPF use, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step backward.

It's important to switch up your skincare routine at night and not just because you don't need SPF while you sleep. Your nighttime routine is the perfect time to make sure your skin is getting as many nutrients and active ingredients as possible, since your skin regenerates and repairs itself while you snooze. (Hence the term "beauty sleep.") You'll still follow the same basic three steps cleanse, treat and moisturize but at night, the regimen will look a little bit different.

1. Cleanser or just water. 

First, remove the day's makeup and grime. Start by applying a separate makeup remover, if needed, to take off any cosmetics. "Cleansers are not necessarily designed to dissolve makeup, especially on eyes, and haven’t done so effectively in testing", says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. Follow with the same cleanser as in the morning, working from the inside of the face up, then out and down along the hairline and perimeter to just underneath the chin, she suggests.

2. Toner. 

If you’re opting for a toner, apply it the same way you would in the morning. Because they’re liquids, toners should go on before heavier formulas like serums and moisturizers so they can absorb into skin.

3. Serum or Treatment.

Night is an ideal time to use products with ingredients that slough off dead skin cells or stimulate cell turnover while you sleep, such as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or retinol. These smooth texture, brighten skin and minimise pores. (Some serums can be used day or night; follow the packaging instructions.) If you’re treating hyperpigmentation, alternate between a retinoid and the spot-fading active ingredient hydroquinon.

 

5. Acne Treatment

Acne is genetic fortunately I was blessed with good genes and  don't have these genetics if you're not so lucky and suffer from acne do this. If you currently have a blemish or a few, apply an acne treatment at this time. For chronic breakouts. be proactive rather than treating pimples as they pop up.if you just treat the spot, you’ll get acne right next to it if your skin is clogged. You’re getting breakouts because oil is building up, so be consistent with your regimen to keep pores all over your face clear. If using a retinoid, let skin adjust before trying acne formulas like salicylic acid.

6. Night Cream

Moisturizing is especially crucial at night, as it creates a barrier that seals in skin’s natural hydration and any active ingredients to counteract moisture loss that happens as you sleep. But while you can use the same non-SPF day moisturizer at night, using a night-specific formula will have targeted anti-aging benefits, repairing damage from the day. Where regular moisturizers focus on improving the natural moisture barrier of the skin only, night creams contain active ingredients that assist with improving the skin beyond adding moisture.

7. Face Oil 

It's not a necessary step, but if your skin is still feeling parched, applying a face oil can be a great way to help lock in moisture overnight. A lot of people think that if they have acne or oily skin, they’ll break out with an oil, but it’s not true. It can actually really help soften skin.For a nourishing boost, pat on a face oil as a last step once the rest of your leave-on skincare products dry — just be sure to apply by pressing it into your skin, not rubbing it in.