Real talk about your routine
I'm Kristina Urbonaite, your friendly neighborhood beautician. I've been diving into the world of cosmetology for eight whole years now, always on the lookout for the latest skincare scoops to discover the crème de la crème of products.
Around a year ago, I stumbled upon Pharma Oil online, and what caught my eye? The playful, vibrant packaging and the surprisingly affordable price tags. Now, as a specialist, I've always been a bit skeptical when it comes to low-cost products claiming to work miracles. So, I made it my mission to try every product they had on the market at that time to see if it lived up to the hype. As I dug deeper into the ingredients list, I was surprised by their simplicity and the wide range of science-driven ingredients they used. What shocked me even more was just how effective they turned out to be. I not only started using them myself but also began recommending them to my clients, especially those looking for effective skincare without breaking the bank. And guess what? They quickly fell head over heels for these products, making it a breeze for me to suggest the perfect match based on their skin needs.
Here are my current favorites:
SUNSHINE Foam face wash
This is the ultimate wake-up call for your skin in the morning, prepping it for the day ahead. Suitable for all skin types, it also doubles up as a fantastic makeup remover.
COMPLEX Face toner
A golden rule: if you're not using an acidic cleanser, a toner is a must in your routine to balance your skin's pH. This 4% niacinamide toner is a game-changer. It minimizes pores, hydrates, and provides a soothing effect. Suitable for all skin types, too.
GLOW LOWDOWN Face Mask
Supercharged with glycolic, lactic acid, papaya enzyme, white mushroom, and turmeric extract, this mask is a must-try for combination and oily skin types. Even for dry skin, using it once a week will give your skin a radiant boost and boost cell turnover.
SKINERGY Face Cream
Infused with three types of biopeptides, niacinamide, and bakuchiol, this plant-based alternative to retinol is a gentle yet effective powerhouse. It boasts immediate hydration, and the more consistent you are using it, the more benefits you'll see. The skin feels plump and nourished after application. Skinergy cream is truly a miracle worker.
PRESS RESET Face Cream
Finding the right product for acne-prone skin can be a real challenge, but the PRESS RESET cream is here to help. It's packed with ceramides, crucial for battling breakouts. Enriched with AHA and BHA acids - glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic - this cream is a powerhouse. And, of course, like in almost all Pharma Oil products, you'll find niacinamide, the ultimate skincare staple.
How to tailor a skincare routine?
Gone are the days when you had to pick skincare products solely based on your skin type. Focusing on your skin's current state, rather than just its type, is key. Let's break it down with some scenarios:
Say you have combination skin. But lately, due to various factors like environmental stressors, dietary changes, UV exposure, or even hormonal shifts, skin is feeling dehydrated and the protective barrier is taking a hit. The common mistake here is assuming that skin type has changed and then buying products meant for dry skin. The result? Unwanted breakouts and frustration with their skin's condition, all because of choosing the wrong products for your routine. It's crucial to remember that your skin type remains constant, but its temperament can shift due to various factors like environmental influences, stress, diet, UV exposure, hormonal fluctuations.
Here's the tailored routine I'd suggest for combination but dehydrated skin:
AM/PM Start with a refreshing cleanse using the SUNSHINE Washing Foam enriched with vitamin C and niacinamide.
AM/PM Follow up with a few dabs of the revitalizing COMPLEX Niacinamide Toner.
AM/PM Next, apply a few drops of HYDRA HUG Serum
AM/PM Follow with the indulgent SKINERGY Cream to lock in the moisture.
PM Every third night, start with the PRESS RESET Cream, followed by a layer of SKINERGY. On these nights, skip the serum. I personally share the same skin type, and I've tried and tested this combination on myself.
Navigating oily skin can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. With naturally shiny or oily looking skin, it's tempting to go for a "less is more" approach. But here's the catch: not moisturising enough or using harsh ingredients can actually lead to an overproduction of oil, fueling a never-ending cycle. It’s all about that balance. Because oily skin skin craves moisture too.
For those dealing with breakouts or comedones, here’s a tried-and-tested routine:
AM/PM Start & finish your day with the SUNSHINE Washing Foam, enriched with vitamin C and niacinamide.
AM Follow this with the WONDER Toner, to refresh and reset your skin.
AM The COMPLEX Niacinamide Serum is up next, working its magic to restore and rejuvenate.
AM Finally, seal everything with our cult-favourite SKINERGY Cream.
PM Niacinamide Toner for a touch of balance.
PM Finally, let the PRESS RESET Cream work its wonders overnight.
When it comes to dry skin, it's crucial not to overload it with too many acids. Remember, balance is key.
Routine for dry skin owners:
AM/PM Kickstart your routine with the SUNSHINE Washing Foam infused with vitamin C and niacinamide.
AM/PM Follow it up with the COMPLEX Niacinamide Toner.
AM For serums, you’ve got options: HYDRA HUG, COMPLEX
niacinamide, and SUNSHINE vitamin C.
AM Seal the deal with the hydrating Dew-O-Meter moisturizing Cream.
PM Finish off with a generous layer of the SKINERGY Cream.
Don't forget to treat yourself to the Glow Lowdown mask once
a week. And if you have dry skin, keep the Press Reset Cream for another time; it might be a bit too potent for your skin.
When it comes to a 'normal' skin type, I must admit, it's a bit of a unicorn in my experience. It seems like only immortals have that flawlessly perfect skin.
I've put together routines based on common scenarios, but it's important to consider various factors. If you're unsure about a particular combination's suitability for your skin, consulting a beautician is always a great idea – that's what we're here for. While it's true that about 70% of your skin's condition is influenced by your daily at-home skincare regimen, the remaining 30% comes from in-office treatments.
That's why I tell my clients, if spa visits aren't realistic, let's kickstart your journey with tailored at-home routine. And that's where Pharma Oil comes in.