New Year, New You: Tips for Building the Best Skincare Routine

New Year New You Tips for Building the Best Skincare Routine

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to reset your skincare routine or build one from scratch. If you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 22 tips to help you build the best skincare routine.

Get to know your skin type.

Before you do anything else, you need to understand your skin type. If you don’t know this already, try this simple test: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and leave it for 30 minutes (don’t apply any products). After the half hour is up, examine your skin. If it feels flaky or tight, you have dry skin. If it feels greasy and shiny, you have oily skin. If you have red or irritated patches, you have sensitive skin. If you have none of the above, you have normal skin. And if some patches fit one description, but other parts match another, then you have combo skin. Once you know your skin type, you can choose products that match it accordingly.

Set your skincare goals.

Besides your skin type, you also need to understand your skincare goals. You might want to get your acne understand control, treat hyperpigmentation, get started with anti-aging skincare, or any other number of goals. We recommend focusing on one skincare goal at a time to prevent overloading your routine. For instance, you can worry about acne scarring once you reduce your active breakouts.

3-step skincare method

Follow a 3-step foundation.

At Lancer Skincare, we’re huge fans of the 3-step skincare method: polish, cleanse, and nourish. These three steps form the basis of The Lancer Method and are a great starting point for the best skincare routine. Once you master these three steps and get in the habit of using the products regularly, you can look into adding more steps to your routine if you want to.

Remove your makeup first.

If you wear makeup, we recommend removing it before you use your cleanser. That’s because facial cleansers aren’t really designed to break up heavy layers of cosmetics and will leave product behind on your face. There are many different makeup removers to choose from, including makeup wipes, micellar water, cleansing oils, and cleansing balms. Typically, the more makeup and sunscreen that you wear, the more powerful a makeup remover that you will need.

Choose the right cleanser.

Cleansing can be the most stripping part of your routine, which is why it’s essential to choose the right cleanser. Oily skin types benefit from foaming or gel cleansers that help to remove excess oil, while dry skin types usually prefer milk or cream cleansers that nourish this skin. Normal and combination skin types can use either, depending on the season and climate. Sensitive skin types should seek out gentle, hydrating cleansers

Exfoliate the right amount.

Depending on how much your skin can tolerate it and how strong your exfoliating product is, exfoliating daily with the right polish can be great for your skin. 

Don’t skip moisturizer.

Moisturizers are a must because they seal in water and oil and help to prevent moisture loss. Dry skin types usually prefer to use heavier cream moisturizers, while oily skin types prefer a lightweight gel moisturizer that soaks in quickly. Normal and combination skin types often enjoy using a midweight lotion that moisturizes the dry areas without smothering their more oily patches. Applying moisturizer should be the final step in each skincare routine to seal in the other products.

moisturizers are a must

Wear sunscreen every morning.

We know that we just said moisturizer should be the last step, but in the morning you should follow up your moisturizer with another product: sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things that you can do to prevent signs of aging and keep your skin looking healthy and young. Some sunscreens are even thick enough to act as moisturizers on their own, allowing you to combine those two steps into one and simplify your skincare routine.

Add in treatment serums.

If you’re looking to get results from your best skincare routine, then you need some serums packed full of active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol. These powerful ingredients offer lots of benefits to the skin and can make a big difference when used consistently. To avoid overpowering your skin, we recommend using one treatment serum per routine and occasionally giving your skin rest days to recover.

Try an eye cream if you’d like.

Eye creams aren’t strictly necessary (or you can just use a regular moisturizer around your eye area) but they can be a fun addition to your routine. If you want to use actives such as vitamin C and retinol around your eyes, then we recommend choosing eye creams specifically formulated for the delicate skin around that area. Products that you use on the rest of your face may be too powerful and irritate your eyes.

clarifying spot solution

Use spot treatments when necessary.

If you have acne blemishes, using a clarifying spot treatment can dry them out and help clear your face faster. For best results, we recommend applying these treatments only to the blemish itself. Spot treatments tend to be very strong and can cause dryness or irritation when applied to unblemished skin, so it’s best to use them sparingly.

Experiment with a face oil.

People with very dry skin sometimes benefit from using a face oil, which creates an occlusive layer on top of the skin to stop moisture loss. You can either apply a few drops of the oil on top of the moisturizer, or mix it directly into the moisturizer and then apply it to your face. We recommend that oily skin types stay away from these products, however, as adding extra oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Have fun with face masks.

Face masks are another completely optional step, but they can be really fun to add to your routine. Face masks can offer many different benefits, from hydrating to exfoliating to brightening to soothing, depending on the ingredients. They also come in different formats, such as a wash-off mask and a sheet mask, so you can choose the one that works best for you. We suggest applying a face mask to a clean, dry face after cleansing but before the rest of your routine.

face mask benefits

Don’t skip your neck and chest.

The skin on your neck and chest is very delicate, and you should absolutely be treating it with your skincare products! You do need to be careful with products that are potentially drying, like retinols and exfoliators, since you have fewer oil glands on your neck and chest than on your face. But you definitely can and should be applying gentle, effective skincare products on these areas, as well as sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed in the daytime.

Apply products in the right order.

Let’s say that you decide to go all-in and use all the products we’ve described here. In what order should you apply them? First, start with a makeup remover followed by a facial cleanser, then a face mask if you want to do one. Next, apply your serum, and top it off with a moisturizer and then either a sunscreen in the daytime (not optional) or a facial oil at night (optional). If you get stuck, just remember that leave-on treatments should be applied from thinnest to thickest and you’ll be golden.

Look for multipurpose products.

Overwhelmed by the idea of using this many products? There’s nothing wrong with a simple skincare routine. To cut back on the number of products that you are using, look for multipurpose products that offer multiple benefits and active ingredients in one. This will make your skincare routine more efficient and help stop your skin from being overwhelmed with too many products.

Introduce one new product at a time.

Whenever you get a new skincare set, it’s tempting to start using all the new products at once. However, we highly recommend introducing only one product at a time and giving your skin at least a week to adjust. This will make it easier to identify the cause if a new product triggers an allergic reaction. You may want to keep a log of how your skin reacts to each new product so you can track your progress over time and identify if you have any sensitivities to common ingredients.

Change your routine with the seasons.

The weather and climate have a big effect on your skin, which means that you will almost certainly need to change up your best skincare routine along with the seasons. That lightweight gel moisturizer that is perfect for summer may leave your skin parched and dry come wintertime, so don’t be afraid to pay attention to how your skin feels and switch things up as the year goes on.

Be patient with results.

Topical treatments take time to work, especially if you are using over-the-counter products with lower ingredient concentrations (as opposed to stronger prescription strength topical treatments). If you want faster results, you may need to visit a dermatologist or aesthetician office for professional strength treatments.

applying serum to face

Prioritize consistency.

The best skincare routine is the one that you can stick with every day, or nearly every day. If you find yourself skipping days or weeks because you have too many products, pare things down to the 3-step method we talked about above, plus a sunscreen in the morning. Using a few skincare products consistently is much more effective than using many different skincare sporadically or not at all.

Practice other healthy skin habits.

Healthy skin doesn’t start and stop with your best skincare routine. Other healthy habits — such as drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting enough sleep every night — also contribute to glowing, smooth skin. Once you’ve got your skincare routine on lockdown, try incorporating these other habits into your daily routine to give your skin even more of a boost.

Ready to get started with your best skincare routine? Order products from Lancer Skincare today and get free, fast shipping on your U.S. order today!

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Why Is My Skin So Dry Even When I Moisturize?

Why Is My Skin So Dry Even When I Moisturize

Dry skin is a relatively common condition, especially in the winter. Proper treatment is key for stopping dry skin from getting worse and preventing cracking, peeling, and other side effects. However, sometimes you will find that your skin is dry even when you moisturize, and it can be hard to discern the exact cause.

If your skin is dry no matter what anti-aging moisturizer you try, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we break down 16 possible reasons why your skin might be dry despite your best efforts. Keep in mind that there is rarely one single cause, and that most dry skin will be caused by multiple factors working together to dry out your skin. Without further ado, here are 16 reasons why your skin might be dry even if you are moisturizing regularly:

You’re over-cleansing, or using the wrong cleanser.

Out of your entire skin routine routine, cleansing is the step that has the potential to be the most stripping and drying. If you are cleansing too often, that can lead to dry skin no matter how much moisturizer you slather on. For instance, if you’re washing your face in the morning and at night, try only doing it once a day and just rinsing it with water the other time. You should also examine your cleansing for potentially drying ingredients such as sulfates and acids. Generally speaking, foaming cleansers will be more stripping while milk and cream cleansers are gentler on the skin, so the latter may be a better choice for you.

You use water that’s too hot.

We love a hot shower as much as the next person, but unfortunately hot water is very drying for your skin and hair. In fact, if you have been struggling with dry skin on your body as well as your face, then too-hot showers might be one of the culprits. Whether you are taking a shower or washing your face at the sink, the water should be lukewarm to warm, not hot to the touch. Also try to avoid hot tubs and other scenarios where you will be exposed to very hot water, especially for a long period of time.

spending too much time in the water

You’re spending too much time in the water.

Even if your baths and showers are lukewarm, they might be drying out your skin if you tend to stay in them for a very long time. Ideally, your showers should last a maximum of 5-10 minutes, and you should only shower once a day if possible. If you spend a lot of time swimming in pools, ocean, lakes, and other bodies of water, that can also dry out your skin. Chlorinated water such as swimming pools will further exacerbate the effects, because chlorine strips the natural oils from your skin. If you are struggling with very dry skin, try minimizing your time in water to see if that helps to ease your symptoms.

Your skin has been exposed to chlorinated or hard water.

Even if you’ve been good about taking quick, lukewarm showers, your water might still be drying out your skin due to the chemicals it contains. Hard water has a lot of calcium and magnesium dissolved in it. The presence of these minerals means that the water is less effective at washing away soap, leaving residue behind on your skin and leading to dryness and irritation. You can get test strips to determine how hard your water is. If your home does have hard water, you can get filters to help remove the minerals from the water to lessen its effects on your skin.

You use products with a lot of fragrance.

We hate to break it to you, but all those perfumes and scented body products might be seriously irritating your skin. Fragrances are created by certain volatile chemicals reacting together, and the presence of these chemicals can irritate your skin. Denatured alcohol is also a common carrier for scents. Unfortunately, this type of alcohol is notoriously drying to the skin as well. If you have been struggling with dry skin, it’s worth switching to a fragrance-free skin routine to see if that helps with skin that is dry even after moisturizing.

Your moisturizer contains drying ingredients

Your moisturizer contains drying ingredients.

Reading the ingredient label carefully is important, because some moisturizers can contain ingredients that dry out your skin. Look for a fragrance-free moisturizer with a short ingredient list that is free of potential ingredients. If you need extra moisture, consider layering on a hydrated facial oil or mixing it into your lotion.

You’re applying your moisturizer at the wrong time.

To get the most benefit out of your moisturizer, you should be applying it twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening; a.k.a. after each time you shower or wash your face. Ideally, you should apply your serums and then your moisturizer as soon as possible while your face is slightly damp. This will help to trap the water in your skin and help to combat dryness. If you wait even a couple of minutes, your face will dry out completely and your moisturizing products won’t be as effective.

You’re applying too much moisturizer.

Believe it or not, applying too much moisturizer can have adverse effects on your skin. That’s because using too much moisturizer or applying it too often can mess up your skin’s natural balance, smothering your skin and causing your skin to produce less oil than it should. Over time, this can reduce your oil production enough that it results in chronically dry skin. If you’ve been slathering your skin in moisturizer, try applying less or switching to a lighter product that won’t be as thick.

woman exfoliating face

You exfoliate too often.

Exfoliating regularly can offer many benefits for your skin, including smoothing out texture, reducing acne blemishes, and clearing out clogged pores. However, over-exfoliating can have seriously negative side effects for your skin, such as drying out your skin and even damaging your skin barrier. If you have been exfoliating multiple times a week or using very harsh exfoliating products, it doesn’t matter how much moisturizer you put on — your skin will still be dry. Try cutting back on exfoliating, switching to gentler products, or even giving your skin a break entirely to see if that soothes your dry skin.

You don’t exfoliate often enough.

On the other hand, not exfoliating enough can also contribute to dry skin. This is because if you don’t exfoliate, the dead skin will build up on your face, resulting in dry patches and making it harder for your skincare products to work effectively. Some gentle exfoliation one to two times a week will help smooth out these rough patches and make it easy to apply an even layer of moisturizer. We recommend choosing lower concentrations of acids to reduce the risks of over-exfoliating and irritating your skin.

You live in a harsh, cold, dry climate.

Certain factors that cause dehydrated skin have nothing to do with you, and living in a harsh, dry, and/or cold climate is one of those. However, just because you live in one of these areas, it doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to peeling, cracking skin. Try to minimize your time outdoors, especially when the weather is inclement, and cover up your skin with coats, hats, gloves, and scarves when you must go outside. Getting a humidifier for your home and/or office can also make a big difference by putting some moisture back into the air.

Youre not drinking enough water

You’re not drinking enough water.

Hydration doesn’t just happen from the outside in; it also happens from the inside out. If you’re not drinking enough water, then your skin will still be dry even if you are applying a gallon of moisturizer a day. If drinking plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try caffeine-free herbal teas for hot beverages, or infusing cold water with fruits and vegetables to give it some flavor. Most people need between three to four liters of fluid a day, depending on how much they sweat and other factors.

You’re not getting enough nutrients.

Getting the proper amounts of nutrients is key for skin health. If you’re deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, that could be contributing to dry skin. Some of the most important nutrients for skin health include vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. Getting these nutrients naturally through your diet is usually the best course of action, but you might also need to look into taking some kind of supplement or vitamin if you can’t get them through food and drinks.

You have underlying health conditions.

Many different health conditions feature dry skin as a side effect. This is especially true for skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. However, it can also be a side effect of many different internal health conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, renal failure, and HIV. If you are struggling with health issues, talk to your doctor about whether or not your dry skin could be related to any of them. In some cases, the dry skin will go away as the underlying causes are treated.

You are experiencing side effects of medications.

In some other cases, getting treatment for your medical conditions is what causes the dry skin. Numerous medications are known to dry out the skin, including blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, acne treatments, wrinkle creams, and antihistamines. In some cases, the effects are temporary as your skin adjusts to the medications, but in other situations the dryness will be ongoing. If you’re experiencing extremely dry skin, talk to your doctor about mitigating the side effects and potentially switching to another drug that might be less drying.

holding hand out dry skin

You are genetically predisposed to dry skin.

Certain factors, such as ethnicity and genetics, mean that certain people are more predisposed to dry skin than others. For instance, ethnicity plays a large role in how much water content your skin naturally contains and how fast water loss occurs. Aging is also a major contributing factor to dry skin: Oil production slows down as you age, and basically everyone has dry skin by age 60 or so. So if you feel like your skin has been getting drier as you age, it’s not just in your head — that really is happening.

Ready to soothe your face with skincare products specifically formulated for dry, dehydrated skin? Try out the Lancer Skincare method to see what a difference hydrating, soothing skincare products can make. All of our products get free, fast shipping in the contiguous U.S. (no order minimum needed) so don’t hesitate to order today!

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What You Need to Know about Hyperpigmentation

Lancer Skincare - Hyperpigmentation Causes and Treatment

I have many patients who come to me with hyperpigmentation, in which blotches of skin, usually on the face, turn darker than normal. For many people, this is a very distressing skin condition. They worry about the possible causes of hyperpigmentation, how it affects their overall appearance and whether it can be treated. However, I find that when patients understand what hyperpigmentation is, many of their concerns are allayed.

Continue reading “What You Need to Know about Hyperpigmentation”

Why Skin Polishing is an Ideal Oily Skin Treatment

Why Skin Polishing is an Ideal Oily Skin Treatment

People with oily skin often feel like there’s no way to reduce excess oil and blemish-causing bacteria without irritating the skin. However, skin polishing is an ideal oily skin treatment. When you polish your skin, you remove surface layers of dirt, makeup, and pollutants that can clog your pores and irritate your skin, while scrubbing away excess oil and sebum that further exacerbate blemishes. When you remove this surface debris, you reveal skin that’s smoother and younger looking. Your own beautiful skin shines through, without the pore-clogging buildup that can dull your radiance.

Continue reading “Why Skin Polishing is an Ideal Oily Skin Treatment”

Why Should I Use a Face Mask?

should i use a facemask

By now, we’ve all seen someone on social media, in a magazine, or on an airplane with a—let’s be honest here—slightly unnerving-looking sheet mask covering their face. Thankfully, at this point most of us know what we’re looking at. While the look of a sheet mask is a bit Phantom of the Opera, the benefits are well worth the unusual appearance.

Continue reading “Why Should I Use a Face Mask?”

The Ultimate Guide to Younger Looking Skin

younger skin - the ultimate guide

Anti-Aging Secrets to Younger Looking SkinThere are two types of aging: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process, where our genetics determine when our skin becomes thinner and drier, loses some of its youthful fullness, or get visible lines on our face. Extrinsic aging, however, is based on one’s environment and lifestyle choices, and can lead to early signs of aging. While you may not be able to control your genetics or your natural environment, you can control your skin’s appearance and prevent further signs of aging. Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Younger Looking Skin”

Glowing On the Go: Tips for Skincare While Traveling

Glowing On the Go: Tips for Skincare While Traveling
Glowing On the Go: Tips for Skincare While Traveling

These recommendations from Dr. Lancer will minimize the effects of travel stress on your skin.

Stick to your routine.

When you travel, your daily routine might be unpredictable. Whether you are in all-day meetings in a conference room or hiking in Kauai, maintaining a consistent skincare regimen helps ensure that changes in your schedule don’t translate to changes on your skin.

Continue reading “Glowing On the Go: Tips for Skincare While Traveling”

10 Tips for Flawless Skin This Year – Infographic

10 Tips for Flawless Skin This Year
10 Tips for Flawless Skin This Year

Make your skin glowing and radiant for the season! Apply these 10 easy tips to have flawless skin.

  1. Avoid hot water for showers & baths. Excessive heat dries out skin.
  2. Apply sunscreen more frequently—once in the morning won’t protect you all day.
  3. Eat fresh food – preferably organic.
  4. Avoid eating yeast & sugar. An overflow in your body causes inflammation.
  5. Remove make-up before sweat-inducing exercise.
  6. Get regular facials from a licensed aesthetician.
  7. Wash your pillowcase every week with a fragrance-free, gentle laundry detergent.
  8. Don’t touch your face! And clean anything that does touch your face (like cellphones).
  9. See your dermatologist for an annual head-to-toe skin exam.
  10. Prevent visible signs of aging & maintain youthful skin by investing in high-end skincare.

[SOURCE]

Dr. Lancer. Younger: The Breakthrough Anti-Aging Method for Radiant Skin. p. 11-6, 15, 155, 162-76, 184, 189, 200-1.

The Importance of Manual Exfoliation

The Importance of Manual Exfoliation
The Importance of Manual Exfoliation

Everyone has their own distinct bedtime routine; perhaps it begins with watching their favorite TV show, then brushing their teeth, washing their face, and finally climbing back into bed to wind down with a book or magazine or the news. While there can be an infinite number of variations on a typical bedtime routine, there is one important aspect of hitting the sheets that shouldn’t be ignored; exfoliating. Many people mistakenly believe that by simply using a cleanser to wash their face, they’ve done enough to rid their skin of any makeup, dirt, or free radicals from their day. Although some cleansers can be excellent for removing makeup, simply washing your face leaves residual debris from throughout your day lingering on your “clean” complexion. These debris leads to clogged pores, uneven skin tone and other unsightly side effects. Continue reading “The Importance of Manual Exfoliation”

What Factors Cause Rosacea?

What Factors Cause Rosacea?

It is estimated that one in ten people is afflicted with Rosacea, and while it is not a dangerous condition, it can be uncomfortable and very frustrating. Rosacea is a lifelong condition that tends to ebb and flow over the course of a person’s life. Rosacea has gathered more attention in recent years as dermatologists begin to understand more completely what triggers rosacea and how it can change over a person’s lifetime. In fact, it has become known that celebrities and famous figures, like Princess Diana and Bill Clinton, have dealt with the skin condition. Continue reading “What Factors Cause Rosacea?”