Skincare Skinny: An Honest Guide

Repeat after us, less is more. 

While great skin is in part, a function of dumb genetic luck, mostly it’s the result of diligence, good habits and quality products. But what and how much product? THAT is the question. Lean in for a secret ... it’s not nearly as much as the beauty industry would like us to believe. 

Don’t tell them we told you, but great skincare comes down to a few important elements and a simple routine. Ultimately, caring for your skin is personal, but there are some things to keep in mind to help you sort through all the beauty industry's noise. 

Here’s what most people need: a thorough but gentle cleanser; a targeted serum; a great moisturizer; and sunscreen. While the products in your skincare  should incorporate hydrating ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants (and retinol for some), that does not have to mean a mind-boggling and wallet-bruising routine. With the right multi-tasking products, your daily regimen will be streamlined into a few manageable steps so you can get out the door faster and into your day. 

1. Cleansing is vital for healthy skin. 

Nighttime cleansing removes make-up, impurities, dead skin cells and excess oil. Morning cleansing removes any toxins that build up while you sleep and preps skin for serums and fresh make-up application. It’s important to use a cleanser that is both gentle and effective. A tight, parched feeling after cleansing probably means your cleanser is too harsh.

Dual Charcoal Detox uses two kinds of charcoal to deep clean your pores - removing oil, make-up and impurities - while simultaneously leaving behind a light touch of Jojoba to nourish your skin.

2. Serums are like a multi-vitamin for your skin.

Filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients, these elixirs can mitigate a number of issues, from dark spots to wrinkles. Even if you don’t have any specific problem areas, everyone can use an antioxidant serum in the morning to combat free radicals (a major contributor to aging skin) and protect from daily aggressors.

Jasmine Vital Oil is a multi-functioning and skin-saturating hybrid that contains high concentrations of several nourishing botanical oils and nutrient-rich algaes to flood skin with the elements it needs to be hydrated, healthy and protected.

3. Moisturizers seal the deal, locking in serum and hydrating skin. 

Gel creams can be used alone for lightweight moisturizing and Jasmine Vital Cream is a concentrated serum-like treatment with added conditioning to stand alone as a light (summer) moisturizer. For skin that needs a little more - or for seasons outside of summer - our signature product, Smoothing Marine Cream, hydrates and gently exfoliates and acts as a third line of defense in fighting free radicals. And for the harsh winter months (or for people with very dry skin), Deep Moisture Mask is a penetrating, hydration treatment.

The creams you use at night should be focused on repairing your skin while you sleep, which is when this restorative process is most effective. This is a great time for retinol, which speeds cellular turnover and corrects dark spots. Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream uses both conventional retinols and a time-release retinol, as well as colloidal oatmeal, to allow for gradual absorption and to counter the irritation normally associated with retinols. 

4. Sunscreen is your final step and vital to protecting your investment. 

There’s no better way to fight the aging process than to get ahead of it. Wear it in all types of weather, throughout the year.