Toner

Toners play a supporting role in the complex act that is a skincare routine. They balance your skin's pH levels by ridding the impurities so that your skin is able to fully absorb moisture from your creams and moisturizers. Great for minimizing the appearance of pores and typically used after cleansing your face.

 

Moisturizers

Face Creams/Lotions/Moisturizers are used to prevent your skin from becoming too dry. Your skin has a protective barrier and these moisturizers help fortify this barrier (from drying out). Moisturizers are recommended for all skin types, even oily skin types. 

Typically used towards the end of your skincare routine (after toner or exfoliation for example).

 

Cleanser

Cleansers like the name suggests refers to a product that "cleanses" any impurities on your skin such as oil/dirt/dead skin cells and other nasty stuff you ran into throughout the day. Cleansers are an essential part of maintaining clear skin.

Typically cleansers are the first step in a skincare routine. I would recommend using a cleanser in the morning and at night. 

 

Exfoliants

Exfoliators are a great product to utilize semi-regularly to maintain a smooth and vibrant complexion. Exfoliators, much like cleansers, help to remove the peskier dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores and dry patches of skin. 

Typically exfoliants are used after cleansers. Try to only use your exfoliant once to three times a week. 

 

Serum

Serums are a water based moisturizer here to help hydrate your skin. They are not meant to act as a substitute to your face lotion/moisturizer rather as a amuse bouche to the entrée. Serums are a fantastic way to maintain a healthy and hydrated skin barrier. 

Typically used after a toner or cleanser. Always before your main face lotion/moisturizer. 

AHA

AHA otherwise known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids are acids used as chemical exfoliants. AHAs are great for exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface of your skin as well as increasing collagen production (collagen prevents wrinkles and helps you look youthful).

AHAs are a popular ingredient in standalone AHA products to cleansers. Use it before your moisturizer or toner if one is being used.

 

BHA/Salicylic Acid

BHA/Salicylic Acid are different from their brother in AHAs. BHA's are oil soluble and are a great solution for treating individuals who may be more prone to acne and enlarged/clogged pores. Think of BHAs as fighting underneath the skin whereas AHA fight what's on top of the skin.

BHA/Salicylic acids are a popular ingredient in standalone BHA products to cleansers. Use it before your moisturizer or toner if one is being used.

 

Paraben

Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent growth of bacteria and fungi of cosmetics. While parabens are not contributing to your skin health, they are an important ingredient in keeping the integrity of your cosmetic in top shape. 

Parabens have been villainized in recent times because of a misinterpretation by individuals believing all parabens are bad. Thanks to FDA regulations and similar governing bodies, the parabens utilized in your cosmetics are not only safe, but they're keeping you safe from unwanted fungi/bacteria. With that said, the move towards paraben free cosmetics have proven popular and we at PourHommies subscribe to paraben and paraben-free cosmetics regardless.