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Just to be clear: "good skin" is subjective. We’re not talking about fixing skin, brightening it, or clarifying it. In fact, in our world, the idea of a flaw—a wrinkle, a blemish, under-eye circles, a scar—needs to be questioned. So many times, someone’s "flaw" is also the beauty that makes them who they are.
Good skin habits, on the other hand, will make a difference not only in the appearance of your skin but in how you feel. The most important time for self-care is when we’re busy, tired, and stressed—which is exactly when we want to ditch our healthy habits in favor of almost anything else. One way to make sure that self-care happens daily (especially when we don’t have the time) is by turning skin care into self-care.
While there are different products and routines for everybody, there are a few basic modern guardrails everyone should know when it comes to skin care:
1. Wash your face every day.
It’s important to wash your face at least once a day. Even if you don’t wear makeup, we live in a world that’s unfortunately laden with pollution. And especially if you wear makeup or SPF, you’ll want to choose an oil cleanser that dissolves oil, thick product, and grime. Try Biossance’s Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, or, if you’re too tired to move, Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Cloths.
2. Refrain from using harsh ingredients.
No matter what your skin type, so many products are formulated with harsh acids, soaps, and detergents, as well as other additives that irritate the skin. Biossance bans more than 2,000 ingredients from its products—more than the United States and Europe combined. If you’re using skin care products, it’s important to figure out what works for your skin, what doesn’t, and to keep your routine clean and free of known toxins.
3. Choose sustainable and eco-friendly products whenever you can.
What’s in the products themselves matters just as much as their packaging. Ultimately products will be absorbed into the skin or washed down the drain, and packaging will be recycled, upcycled, or thrown away.
Squalane oil, a moisturizing agent our bodies make naturally, used to be harvested from shark livers as a moisturizing agent in beauty products. Biossance has recreated the squalane molecule using sugar cane, a plant-based, renewable resource. Many companies use olives, though the quality of the olives can be affected by varying climates and environmental conditions. Bonus: All outer Biossance packaging is tree-free.
4. Don't underestimate the power of face oils.
If you’ve been afraid to try face oils, now is the time. Biossance’s 100% Squalane Oil is made with squalane, which our bodies naturally create, and while it is an oil, it’s also quite absorbent, light, and nourishing for the skin. Another option is the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, which has a skin-tone-evening and brightening effect. Pro tip: If you’re just starting with a face oil, be sure not to miss toner or hydrosol. It’s essential—here’s why.
5. Layer your products from lightest to heaviest.
When you’re using multiple products in your skin care routine, there’s a method to the madness. Layering your products in general from lightest to heaviest ensures that they will all absorb and complement one another. Layering an oil before a serum, for example, may prevent the serum from penetrating the skin. Start with your facial mist, move on to a treatment serum, then apply moisturizer, eye gel, and finish with sunscreen.
6. Prioritize sun safety.
No matter what your skin type or routine, study after study shows that sun protection is increasingly important. Start by grabbing your best hat, a pair of big sunglasses, and of course, sunscreen. Whether you’re headed to a day at the beach or simply out in the sun for a little longer than usual, choosing a mineral-based sunscreen like Biossance’s is the nonchemical, nontoxic way to go. Pro tip: For after-sun, don’t forget sun protection for your lips! Try this mineral, reef-safe, non-nano lip balm.
Developing a skin care routine that works for you should be simple within these guidelines. Remember—contrary to current beauty trends, sometimes less is more. Feel empowered to keep it simple and begin to embrace the skin you’re in.
