The Ideal Skincare Routine with Image Skincare
The ideal skincare routine does not have to be complicated. If you are serious about achieving healthy skin, it’s best to consult with a professional. We called upon the top International IMAGE Skincare Educator, Jennifer Ahartz, for her advice on game-changing products, the right skincare steps, her recommended skincare order, and the treatments she suggests to take your skincare routine to the next level!
OUR PROFESSIONAL KNOWS:
Getting healthy skin is not rocket science, but you need to put in the effort and be consistent. A holistic skincare routine is essential to maintain a healthy complexion and prevent aging, breakouts, and other skin concerns. But with so many products and routines on the market, so choosing the one for you can be absolutely overwhelming. We asked Jennifer Ahartz, IMAGE Skincare International Educator and pro esthetician for over 19 years, for her suggestions on the ideal skincare routine using IMAGE Skincare.
“Achieving healthy, glowing skin shouldn’t feel like a chore. When we’re exhausted and have a million things on our to do list (trust me, I know) we tend to forget or put off taking care of our skin – but our skin needs the attention it deserves. Try our Core 4 skincare approach along with my recommended tips – and you and your skin will be very thankful you did.”
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SKIN TYPE AND SKIN CONDITION
Knowing your skin type and your skin condition are the first steps of choosing your ideal skincare routine. Think of what skin type you have as your baseline. It is generally dictated by your genetics. Understanding this will dictate the products you should use, how your skin reacts, and what treatments will get the most results without irritating your skin.
A skin condition can be treated, and in some cases even prevented, if you use the correct products. Skin conditions that are fairly common include breakouts, dehydration, premature aging, and uneven skin tone. It is important to think about your skin condition when you're putting the ideal skincare routine together.
SKIN TYPES
Of course, you cannot change your skin type, but you can help manage it with the right products.
- Oily skin produces an excess amount of sebum/oil and should be managed with lightweight products that contain oil absorbing ingredients.
- Balanced skin isn’t necessarily oily or dry and should be managed with balancing products to maintain healthy skin.
- Combination skin is oily in the t-zone and balanced everywhere else. It should be managed (in these specific areas) with both oil absorbing and balancing products.
- Dry skin produces little to no sebum/oil and should be managed with products that are more nourishing and oil based.
- Sensitive skin experiences fluctuations of redness and irritation and should be managed with calming, soothing, and repairing products.
SKIN CONDITIONS
Skin conditions can be treated, and in some cases, even prevented, with the right skincare ingredients.
- Dehydrated skin: Moisture depletion calls for water-based, hydrating products containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Tremella mushroom, various extracts, and essential vitamins.
- Hyperpigmented skin: Uneven skin tone requires brightening products containing ingredients such as plant and botanical extracts, peptides, and essential vitamins.
- Premature aging skin: Accelerated skin aging needs rejuvenating products containing ingredients such as retinol, hydroxy acids, peptides, vitamins, and plant stem cells.
- Breakout-prone skin: Congestion and breakouts need clearing and purifying products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, BPO, Bakuchiol and astringent clays.
- Sensitised skin: Sensitivity calls for calming and repairing products containing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and various other soothing botanical extracts.
CORE 4 SKINCARE
To achieve and keep your most healthy skin, IMAGE Skincare developed the ‘Core 4’ approach. This ideal skincare routine practice consists of four foundational products—cleanser, serum, SPF moisturiser, and crème—to address your specific skin type and skin conditions. Layering your skincare is important. Make sure to apply your products in this order too. Certain products are more effective for night time rather than day, Jennifer explains everything below:
HERE IS WHY YOUR AM AND PM SKINCARE ROUTINE SHOULD BE DIFFERENT:
“During the day, our skin’s oil production is at its highest and it’s exposed to pollution and harmful UV rays. At this time, our skin needs lighter products infused with antioxidants and SPF to help defend and protect it. At night our skin produces less oil and goes into repair mode, which means it needs more nourishing products with vitamins and peptides to help restore and counteract the harmful effects of the day.”
Step 1: Cleanse (AM/PM)
The first step in any skincare routine is proper cleansing. Choose a cleanser that is best suited for your specific skin concern. “A universal cleanser designed for all skin types (and my personal favorite) is our MAX™ Facial Cleanser. It’s gentle, sulfate-free, and provides a thorough cleanse that gently sweeps away makeup and impurities – skin is left refreshed without over stripping.”
Step 2: Treat (AM/PM)
The treatment step targets more specific skin concerns, such as dehydration, fine lines, dark spots, or breakouts. There are many targeted serums and spot treatments available, so choose one that best suits your skin’s specific needs. “I recommend our bestseller – the VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum – because it is a multi-beneficial, supercharged serum that’s great for all skin types!”
Step 3: Moisturise + Protect (AM)
This is an essential skincare step to keep you hydrated and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. “I cannot get enough of our Prevention+ Collection. Not only do these products provide you with broad-spectrum UV protection, but they also moisturise and defend the skin with powerful antioxidants. IMAGE offers a variety of formulas to suit everyone’s skin type and preference.”
Step 3: Crème (PM)
"Nighttime moisturisation is key for nourishing skin while it’s in recovery and repair mode. “IMAGE has created a variety of nourishing crèmes to choose from, so select yours based on your specific skin concern. If you’re unsure of which one to pick, a great crème for all skin types is our ORMEDIC Balancing Biopeptide Crème. This nightly repair formula helps to balance skin with botanical butters and peptides to help improve and support healthy, luminous skin.”
"If you’re a skincare veteran looking to maximise results, skin cycling your AM/PM products can enhance your skincare routine. The trending less-is-more approach has been endorsed by dermatologists and is taking the TikTok world by storm. It’s a great way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your products without stripping or causing unnecessary irritation."
PRO SKINCARE ADD-ONS:
Are you looking to take luminous skin to the next level? Jennifer suggests adding these IMAGE Skincare products to up your skincare game:
“To reveal smoother, brighter skin, exfoliants are a must. They remove dead skin cells so your skin can absorb leave-on products more effectively, enhancing hydration and maximising results. Make sure to follow your chosen exfoliant guidelines on frequency of use to avoid irritation.
Masks are also a fantastic addition to your skincare routine to reset and rejuvenate your skin. IMAGE offers several based on skin type and concern, so finding the right mask suited for your goals should be easy.
The skin around our eyes is thinner than the rest of our face, so eye creams are essential. We need to hydrate and protect this delicate area. Whether you have dark circles, fine lines, or puffiness – IMAGE Skincare has an eye product to target each, or several concerns at once.
Your lips need moisture too. Our ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex keeps them hydrated, smooth and visibly plump day and night. FYI – it’s a Hailey Bieber favorite, and I don’t blame her because it’s pretty amazing and I can’t live without it!”
LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR EVEN BETTER SKIN:
Adding to the necessary skincare steps, targeted products, and powerful extras, keeping a beautiful glow calls for a more balanced, healthy lifestyle. Jennifer gives us her insights:
“Hydrate. Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day helps skin stay hydrated from the inside out. Also, optimise your diet by consuming foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins to support healthy skin. Last, sleep at least 8 hours a night to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate for that gorgeous morning glow.”
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