How to Build a Skincare Routine
80% of skincare results are determined by our home care. With over 75 years of experience among our aesthetic staff (that’s a LOT of facials), we know first hand which ingredients keep skin happy, healthy, and glowing. In this post, we’re going to focus on our favorite “non-negotiable” ingredients that form the foundation of a super-effective, easy to follow skincare routine.
THE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED
“Every skincare routine needs Vitamin C, Vitamin A (aka Retinol), and sunscreen. These are what I call my non-negotiables.”- La Suite Skincare founder Rhea Souhleris Grous
VITAMIN C
What it is:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse that promotes brighter, firmer, more resilient skin.
What it does:
- Helps support collagen production
- Helps visibly brighten the complexion and even skin tone
- Helps protect against UV damage, pollution, and blue light
When to use it:
Vitamin C can be used in the AM after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer and SPF. Its antioxidant properties are most beneficial during the day to help protect against UV damage and pollution as well as blue light from devices. There is no harm to adding Vitamin C to your PM routine and it will help combat uneven skin tone and slack skin. We tend to keep things simple in the evening with Retinol and a good barrier cream.
Check out our best-selling Vitamin C Serum.
VITAMIN A
What it is:
Ask any dermatologist and she’ll tell you: Vitamin A (Retinol) is the #1 ingredient you need for beautiful, healthy skin.
What it does:
- Helps repair and correct the visible signs of photo damage
- Helps stimulate cellular turnover to aid in retexturizing the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation
- Supports healthy collagen and elastin production, keeping skin plump and healthy looking
- It helps normalize the skin, including regulating oil production
When to use it:
Use Vitamin A in your PM routine after cleansing and toning and before a hydrating moisturizer. Since Vitamin A is such a powerful active ingredient, we like to keep the rest of the PM routine simple. If you’re a new Retinol user, start using every other night and work up to every night. Retinol is fantastic for all skin types, even sensitive and those with rosacea! The important thing is to build up to daily tolerance and stay consistent. If you add only one “treatment” product to your routine, add Vitamin A!
Check out this innovative Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum
SUNSCREEN
What it does:
Sunscreens combine different ingredients to protect the skin against UV rays from the sun.
Why you need it:
According to the Mayo Clinic, “ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis).” Please wear sunscreen everyday to protect your skin against premature skin aging and skin cancer. We like physical sunscreen ingredients like Zinc Oxide that reflect UVA and UVB rays.
Our new favorite sunscreens contain a genius combination of antioxidants to help protect against further free radical damage as well as blue light from our devices.
When to use it:
Everyday! Rain or shine, inside or out, if you can see where you’re going, you need SPF!
YOUR BASIC AM / PM ROUTINE
WITH LA SUITE NON-NEGOTIABLES
While the brands and products may vary by skin condition and personal preference, these are the building blocks of an effective, easy to follow skincare routine. Let us curate your personalized am / pm routine based on your own unique needs with a Virtual Consultation. LEARN MORE