How many steps there are in a proper skincare routine and what they all do

Posted on January 28, 2022

How many steps there are in a proper skincare routine?

Do you know how many steps there are in a proper skincare routine, and what each does? Each step serves a specific purpose, but each of our needs are as unique as we are. Below outlines the general steps for optimizing skincare benefits based on your goals.

Step 1: Wash

Cleansing the skin is essential, especially at the end of the day, to remove harmful toxins, pollution, and other potential skin irritants we are exposed to each and every day.

Options include: cleanser (feels similar to lotion), foaming wash, exfoliating wash, cleansing oil, and cleansing balm. Each of us has different skin needs.

My favorite washes:

Dry + Aging: Countertime Cleansing Oil
tip when using: apply to dry skin, massage in, then add water to hands and massage again, finally rinse off then dry with microfiber cloth
Oily + Blemish Prone: Clear Pore Cleanser
Aging + Blemish: double wash with Countertime Cleansing Oil then Clear Pore Cleanser

Step 2: Prep

Using a toner or essence prepares the skin. After washing, the natural oils and pH of skin is changed. This step re-balances and optimizes skin to properly absorb the following products.
Using a prep step will increase efficacy of serums or treatment steps.

Think of your skin like a sponge. Lotion on a dry sponge will sit on the surface. However, if the sponge is prepped (wet) the lotion will melt in and be absorbed.

My favorite prep steps:

Dry + Aging: Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence
Oily + Blemish Prone: Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Mist
Aging + Blemish: mist then essence

Step 3: Treat

The one step to potentially skip is this step. However, you cannot achieve skin goals without treating for the specific purpose.

Serums and treatments utilize skin superfood nutrients to individual needs. For example, a Vitamin C serum rich in antioxidants supports collagen synthesis as well as prevents and reverses signs of UV damage, so the serum would be marketed to “reduce dark spots and brighten skin for a youthful glow.”

My favorite treatments:

Aging daytime: Countertime Radiance Serum & All Bright C Serum (2-3x/week) then at night alternate Radiance and ORP
Dry Sensitive Day & Night: Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum
Oily + Blemish Prone: Countertime Radiance Serum & Glow First Priming Serum (ABC Serum is not recommended)
EVERYONE: Overnight Resurfacing Peel (3x/week in PM)
my tip: let sit on skin for 5-10 minutes, then use the cleansing balm as a hydrating mask – rub a pea sized amount between clean hands and press into skin, don’t rub in

Step 4: Protect

The best defense is a good offense, and a final layer of skin care is that exact protection. A moisturizer seals in products used and protect the skin from the potential environmental exposures, such as sun damage and air pollution.

The best way to protect your skin is to use a moisturizer with SPF.Mineral- based physical sunscreens also block blue light from screen use, which can increase signs of aging. Wear it daily!