Cleanse, Treat, Protect - Foundations of Skincare

Summary

Dr. Shaw and Dr. Maxfield share the essential steps of a skincare routine in this informative video: Cleanse, Treat, and Protect. They explain the importance of using a gentle cleanser, applying targeted active ingredients for individual concerns like acne or rosacea, and protecting skin with moisturizers and sunscreen. Emphasizing the need to personalize skincare routines, they stress avoiding harsh scrubs and experimenting with active ingredients that don’t suit your skin type. This simple, structured approach ensures effective skincare for healthy, clear skin.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cleanse, Treat, Protect: The foundation of any skincare routine, focusing on three essential stages: cleansing, treatment, and protection.
• 😀 Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser, such as the CeraVe hydrating or foaming cleanser, which is crucial for those new to skincare.
• 😀 Avoid Harsh Cleansers: Scrubbing cleansers or exfoliants like apricot scrubs can cause microtears and damage skin, especially if used frequently.
• 😀 Treatment Phase: The most personalized part of your skincare routine, where you address specific concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or rosacea with active ingredients.
• 😀 Tailored Treatment: Don’t copy others' routines—treatments should be specific to your skin's unique needs, like avoiding Vitamin A for rosacea-prone skin.
• 😀 Active Ingredients: Focus on products with active ingredients tailored to your concerns, whether it's acne, aging, or pigmentation.
• 😀 Protection Phase: Always finish your routine with sunscreen in the morning to protect from UV damage and a moisturizer to lock in moisture at night.
• 😀 Sunscreen: Sunblock is essential in the morning, ensuring protection from sun damage and trans epidermal water loss.
• 😀 Nighttime Protection: At night, after cleansing and treating, use a good moisturizer to lock in hydration and ensure skin recovery.
• 😀 Simplicity is Key: The basics of skincare—cleanse, treat, protect—can work for everyone, regardless of skin type, so keep your routine simple and effective.

Q & A

What is the foundational structure of a skincare routine according to Dr. Shaw and Dr. Maxfield?

The foundational structure of a skincare routine is based on the 'Cleanse, Treat, Protect' framework. First, you cleanse your skin, then you apply treatments targeted to your specific skin needs, and finally, you protect your skin, typically from the sun and environmental damage.

Why is cleansing an important first step in skincare?

Cleansing is important because it removes dirt, oils, and impurities from the skin, preparing it for treatment. It's essential to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t irritate or damage the skin.

What is a gentle cleanser and can you provide an example?

A gentle cleanser is a product that cleans your skin without stripping it of its natural oils or causing irritation. An example of a gentle cleanser is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

What types of cleansers should be avoided?

Cleansers that involve scrubbing or contain harsh exfoliants should be avoided. Products like St. Ives Apricot Scrub and Clean and Clear Micro Scrub Bubbles are examples of cleansers that can cause micro-tears and irritation.

What happens if you over-cleanse your skin?

Over-cleansing can lead to excess oil production, as the skin responds to being stripped of moisture. This can result in an oily complexion, which is not ideal for skin health.

How should the treatment phase be tailored to individual needs?

The treatment phase should focus on active ingredients that address specific skin concerns. For example, if you have acne, use treatments targeted at acne, while people with rosacea may need to avoid harsh ingredients like Vitamin A.

Can people with acne and rosacea use the same skincare treatments?

No, they should not use the same treatments. For instance, Vitamin A is effective for acne, but it may irritate sensitive skin, such as that found in people with rosacea. It's essential to tailor treatments to individual needs.

Why is it important not to copy others' skincare routines?

It's important not to copy others' skincare routines because each person's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Skincare should be personalized based on your specific skin concerns.

What is the main purpose of the protection phase in a skincare routine?

The protection phase helps to lock in moisture, protect the skin from UV rays, and shield it from external environmental factors. This is done by using a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF in the morning, and a moisturizer at night.

What should you apply to your skin in the morning as part of the protection phase?

In the morning, you should apply a moisturizer that contains sunscreen (sunblock) to protect your skin from UV damage and lock in hydration.