Protection and Prevention:
Your Route to Healthy Skin
By Kat Prostredny, Esthetician
As a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist, my skin health is extremely important to me. Not only is the skin is our largest organ, in my opinion it is the biggest reflection of our internal and external health.
Everything you put into or on your body is reflected through your skin. As a 21 year old, my main skin focus is on clearing my pores, keeping it moisturized during these dry months, and most importantly, ensuring it is protected to help prevent problems. People often ask me what I do to keep my skin clear and glowing. In my mind, the most important thing you can do is moisturize. I feel very blessed to have been raised in an environment where I was taught at a very young age how important self care is. Prevention really is the best step you can take when it comes to skin.
Often, people look at me and say “oh well your skin is perfect, I’m sure you don’t have to put anything on it.” That assumption couldn’t be farther from the truth. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I do an oil cleanse, followed by my regular cleanser. Starting with an oil cleanse helps remove any makeup, oil or dirt that may be on my face. Then I follow with a toner, which works as an astringent and balances the pH levels of your skin. Next, I use a brightening serum to help fade any old scars or hyperpigmentation. The last step is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I start with an eye cream. I know I’m young, but as I said before, prevention is the best step you can take when it comes to skin care. Following the eye cream, I use either an oil-free moisturizer for daytime, or something brightening and a little heavier for nighttime. During the day, I always wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is the single most important part of your skincare routine to prevent signs of aging. All of the damage our skin takes when we are young comes to the surface as we age. It does not matter if it is winter time, cloudy, or even if you are indoors – you can still burn, even through a window.
To some, a skincare routine seems like too much effort, but I promise you, your mind will change if you commit to a consistent routine. I love that the first and last five minutes of my day are spent taking care of myself, giving myself slow soothing facial massage as I moisturize. It truly becomes a meditative action, and can be your five-minute escape from the world.