The Order I Do My Skincare In....

There are some nights when I prefer (and have time for) a longer, more in-depth skincare ritual that includes facial sculpting modalities, massage, lifting exercises, and of course...applying product. Many of you have asked about the order in which I do everything, and while I would say you should be doing whatever feels best for you, I'm sharing below the steps I personally take when I want to make use of a few different devices, techniques, and products. 

I always begin with oil cleansing. This is basically an oil massage for your face, and it's best done slowly, and with a little pressure. It’s excellent for boosting collagen and detoxification, and it really sets the tone for everything else. As the oil pre-cleanses the skin by removing any gunk on the surface, it also provides moisture...there’s just a lot to love with oil cleansing. Here is the link to a free tutorial on oil cleansing, and here is a link to the Cleansing Beauty Oil I use. I specifically formulated it with varying viscosities so that some of the oils penetrate the skin to provide deep nourishment while the others work on the surface to encapsulate dirt, bacteria, makeup, spf residue, and aerosol particulates. 

If my nose, chin or forehead needs some extracting, I take care of that here. I use my Pore Press Tool because it helps to slide out those oil plugs easier. 

Then I wash my face with Sea Silk Wash. This has been my go-to facial cleanser for nearly a decade because it is just that good! All skin types can use this - it helps balance skin pH (ideal is 4.5 - 5.5), and helps calm inflammation, all while cleaning the skin. 

If I decided I'm using microcurrent that night then I’ll bring it in right after washing my face. I use the aqua gel that comes with the kit. You really do need it because in order for the micro-current to work, you have to have a water-based product on the skin to conduct the electrical signals to your muscle cells. I usually have the same washcloth I used for washing my face handy, and I’ll wipe the gel off my skin with that when I'm finished. Here is a free tutorial on how to use it. 

Next I use my LED wands (or mask). The benefit of using the wands is that they provide more concentrated light energy (the lights are closer together so the energy is more dense). I typically practice face yoga movements while I hold the handheld lights to my face. While the micro-current (mentioned above) helps to lift the muscles, face yoga does that plus helps with plumping the cheeks. 

Now it's time to apply my skincare products...

First is a hydrating toner. This helps to prep the skin to absorb the rest of the products for effectively, and also infuses a ton of antioxidants directly into the skin. I use either Mermaid Face (more for hydration) or Seawater Mist (more for balance and keeping pores clean). 

If I'm using a chemical exfoliant that night then I will apply that next. I only do this 2-3 times a week, otherwise you risk overprocessing the skin (remember, balance is the key). I use Triple Acid Seaweed Serum because it's gentle but powerful. 

Next I use my super anti-oxidant serum, Herbal Face Food. This is the only non-Beauty Shamans product that is a regular in my regimen. It's made purely of plants (safe for pregnant and breastfeeding ladies), and works wonders with melasma, pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne. It's the most powerful serum out there - I think of it as a supplement for my skin (Use my code, BEAUTYSHAMANS for 30% off your first order). 

I always apply a hydrating serum right after (the HFF has powerful properties but doesn't provide enough hydration for me). I typically grab my Nori Gel Serum - this is probably my FAVORITE product in my entire line. It's intensely hydrating and has numerous great ingredients like red seaweed, vitamin C, astaxanthin, and oxygen. It pairs really well with the HFF serum. I switch off using the Nori Gel Serum with Vitamin Sea Serum, which feels like silk on the skin (this serum actually has way more vitamin C and added niacinamide, so it's great if you have wrinkles and pigmentation). 

After hydration I want to lock in that moisture. I use 1-4 drops of one of my Omega Oils. These oils are all crafted with seaweed extracts and omega 3 fatty acids so they do a fantastic job of calming inflammation while helping to hold moisture in the surface of the skin. Oils should really become a part of your skin flora, so you want these to be applied shortly after any "water" based products to help seal in hydration. 

If I'm doing Gua Sha or Reflexology that night, then this step comes next. With a little slip on the skin from the application of the Omega Oil, the Gua Sha tool will glide easily so you can sweep toxins out from under the skin properly. 

After Gua Sha my skin is ready for the nightcap products which are my Eye Elixir and Plankton Peptide Cream. I apply my nighttime moisturizer gently to my face, neck and chest. I don't really massage it in fully, it's meant to sit on the surface so it can hold EVERYTHING in and absorb slowly while you sleep. This is the ultimate moisturizer if you're on the dry side - you will literally feel it still on the skin when you wake up in the morning and all those peptides and antioxidants have been slowly seeping into the your skin while you've been getting your beauty rest. 

And that does it! Some nights I do all of these steps (especially when I want to really give my skin some extra love), but most nights I just choose one or two extra modalities besides the skincare application.