The Perfect Steps To Create An Anti-Aging Skincare Routine That Works
Are you throwing money in the trash?
Strange question I know. But hear me out.
The first thing I do when helping others improve their skin is to detoxify their beauty routine.
This is because not all products are created equal. In fact, some of them are formulated with known irritants which over time, with regular use can cause skin damage that eventually leads to aging.
If your skincare contains ingredients that are counterproductive to your skin glow goals they're better off in the trash than on your skin!
How do you start an anti-aging routine?
Trying to create a suitable routine can be costly and frustrating. Do you really need a serum? And what's the deal with day cream and night cream? Surely this is a marketing ploy...
I get it, skincare is confusing.
But, it doesn't have to be, 'coz here at The Rich Skin Club, I love breaking it all down for you!
I'm going to explain the exact steps you need to take in order to create an anti-aging routine that works.
By the end of this post, you'll know which products and ingredients will target specific skin concerns, what time of day to use them, and how to mix them with your other products for optimal results.
Just remember, each one of your skincare products has a job to do. It's not anti-aging skincare unless it's working for you.
If you combine this skincare routine with the right level of commitment, you'll get results. FAST.
Let's get into these amazing skincare tips to help you create a natural anti-aging skin care routine that works!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
Table of Contents
Why You Shouldn't Skip Toner
Bonus: The Weekly DIY Facial
1. HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR FACE (THE RIGHT WAY!)
Cleansing is by far the most important step in your skincare routine.
By removing all of the day's dirt, grime, and makeup from your pores it creates a 'clean slate' that allows the anti-aging ingredients in the rest of your skincare to penetrate deeper layers of skin. Where they do their best work!
But, many cleansers that fall into the foaming, gel, or face wash category contain harsh detergents that strip your skin of its natural oils. Over time this type of face wash can age for your skin.
They cause dryness, irritation, and weaken the skin barrier. Three things that lead to wrinkles.
If you find yourself wondering “Why is my face so dry after I wash it?” this is the reason why!
Pro-Tip
The key to choosing a more natural cleanser for aging skin is to avoid harsh detergents. Here’s how to spot them —the most common ones used in face wash are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALS).
Natural skincare brands tend to use kinder alternatives. Look for these ingredients instead, Sodium Cocosulfate (derived from coconut oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Disodium/Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl glucoside, and Lauryl glucoside.
The Double Cleanse
If you want fast results from your skincare routine, start doing the double cleanse in the evening.
This two-step process involves the oil cleansing method followed by a cleansing gel, wash, or bar.
Directions
STEP 1: Pre-cleanse the skin with cleansing oil or balm to attract and break down dirt, grease, and impurities that cause congestion (blocked pores). Massage the oil or balm into a dry face and neck for 1-2 minutes. Remove with warm water and a bamboo face cloth. It feels like a steam clean for your face!
STEP 2: Next wash your face with a (natural) foaming cleanser, gel cleanser, or cleansing bar. This step removes all traces of make-up and pre-cleanser from your pores. Now your skin is ready for the next step.
Pro-Tip
Choose cleansing oils or balms that are free from harsh alcohols and surfactants too.
It's also important to choose oils that are suitable for your skin type. Organic plant, nut, and seed oils like hazelnut, avocado, hemp seed, or rosehip seed oil are just a few that are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids (omegas).
For more help with cleansing oils check out this post.
I know initially the double cleanse sounds like a lot of work, especially after a long day.
But, if you don't cleanse your face properly then your skin won't reap the benefits from the rest of your skincare!
Clean Beauty Recommendations:
Muslin Face Cloths
Professional Cleansing Cloths by Emma Hardie
Cleansing Oils + Balms
Cleansing Gels:
Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser by REN Clean Skincare (all skin types)
Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk by REN Clean Skincare (sensitive skin)
Clarifying Clay Cleanser by REN Clean Skincare (oily/acne skin)
Micellar Water
If you use Micellar Water to remove your makeup this should not be your only cleansing step. I'm not a lover of this product, but it can be used purely to remove makeup, before cleansing.
However, if you happen to use makeup removing 'wipes' I must politely ask you to throw them away. They have no place in your anti-aging skincare regime!
They clog pores and typically contain irritating ingredients and toxic preservatives that are not only bad for your skin but your health too.
2. WHY YOU SHOULDN'T SKIP TONER
Toner is a necessary step in the skincare routine that is often overlooked. Make sure you choose one that is suited for your skin type and always make sure it's alcohol-free. Toner can benefit your skin in a number of ways:
PREPS THE SKIN: Removes excess cleanser preparing the skin for anti-aging serums, masks + treatments.
SENSITIVE SKIN: Some toners help to hydrate, calm and repair dry, damaged skin.
OILY + ACNE-PRONE SKIN: Exfoliating toners contain acids —AHAs and BHA, to help unclog pores, control excess oil production, clear up blackheads and prevent acne.
PORE TIGHTENING: Toners can contain natural astringent ingredients like witch hazel, which improve the appearance of large pores and help to balance pH levels.
If you're unsure about toner, or never really felt the need for it before I highly recommend checking out The Clean Beauty Gals Facial Toner post. There you'll find everything you need to know about toner. Plus lots of helpful tips on the topic from experts like me!
Clean Beauty recommendations: Toners
3. SERUM: WHY YOU NEED AT LEAST TWO!
No anti-aging routine is complete without an AM and PM serum. Serums are the most effective way to target skin concerns and issues at the cellular level.
They contain the smallest molecules and the highest concentration of active ingredients. This allows them to penetrate further into the skin to get the job done!
Morning Serum
Vitamin C is an anti-aging workhorse that can make a major difference in the appearance of your skin.
It brightens the complexion and boosts collagen. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin against free radicals that cause wrinkles and pigmentation marks.
This makes Vitamin C Serum the perfect addition to your morning routine.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a must to keep your skin hydrated. Add it to either your morning or night routine or both!
Pro-Tip
For the best results, apply your serums onto slightly damp skin, i.e., before your toner fully absorbs into the skin.
If you use more than one serum in the morning apply Vitamin C first for optimal results.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Reduces wrinkles, sagging + tired skin
Stimulates collagen production
Reduces acne scars + dark marks
Brightens and evens the skin tone
Aids wound healing
Acts as a barrier protecting the skin against sun damage + other free radicals
*Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin start with a low percentage —10/15%
Clean Beauty recommendation: Vitamin C Serums
Night Serum
The best night serum consists of at least one active ingredient or even a blend of three or four!
Retinol, a form of Vitamin A is a key anti-aging ingredient that addresses both acne and uneven skin tone. It causes the top layer of skin to turn over faster, reducing the appearance of acne scars, pigmentation marks, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Pro-Tip
Exfoliating acids typically have a pH between 3-4, while niacinamide is around 5-7. When you mix them together, the niacinamide will raise the pH of the acid making it less effective.
You can also experience redness (niacin flush) due to the acid lowering the pH of the niacinamide, converting it into niacin.
The best way to incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine is at different times of the day, i.e. niacinamide in the morning and AHAs/BHA products at night. Or, if you have the time, wait 30 minutes after using your exfoliating cleanser or toner before you apply a serum, or moisturizer with niacinamide.
Active anti-aging ingredients to look for
Hyaluronic Acid
Retinol
Lactic Acid
Malic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Licorice Extract
Kojic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Niacinamide
Alpha-Arbutin
Clean Beauty recommendations: Anti-Aging Night Serum
Congested Skin Serum by Balance Me (oily skin)
4. FACIAL OIL
Facial oil is one of my top anti-aging secrets to glowing skin. Use it in your evening routine, but if you have dry, sensitive skin I highly recommend using it in the morning too.
There are hundreds of natural plant oils to choose from like, Marula Oil for dry skin, Prickly Pear Seed Oil for oily skin, or if you have sensitive skin you can try Chia Seed Oil.
Benefits of Olive Squalane
But, when it comes to anti-aging Olive Squalane has the best benefits for the skin. Nicknamed 'nature's facelift' this oil is a botanical lipid that mirrors human lipids in molecular structure and weight.
This similarity means it can replenish your skin, restoring and repairing the skin barrier.
It moisturizes, hydrates, and plumps the skin —three things that aid in reducing wrinkles!
It also has antioxidant effects that prevent future wrinkles by fighting off free radicals.
Daily use of facial oils —especially squalane, can improve the suppleness and elasticity of your skin giving a more youthful, glowing appearance.
And possibly the best thing about squalane is that it has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it can be used by all skin types —oily, combination, and acne-prone!
Clean Beauty recommended Facial Oil:
5. THE IMPORTANCE OF DAY CREAM
Day cream is necessary to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. This in turn keeps the skin barrier strong and healthy preventing premature aging.
Apply it after your Vitamin C Serum to seal in all the skincare goodies to ensure your skin is protected for the day.
Pro Tip (SPF
Nowadays you can combine your day cream and SPF by using daily mineral sunscreen. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense contains protective and anti-aging ingredients like Green Tea Extract, Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Squalane, and Hyaluronic Acid. Check out my review here.
On sunny days (winter included!) SPF is a must to protect your skin from UV rays. Choose your sunscreen carefully, as there is a BIG difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen.
Clean Beauty recommendations: Day Cream
6. SPF
My number one anti-aging tip no matter your age or skin type is SPF. Sunscreen needs to be a staple part of your skincare routine if you want to prevent premature aging.
Unfortunately, as we age the sun begins to have a detrimental effect on our skin. UVA rays (A is for aging!) cause the most damage in terms of premature aging.
UVA rays are longer than UVB rays and therefore penetrate deeper into the skin causing all kinds of unwanted damage.
UVB rays wreak their own kind of havoc, like sunburn and skin cancer. But let's focus on UVA rays for now, because these guys have the ability to travel through all 3 layers of the skin:
The Epidermis - the outermost layer
The Dermis - the 'scaffolding' layer
The Hypodermis - the fatty layer
Sun Damage
The dermis houses most of the collagen and elastin in your skin. These protein fibers are the structure (scaffolding) that holds the skin up giving it a firm, youthful and supple appearance.
But, when the sun's UVA rays hit the dermis, collagen and elastin fibers become fragmented, hardened, and dysfunctional. Basically, they cause your skin's ‘scaffolding’ to collapse!
Sun damage can't be seen immediately, but over time the skin will wrinkle and sag losing its firmness and elasticity. Sun exposure can also cause irregular pigmentation marks, sunspots, and freckles as we age.
7. NIGHT CREAM: BECAUSE BEAUTY SLEEP IS REAL!
Ever wondered why you need a night cream and a day cream?
Because beauty sleep is actually real..
It's true, while you're asleep skin cell regeneration is at its peak. This is a prime time for your anti-aging ingredients to get to work.
Hence the importance of night creams and overnight masks. Heavy hitters like retinol and glycolic acid do their best work at night.
Another activity that occurs while you sleep is Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). The process of water evaporating from the surface of the skin.
Night creams are richer than day creams and can create a protective layer that prevents the skin from losing too much moisture and becoming dehydrated.
Combination and oily skin types can become dehydrated too. Just choose a balancing, lightweight night cream like The Luxe Cream by Leland Francis.
BONUS: The Weekly DIY Facial
Your weekly home facial is the cherry on top of your anti-aging routine.
Treatments like masks, peels, facial massage, skin care tools, and devices are the secret keys to glowing skin.
When performed on a regular basis they will improve and enhance your skin fast!
If you haven't already, download my free guide to microneedling. This nifty little skincare tool will help get rid of stubborn acne scars, fine lines, and boosts hydration.
If you have dry, mature skin, this tool is for you!
Alternate your weekly treatments according to your skin concerns and condition. Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen masks can hydrate, repair damage and even boost the volume of your skin to smooth out wrinkles.
Check out this post for more on the Anti-Aging Benefits Of Facial Massage
Detox Masks
Clay face masks have the unique ability to draw out toxins while re-mineralizing your skin.
This is an easy, and incredibly cheap way to decongest pores, get rid of blackheads and brighten a dull complexion.
Make your own DIY clay mask with Bentonite clay, Rhassoul clay, or try Karuna's Clean Mud Mask.
Learn more about the benefits of Rhassoul Clay For Your Skin here.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a great way to boost hydration and get anti-aging ingredients and nutrients into your skin. Try this Hydration+ Sheet Mask from Karuna if your skin is dry or dehydrated.
You can enhance the benefits of your sheet mask by combining your treatment with skincare tools like facial rollers.
Peels + Exfoliating Masks
No matter what your skin type or age, exfoliation should be a big part of your skincare regimen.
When woven into your beauty regime these types of masks can transform your skin in days!
Ingredients like Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and fruit enzymes are your fast track to glowing skin.
Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that performs several beneficial jobs for your skin.
Not only does it brighten the complexion by sloughing off dead skin cells, but it also has a unique ability to hydrate the deeper layers of skin, speed up cell renewal, and stimulate collagen production.
Studies have shown that Glycolic Acid:
Boosts hydration
Brightens the skin tone
Balances oil production
Unclog pores
Stimulates collagen production
Increases cell turnover
If you're worried about using exfoliating acids because you've got sensitive skin, just start with a low concentration. Fruit enzymes, Lactic Acid, and Malic Acid are more gentle and are therefore better suited for your skin type.
Pro-Tip
Mixing acids with Retinol products can irritate the skin. Especially if you're new to acids. Don't use them in the same routine.
Not sure which exfoliating acid is right for your skin? Check out this post for more help.
Need Skincare Help?
I make sense of skincare. Together we create better routines and lifestyle habits to empower you to feel more confident and in charge. I want everyone to be able to have a Skin Coach in their life, which is why I’ve designed 3 Skin Coaching Plans to fit any budget.
