By: Kaylana Rottle & Kyle Chilton, Master Estheticians at PRO Medical Spa – Maple Valley

If you’re looking for a step-by-step expert guide to developing or advancing your skincare routine, utilize these recommendations provided by the experts at the PRO Medical Spa in Maple Valley.  A consistent skin-care routine will protect your skin from environmental damage, accelerate cell turn over, and target anti-aging concerns.

A skincare routine may be customized for everyone’s lifestyle and goals and doesn’t have to be difficult.   

• You Know You’re A Beginner If:
  You prefer a less is more approach and you’ve barely dabbled in the skin-care world before. If you’re not prone to breakouts, wanting to tackle pigmentation or fine lines, all you need are a few basics. 
• You Know You’re Advanced If:
  Your wish list is filled with skin-care tools and you love to wrap yourself in products from head to toe.  It’s time to take your routine to the next level by getting area specific. 

Below is your expert guide to establishing a skin-care routine with two options for the individual who prefers a more simplistic routine (Basic) or the individual who enjoys to indulge in multiple products for every concern (Advanced).   

AM Routine
Your morning routine is like your morning workout.  It wakes up your skin while preparing it for the rest of the day. Washing your face in the morning will remove accumulated dead skin cells, skincare product from the night before, and will energize your pores to receive the nourishing ingredients in the products to follow. Both antioxidants and sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) are imperative to help the skin fight free radicals, shield you from environmental harm, and protect your skin from various skin cursers.

Basic AM Routine
Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Antioxidant (i.e. Vitamin C. Provides protection and overall skin brightening)

Step Three: Moisturizer
Step Four: SPF 30 or higher

Advanced AM Routine
Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Eye Cream
Step Three: Antioxidant
Step Four: Targeted Serum
Step Five: Hyaluronic Acid/ Moisturizer
Step Six: SPF 30 or higher

PM Routine:
The evening routine is the most important.  This is the time to remove the pollutants, dirt and debris, sweat and makeup accumulated throughout the day. We also consider this routine a must because, unlike after the morning, you are realistically undisturbed the rest of the night. While you are sleeping, your skin is actively healing. Therefore, it is important to apply specific targeted serums at night so they may soak into your skin and get to work. Ideally, the evening routine is also when you may apply your more photosensitive products, like retinol, BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids such as salicylic) and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid such as glycolics). Keep in mind, some forms of exfoliation, retinols, masking and specific targeted serums are to be done two to three times per week.

Basic PM Routine
Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Retinol/AHA
Step Three: Moisturizer

Advanced PM Routine
Step One: Double Cleanse
Step Two: Eye Cream
Step Three: Targeted Serum
Step Four: Exfoliant (AHA, BHA, Retinols)
Step Five: HA/Moisturize

Monthly Routine:
A monthly routine includes advanced skin-care treatments, recommended by a master esthetician to address specific skincare concerns ranging from hydration, acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation and anti-aging. When you pair at home regimens with skincare treatments, you are ensuring the health and wellness of the largest organ of your body – your skin. 

IMPORTANT TIPS

Less is More.  High quality medical-grade products are more concentrated and contain important active ingredients that provide the best results.  Therefore, you don’t need a lot of product.  Plus, keeping your products to a few key ingredients will serve you better than a bunch of different products or products that claim to do more than they do.  It’s also best to try new products gradually so you may see how your skin reacts and then build. 

Have Patience.  Miracles don’t happen overnight.  It can take up to three months to see a difference in your skin.  Of course, if you see an allergic reaction or skin irritation, we recommend discontinuing use right away. 

Consistency is Key.  Just like regular exercise, you won’t see results if you’re not consistent.  Trust the process and follow through on the plan set out by your master esthetician.

The PRO Medical Spa is available to help you on your skincare journey one day at a time, whether you want to keep it basic or advanced.   Consultations are always complimentary.