We've all seen it on Instagram or Tiktok - those complex 12-step skincare routines that can sometimes be more stressful than relaxing for our skin. But let's be clear: it doesn't have to be that complicated!
In fact, overly intensive treatments can even make your skin worse. Why? Your skin is an amazing mechanism that could keep itself in perfect balance… if the world were perfect. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world and your skin still needs a little support in the form of cleansing, nourishing and protecting.
What is a good skincare routine?
Your skin is smart, respect that! Work with your skin instead of against it and let your skin do its own thing as much as possible. At Food for Skin we are not fans of products that completely take over your skin's own functions. Overly intense peels, exfoliants and strong cleansers seem to clean your skin nicely, but also confuse your microbiome. Because with intense peels you take away not only the dirt but also all the good bacteria that your skin needs to keep the skin barrier strong. You actually make your skin addicted to those intense products, because one product will ensure that your skin cannot do without another product.
For example: a heavy peeling that removes a layer from your face also removes a large part of the natural protection of the skin. That can feel nice and fresh, but your skin panics and becomes dry or red, for example. To compensate for that, it is then necessary to calm the skin again with toners, masks and serums. And because the natural layer is gone, your skin actually becomes dependent on these products, because it is no longer able to quickly restore the skin barrier itself.
At Food for Skin, our skin philosophy is that the skin should be stimulated as much as possible to take action itself, so actually the opposite!
Skincare step-by-step plan
Fortunately, an effective skincare routine can be very simple and effective, without the need for a long list of daily skincare steps. It’s all about understanding essential products and choosing the right ones that suit your skin condition and needs. So let’s dive into a simplified, yet effective skincare routine for strong and glowing skin.
Skincare order
There is a lot of talk about the order of facial care. Because what should come first? Follow these three steps for an effective routine:
1. Cleaning
When it comes to your skincare routine, it all starts with a clean slate. Cleansing is the foundation of any routine . But here, gentleness is key. Choose a cleanser that is thorough, yet gentle—one that removes dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Think gentle cleansing oils or milky cleansers that don’t contain harsh ingredients. Most foaming cleansers over-cleanse (SLS, SLeS). We don’t like that! Looking for a great oil cleanser? Try Food for Skin’s Carrot Cleanser .
2. Feeding
The next step in your skincare routine is nourishment. Now that your skin is clean, it’s time to add nourishing ingredients. Choose skincare routine products that are tailored to your skin condition and needs. Maintaining hydration is key ( moisture can’t be absorbed into the skin like some brands would have you believe!), so look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or natural oils like jojoba or argan. These nourishing elements will help keep your skin supple, hydrated, and bouncy.
Food for Skin uses only natural oils for its serums and all serums are focused on suppleness, moisture retention and resilience. The intensity of our serums increases, because your skin changes as you get older. We recommend the Cucumber Serum for younger skin, the Pumpkin Serum for skin where fine lines develop and the Avocado Serum for skin that has been around for a while and is looking for optimal suppleness.
3. Protect
Protection is the last step, but certainly not the least. As we wrote before: our world is not optimal for the skin, because we have to deal with exhaust fumes, acid rain, cold winds and with high solar power: UV radiation.
Therefore, protect your skin against free radicals that damage or age your skin, with antioxidants. Every Food for Skin product contains antioxidants, but the Tomato Base Cream is the gem. This protects the skin beautifully against all external influences and retains moisture in the skin. The Tomato Base Cream contains a number of natural protectors against negative UV radiation from the sun, but with emphasis: the cream does not contain SPF (no factor)!
The sun is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to skin damage at medium to high sun strength, so make sure you always have good sun protection with you on these days. How to recognize a good, natural sunscreen can be read here . The SPF30 from Food for Skin is extra caring and without fragrances, possible hormone disrupting substances, microplastics, nano-particles, and with a mineral Zinc UV filter.
Do you feel that your skin is dull and that you have a lot of accumulated dead skin cells? Then a mild exfoliation twice a week can add.
Daily facial care steps
So you don't need that much every day! The secret to healthy skin lies in supporting its natural functions and Strengthening the skin barrier is crucial. Over-treatment with aggressive products can disrupt your skin's natural barrier. Aiming for gentleness means giving your skin a chance to breathe and repair itself.
Look for products with antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C. This helps protect against environmental damage and maintains your skin's moisture balance.
Must haves in skin care routine
Quality over quantity is our guiding principle when it comes to skincare. So for us, the only must-haves are a cleanser, a serum, and a day and night cream. Look for products that are effective without unnecessary additives. Natural, ethically produced products that are good for your skin and the planet are a win-win. Check the ingredients of your cosmetics and avoid harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.
A simple, yet carefully designed routine can do wonders for your skin. It’s all about nurturing and respecting your skin, supporting its natural processes and ensuring its long-term health. And remember, consistency is key. Give your skin the love and attention it deserves, and you’ll see results in radiant, strong skin!
