Welcome to a new year, a fresh start and an opportunity to craft your ultimate skincare routine! If you've been holding back on creating a personalized regimen, now’s the perfect time to make a change and give your skin the love and attention it deserves. Let's walk through four simple steps for a skincare routine that will leave you glowing all year long.

A STRUCTURED SKINCARE ROUTINE LEADS TO HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN

Creating a skincare routine might seem like a lot of work. Do you really need to be so meticulous? The answer is a resounding yes! A structured skincare routine is the best way to achieve a healthy, balanced complexion. Your skin is a living organ with unique needs, and a proper routine provides the targeted care necessary to maintain its barrier function, regulate oil production and support hydration.

Plus, by consistently using the right combination of products, you can address skin conditions like acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, all while protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Over time, this consistency allows active ingredients to work effectively at a cellular level. The result? Long-term benefits and a natural, radiant glow.

If you're ready to get started, here are four steps for a skincare routine that will have you looking your best in no time!

STEP 1: ASSESS YOUR SKIN’S NEEDS

The first step for your tailored skincare routine is understanding your skin's unique needs. This involves taking a closer look at its current state to recognize your skin type and skin concerns that need to be addressed. Ask yourself:

• Do I have oily, dry, combination, sensitive or normal skin?
• Am I struggling with a specific skin condition, such as acne, rosacea or eczema?
• Do any areas of my skin feel tight, rough or irritated?
• Do I have any concerns about aging or sun damage?
• How does my skin typically react to different skincare products or ingredients?

Use your answers to craft a list of skincare goals and concerns to keep in mind. You should also take stock of your current products and review what's working, what's not working and what might need replacing.

STEP 2: BUILD A SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE ROUTINE

The key to successful steps for a skincare routine is keeping them simple and targeted. Focus on the basics with this four-step process that provides your skin with everything it needs:

CLEANSE

Cleansing is a crucial first step in any skincare routine. Not only does cleansing remove makeup, dirt and impurities, but it also prepares your skin to absorb the rest of your products.

Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and avoid harsh drugstore brands that can lead to irritation.

Try our Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid, which is safe for all skin types and minimizes pores and hyperpigmentation.

TREAT

Time to address any specific skin conditions. This step for a skincare routine includes targeted treatments for acne, dark spots, signs of aging, inflammation, rosacea and more. However, if you're just starting to build your first routine, try a universal serum that benefits many skin types and conditions like our Daily Skin Clarifier.

BALANCE

Next, it's important to balance your skin's pH by providing essential hydration. Apply your favorite moisturizer and eye cream to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling supple and nourished. For extra hydration, you can also add a professional serum like Ultra Hydro Gel, which contains Hyaluronic Acid to plump and replenish the skin.

PROTECT

Don't forget to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, rain or shine. Try our Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 30 for a dual-action moisturizer and sunscreen!

STEP 3: ADD TARGETED TREATMENTS

Once you've established solid foundational steps for your skincare routine, flesh out your treatment step by adding targeted treatments to address specific concerns. These might include serums or masques that provide brightening, tightening or hydration.

Remember to always patch-test new products by applying a small amount to your inner arm and waiting 24 hours. This will help you avoid any potential reactions on your face. Also, any new treatment products should be added one at a time with a month in between to monitor their effects and avoid overloading your skin.

STEP 4: STAY CONSISTENT AND REEVALUATE REGULARLY

Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results from your skincare routine! Use the tips below for maximum effectiveness:

• Stick To It: Give products time to work! Not all products will show immediate results, so be patient and wait at least 4 – 6 weeks before judging their effectiveness.
• Track Your Progress: Keep an eye on how your skin reacts to each product and adjust your routine as needed. Consider taking progress photos to compare changes over time.
• Make Seasonal Adjustments: Weather changes might impact your skincare needs. Reevaluate your routine with the changing seasons to ensure your skin stays healthy and balanced.

Working through these steps for a skincare routine can seem like a lot of work, especially if you're starting from scratch. Luckily, GlyMed has professionals all around the country ready to assist! These aesthetic experts will give personalized recommendations and professional treatments to help you achieve your best skin yet. Find your nearest GlyMed Pro to start. Your skin will thank you for the effort!