SonderBeaut

Creating the perfect skincare routine is all about the right ingredients, the right timing, and understanding what your skin truly needs. At Sonderbeaut, we believe that a great routine isn’t about jumping on the latest trends—it’s about building a regimen that works for you, delivering real results that carry longevity. Whether you’re a skincare beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide has everything you need to elevate your skincare game.

Step 1: Cleansing—The Foundation of It All

Cleansing is where it all starts. A clean canvas is essential for absorbing all the goodness from the rest of your routine. But not all cleansers are created equal, and your choice depends on your skin’s unique needs.

  • Gentle Cleanser (Daily AM & PM): Start and end your day with a mild, hydrating cleanser to remove impurities without stripping your skin. Examples of gentle cleansers are CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or Alastin Gentle Cleanser—both are amazing picks for sensitive and dry skin.
  • Chemical Exfoliant (1-3x Per Week): For those days when your skin needs a little extra love, a chemical exfoliant is your go-to. It works like a gentle exfoliator, breaking down dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. One of my favorite chemical exfoliators is Skin Medica’s AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser. The instant smoothness of the skin is like no other product I’ve ever used! It’s essential for an upgraded skin care routine.

Step 2: Toners—The Unsung Hero

Toners often get overlooked, but they play a critical role in prepping your skin and boosting hydration. A good toner helps rebalance your skin’s pH, tightens pores, and primes your face for maximum absorption of serums.

  • When to Use: Right after cleansing, morning and evening.
  • Key Ingredients to Look For: Hydrating elements like hyaluronic acid, soothing agents like rose water or aloe vera, and brightening ingredients like niacinamide or licorice root extract.
  • Sonderbeaut Pick: Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner—it hydrates and soothes without irritation. Also includes stand out ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins C, E, B3, primrose and borage seed oil!

Step 3: Growth Factors—When Science Meets Skincare

Growth factors are a must for anyone looking for the best anti-aging and skin repair hacks. They work to stimulate collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and improve skin elasticity.

  • When to Implement: If you’re noticing fine lines, dullness, or a loss of firmness, it’s time to introduce growth factors. Start in your late 20s to early 30s, or earlier if you’ve had significant sun exposure or skin damage.
  • Sonderbeaut Pick: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum—an all-in-one growth factor and peptide combo treatment for smoother, firmer skin. An amazing product that creates visible results in weeks!

Pro Tip: Use growth factors in the evening after toner and before heavier serums or moisturizers for best absorption.

Step 4: Serums—The Targeted Treatments

Serums are where you can customize your routine to address your unique skin concerns.

  • Peptides: To support your growth factors and give your skin that bouncy, firm look, opt for peptide-rich serums like The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides.
  • Brightening: For tackling hyperpigmentation and dullness, look for serums with vitamin C or alpha arbutin. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a cult favorite for a reason.
  • Exfoliating: Incorporate chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid a few times a week to keep your skin smooth and radiant.

Pro Tip: Rotate your serums to avoid overwhelming your skin and introduce one new active ingredient at a time to prevent irritation.

Step 5: Moisturizer—Locking It All In

A great moisturizer seals in hydration and supports your skin barrier.

  • Key Ingredients to Look For are:
    • Ceramides: Essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
    • Hyaluronic Acid: Draws water into the skin for long-lasting hydration.
    • Antioxidants: Help fight free radical damage.
  • Sonderbeaut Pick: Skin Ceuticals’ Triple Lipid Cream for its deep, nourishing formula packed with fatty acids, ceramides and hydration boosters. It will leave your skin feeling incredibly hydrated, soft and plump.

Step 6: Protecting the Skin At All Cost

The cherry on top of your routine (and the most important step) is sunscreen. It’s your shield against UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.

  • What Makes a Great Sunscreen:
    • Mineral-based filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are gentle and ideal for sensitive skin.
    • Non-comedogenic and sheer formulas that won’t leave a white cast.
  • Sonderbeaut Pick: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46—a lightweight mineral and chemical sunscreen mix that works wonders for acne-prone or melasma-prone skin.

References

https://www.skinmedica.com/us/product-category/facial-cleansers/94945.html

https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/basic-skin-care-tips/the-benefits-of-toner.html

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19521253/

https://www.skinmedica.com/tns-advanced-serum.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486753

https://www.skinceuticals.com/ce-ferulic-3606000476342.html

https://jddonline.com/

https://www.drunkelephant.com/products/protini-polypeptide-cream

https://www.health.harvard.edu

https://www.skincancer.org/

https://www.eltamd.com/products/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46

https://www.skinceuticals.com/skincare/anti-aging-creams/triple-lipid-restore-2-4-2/S09.html?GeoRedirectOff=null&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA19e8BhCVARIsALpFMgGv_K0L2X-fkc69WIQtN3Y6JR_-MRyvpPNf9MR-2vTIOPWIsRCb5nwaAqfxEALw_wcB

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