6 Things You May Not Have Known About Your Skin Care Routine

With the amount of time you spend pampering your complexion, you probably think you’ve learned everything there is to know about your skin by now. But trust us when we say that when it comes to your skin and your skin care routine, there is a whole lot going on that you might not be aware of! Ready for a skin care lesson? Consider this your skin care 101 guide. 

1. Everyone’s Skin Has Different Needs

Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean everyone else has this type, too. In fact, that are quite a few different kinds of skin out there ranging from oily to dry to combination to sensitive. When putting together your daily skin care routine, look for products that are designed for your specific skin type and build a regimen that works best for you. While oily skin might require more frequent exfoliation, sensitive skin may need to take it easy on this skin care step, for example. Meanwhile, combination skin might require using two separate moisturizers on different areas of the face, since your T-Zone might be oily and your cheeks might be dry. Remember: Everyone is different—and that’s totally OK!

2. Sleeping in Your Makeup Is a Really Bad Idea

So, you got home from a long day and all you want to do is snuggle up under your down comforter and get comfy in front of the TV. Before you do that, though, don’t forget to remove your makeup! Going to bed with a full face on is not the smartest idea. Here’s why: All that makeup can mix with the dirt and oil that’s been building up on your skin during the day, which can clog pores (and clogged pores can lead to breakouts). To make things easier on yourself, leave a bottle of micellar water and a pack of cotton pads on your nightstand. Micellar water is a gentle cleansing option, as it is powered by tiny oil molecules suspended in water that help lift dirt, oil, and makeup residue up and away from your skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, which removes long-wear makeup—even stubborn mascara. Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe it across your face. If you’re using it for eye makeup removal, hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds, then wipe. There’s no rinsing or rubbing required with micellar water!

3. Moisturizer Should Be a Key Part of Your Routine—Regardless of Your Skin Type

Yep, you should slather on a face lotion even if you have oily skin. When you use cleanser to wash your face, it can strip your skin of essential moisture. So, if you’re naturally oil, your skin might be tricked into thinking it needs to produce even more oil to make up for what has been lost. If that’s the case, you may want to look for a moisturizer that’s designed for your skin type to rebalance and ensure that your skin looks mattified, not oily. Not sure where to start? Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin. These water-based moisturizers are formulated with aloe water and hyaluronic acid and can help provide long-lasting hydration. Tip: Apply moisturizer to damp skin to help lock in hydration.

4. Skin Care Shouldn’t Stop at Your Face

Do you only apply your serum, sunscreen, and anti-aging routines to your jawline? It’s time to take things further and pay attention to your neck. If you’re not showing the skin on your neck the same love as the skin as your face, all your work could be for nothing. So, the next time your slathering on the anti-aging cream, put some on your neck, too. Try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition – Golden Balm Face, Neck, and Chest, which helps to nourish and strengthen mature skin. Morning and evening, apply the balm to cleansed skin and smooth until absorbed.

5. Sunscreen Should Be the Last Step in Your Skin Care Routine

It’s important to wear SPF even when it’s cold outside. That’s because you can still get burned even on cloudy days. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are two kinds of rays emitted by the sun: UVA and UVB. Both types of rays can cause skin damage when your skin is not protected and exposed to the sun. That damage can show up down the road as visible signs of aging, like dark spots and wrinkles. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher for everyday use and applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher if you’re going to be spending an extended amount of time out in the sun. You should apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you step outside and reapply every two hours. Sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine (after cleansing, applying serum, and using moisturizer) before you put on your makeup. If you find you’re always in a rush in the morning, consider reaching for a moisturizer formulated with SPF, to shorten your morning routine. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30, which provides broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays. 

6. It’s Definitely Worth Exfoliating Your Face and Body

Exfoliating is the process of sloughing away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Why that’s important: As you age, your skin’s natural ability to shed dead skin cells slows down, which can result in a dull-looking complexion. Exfoliating can also help your other skin care products work better, since they won’t be sitting on top of that dead skin cell buildup. There are two kinds of exfoliation: mechanical and physical. Mechanical exfoliation involves physically scrubbing your skin, while chemical exfoliation involves the use of acids or enzymes to help break down the surface buildup. How often you should exfoliate varies from person to person—some are able to do so a few times a week, while others can only handle it once a week. And remember: Your body can benefit from exfoliating, too! Try the L’Oréal Paris Go 360° Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub, which gently exfoliates dull, dead skin cells and helps to remove oil, dirt, and makeup.