Beauty Journal
A first skincare routine: cleanse, moisturize, protect
A simple three-step skincare routine for beginners, built from Bioelements products in our store: a cleanser and moisturizer chosen for your skin type, then daytime SPF 30.
Alicia DahlingCo-founder & Co-owner, The Hair Cabinet
A skincare shelf can make it look as if you need ten steps. Start with the three steps that do the most: cleanse, moisturize, protect.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises using products that match your skin's needs, so the choice here starts with your skin type. Every product below is from Bioelements, a line on our skin shelf, and each is described using Bioelements' own listing in our store.
Step 1: Cleanse, gently
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser without alcohol, applied with your fingertips to skin wet with lukewarm water, rinsed and patted dry. It suggests washing twice a day and after heavy sweating, and not scrubbing.
Bioelements lists Moisture Positive Cleanser for very dry and dry skin, as a rich, creamy cleanser that also removes makeup. Flash Foam Cleanser is listed for all skin types, but it contains fruit enzymes that exfoliate as it cleanses. If you are new to skincare or your skin reacts easily, start with the non-exfoliating cleanser.
American Academy of Dermatology: face washing 101 (opens in a new tab)Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser in our store (opens in a new tab)Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser in our store (opens in a new tab)
Step 2: Moisturize for your skin type
Both Bioelements moisturizers here go on the face and neck, morning or night. The difference is skin type: Crucial Moisture is listed for very dry and dry skin, and Absolute Moisture for combination skin, where some areas are oily and others dry.
Dry or very dry
Cleanser
Moisture Positive Cleanser
Moisturizer
Crucial Moisture
Combination
Cleanser
Flash Foam Cleanser, if exfoliation suits you
Moisturizer
Absolute Moisture
Bioelements Crucial Moisture in our store (opens in a new tab)Bioelements Absolute Moisture in our store (opens in a new tab)American Academy of Dermatology: face washing 101 (opens in a new tab)
“Start with the three steps that do the most: cleanse, moisturize, protect.”
Step 3: Protect in the morning
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day before going outdoors, and water resistance. It advises applying sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside and reapplying about every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Bioelements RayDefense is a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen listed for all skin types, including sensitive. Its own directions say to use a water-resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating, so keep a water-resistant option for those days.
American Academy of Dermatology: 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin (opens in a new tab)American Academy of Dermatology: how to apply sunscreen (opens in a new tab)Bioelements RayDefense SPF 30 in our store (opens in a new tab)
The routine, morning and night
- 1Morning: cleanse with lukewarm water and your fingertips, pat dry, apply moisturizer to face and neck.
- 2Morning: apply sunscreen last, about 15 minutes before going outside.
- 3Night: cleanse, including any makeup, then apply moisturizer.
- 4Add one new product at a time, so you can tell how your skin responds.
American Academy of Dermatology: face washing 101 (opens in a new tab)American Academy of Dermatology: how to apply sunscreen (opens in a new tab)
When to ask a dermatologist
This routine is general information, not treatment. If your skin burns, stings, stays red, or you have a skin condition, stop the product and ask a board-certified dermatologist, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises for questions about your skin.
American Academy of Dermatology: face washing 101 (opens in a new tab)
The products in this guide
Each links to its page on our site, with its current price shown in our store.
Cleanse: dry skin
BIOELEMENTS Moisture Positive Cleanser
Cleanse: all skin types, with exfoliation
BIOELEMENTS Flash Foam Cleanser
Moisturize: dry skin
BIOELEMENTS Crucial Moisture
Moisturize: combination skin
BIOELEMENTS Absolute Moisture
Protect: daytime SPF 30
BIOELEMENTS RayDefense® Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Which one to choose
Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser
A creamy cleanser Bioelements lists for very dry and dry skin.
Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser
An enzyme cleanser that also exfoliates, listed for all skin types.
Bioelements Crucial Moisture
A cream moisturizer listed for very dry and dry skin.
Bioelements Absolute Moisture
A lightweight moisturizer listed for combination skin.
Bioelements RayDefense Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Daytime sunscreen. Not the one for swimming or heavy sweating, by its own directions.
The Hair Cabinet earns a commission on purchases through our store.
See our store for available sizes, current pricing and availability.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: face washing 101 (opens in a new tab)
- American Academy of Dermatology: 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin (opens in a new tab)
- American Academy of Dermatology: how to apply sunscreen (opens in a new tab)
- Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser in our store (opens in a new tab)
- Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser in our store (opens in a new tab)
- Bioelements Crucial Moisture in our store (opens in a new tab)
- Bioelements Absolute Moisture in our store (opens in a new tab)
- Bioelements RayDefense SPF 30 in our store (opens in a new tab)
Manufacturer directions are summarized here; follow the instructions supplied with your product. This journal provides general information, not an assessment of your hair, scalp or skin.