For those who are new to skin care, we recommend starting with 3 steps: cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Once you see and feel the difference these steps can make (which shouldn’t take long), try adding a Masque or Booster in to your routine.
For those who have a well established Dermalogica regimen, look into specialty products (ie: MAP-15 Regenerator, MultiVitamin Power Concentrate, etc.) to really maximize the full potential of your skin. Try different Boosters on specific areas of the skin, and notice the difference they can make!
The bottom line is- caring for your skin is both part of a healthy life style and really quite rewarding. Find a comfortable routine, stick to it, and remember: everyone’s skin is unique! What works for a friend may not work for you…it’s all about discovering your ideal system!
Follow this guide, and create a skin care regimen to fit your personal concerns:
 | PRE-CLEANSE
No matter what your skin type, the key to a clear and healthy complexion is CLEAN SKIN!!! Cleansing is one of the most overlooked steps in skin care, most people spend less that 20 seconds cleansing their skin (according to research conducted by the International Dermal Institute). Your skin accumulates environmental debris (pollutants, dirt, etc.); combine that with cosmetics, sunscreens and natural oil build-up, and you have a dirty layer blocking you from clean skin. Precleanse is ideal because it has an oil base (unlike your typical everyday cleanser). Chemistry tells us that oil likes oil, which means Precleanse will melt through those layers of dirt and oil without the use of surfactants (which can strip the skin) Precleanse is perfect for oily skin because it removes that extra oil buildup you accumulate throughout the day! It is water soluble, which means it rinses off easily with water, and CANNOT CLOG PORES! The critical Precleanse step must be followed with your Dermalogica cleanser, which can now act more effectively since it does not have an extra layer of debris to work through!
***Precleanse is critical if you want to achieve your healthiest skin ever!!!*** |
 | CLEANSE
Cleansing is so important for overall body health, not to mention the immediate skin care benefits. Dermalogica cleansers are different because they are soap free...why is this important? Skin is naturally acidic by nature (between a 4.5 and 5.5 on pH scale) - this pH helps protect the skin from bacteria. Soaps are naturally alkaline (which means skin is thrown out of its’ natural pH…this feels stripping and drying). Dermalogica cleansers are pH balanced to the skin. This means they have the same pH as our skin, the result is a more effective cleanse that actually leaves your skin feeling hydrated and calm (not dry and itchy). |
 | EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating can alleviate a number of skin care concerns and leaves the skin looking smooth and polished. Very sensitized skin should consult a professional before performing any type of exfoliation. Exfoliating allows maximum absorption of all products applied in the following steps, because it helps to get rid of dead skin cells blocking product penetration. Exfoliation can be performed in a variety of ways (please read our article on exfoliation for more information)...we recommend exfoliating 2-3 times per week, depending on your skin condition. Listen to Your Skin: When it feels dull, dry, or even oily…exfoliate! If it is red or feels irritated, skip the exfoliation step that day! Once you develop your routine, your skin will tell you when it needs an exfoliant. |
 | TONER
Using toner after exfoliating can help hydrate the skin and bring it back to its normal pH. Spray toner directly on the face, neck and décolleté (applying with cotton can remove the product from the skin, and does not allow for maximum absorption). Be sure to tone before using products that you want to remain on the skin (ie: Boosters or Moisturizers)...otherwise, the toner can remove product. Toner can also be used throughout the day to freshen up! |
 | MASQUES
Dermalogica masques are ideal supplements to help target specific skin concerns. We recommend using masques 1 or 2 times per week, around 10-15 minutes per treatment. Masques contain powerful ingredients...find the mask that targets your individual needs and watch the dramatic effect it will have on your skin. Apply to the face, neck and décolleté (Skin Hydrating Masque can be applied over eyes and lips too). Remove with water (and Sponge Cloth, if available). Spritzing with Toner can help ensure complete masque removal. Listen to Your Skin: If it feels extra oily one day, use the Sebum Clearing Masque…if it feels dry and dull, use the MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque…you get the idea. |
 | BOOSTERS
Boosters are serum-like substances that target specific problems. The ingredients are very concentrated, so they penetrate into the skin quickly and effectively. Exfoliated skin will accept Boosters even better, as there are no barrier layers between the Booster and your skin. Apply a strip of the product to your finger, then immediately massage over the area you are targeting. You may choose to apply your Booster all over, or you may want to use it as a targeted treatment- ie: you can apply Special Clearing Booster just over breakouts; Skin Hydrating Booster to areas experiencing dryness, etc. Listen to Your Skin! Boosters are NOT washed off…they remain on the skin to perform their function. Do not layer multiple Boosters on top of each other. |
 | MOISTURIZER
EVERY SKIN TYPE NEEDS A MOISTURIZER! All too often, we hear people with oily skin say they can’t use a moisturizer...not true! The key is finding the moisturizer appropriate for your skin. Moisturizers work as a shield to protect your skin against the harsh effects of the environment, AND control moisture loss (which becomes more and more important as we age). If you don’t use a moisturizer, your skin is vulnerable to the many elements it comes in contact with each day! Choose the moisturizer that fits your skin concerns. Some people find it necessary to use a lighter moisturizer in the summer, and a slightly richer one in winter. You may also choose to use a lighter moisturizer in the morning, and a slightly richer one at night...Listen to Your Skin! It is recommended to use an SPF 15 for daily, incidental sun exposure...however, do NOT apply a Moisturizer with an SPF at night time. Applying SPF at night can clog pores and cause the skin to develop sensitivities...SPF needs to react with some form of light (even if it is just indoor light). |
 | EYE CREAM
The skin around the eyes is very delicate, and therefore more susceptible to the effects of the sun and environmental factors. For this reason, it is SO important to take extra care to protect it. The eyes are typically the first area on the face to show signs of aging. The eyes have few oil glands, meaning they need more hydration. You can apply eye cream before or after moisturizer...order of importance does not matter because you are not layering these 2 products. Total Eye Care SPF 15 contains light diffusers that reflect light, thus helping to eliminate dark circles. |