Foundational Trio

The basics for beautiful skin

There are only three products that are truly essential in any skincare routine: a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, a gentle cleanser, and a moisturizer. If you don’t have a particualr skin concern and simply want to maintain good skin and prevent early signs of aging – these are pretty much all the products you need. And the good news is, none of these products has to be expensive.

Best basics rated by WIMJ

Minimalist photo of a white label sunscreen bottle

Sunscreens

Close up shot of an open skincare cream minimalist

Moisturizers

Minimalist photo of a plain cleanser bottle

Cleansers

A big part of your skincare success – for any goal – depends on this trio. Sunscreen, in particular, is in the spotlight here. 80% of preventable skin aging is caused by sun exposure, and UV light is also responsible for triggering pigmentation issues and weakening our skin barrier. That’s why it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, rain or shine.

Cleansing is also an essential step in any skincare routine. It’s needed to remove sunscreen and daily pollution, but you want to cleanse as gently as possible to avoid damage to the skin barrier. Cleansing gently can reduce skin dryness, avoid weakening your skin defenses, and make the rest of your routine more effective.

Finally, a moisturizer is there to support your skin barrier because it gets constantly assaulted by harsh indoor and outdoor conditions such as dry inside air, sun, heat, cold, or wind outside, as well as cleansing. Even gentle cleansing still affects the skin barrier. We need to cleanse our skin regardless, and moisturizer is there to help us undo some of the unavoidable damage.

This trio – sunscreen, cleanser & moisturizer is the foundation of your skincare routine. Even just using them alone, without additional products and actives, can do a lot for helping your skin be at its best.

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Do Collagen Supplements Work for Skin?

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The Aging Face: the Brutal Truth About Skincare Limitations

Explore the deeper aspects of aging, beyond skin-deep. Learn how bones, muscles, and fat influence facial changes and understand the limitations of skincare in fighting time. Embrace the natural evolution of your beauty with a fresh perspective.

Can Topical Skincare Improve Skin Elasticity?

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How to Start Anti-Aging Skincare?

In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind skin aging and explore the different factors that can impact our skin’s health. We’ll also discuss some of the best skincare strategies to help you start your anti-aging journey and keep your skin looking its best.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) for Anti-aging

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that has been extensively researched for its skin benefits. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fight other signs of photodamage, and reduce hyperpigmentation when used correctly.

Peptides for Anti-Aging

Peptides are a confusing active in skincare. On one hand, we have research that shows that they can work and deliver impressive skin results. On the other hand, there are hundred of different peptide ingredients in skincare products, and some of them can do little more than a simple moisturizer. Read on to learn about the difference.

Niacinamide for Anti-Aging

Anti-AgingNiacinamideVitamin B3. In concentrations from 2%, Niacinamide helps the skin to produce its own antioxidants that in turn fight photo-damage....

Retinoids for Anti-Aging

Retinoids are the most well-research skincare actives for anti-aging. Learn what they are and how to use them effectively in a routine.

Winter Skin Care: Navigating the Chilly Season with Healthy Skin

Let’s dive into understanding winter skin and how to best care for it.

Azelaic Acid: How It Works and Why You Might Need It In Your Skincare

Azelaic acid may not be the most hyped skincare ingredient, but, frankly speaking, it deserves way more recognition. Despite its underappreciated status, azelaic acid boasts a myriad of evidence-backed benefits, including combating acne, mitigating rosacea, addressing hyperpigmentation, and fighting against free radicals.

Why Has My Skin Become Sensitive All of a Sudden?

Have you recently noticed your skin turning into a battleground of reactions? Is your once-placid complexion now flaring up at your go-to beauty products? You’re not alone. Suddenly sensitive skin can perplex anyone. Here’s a breakdown of why it might be happening and what you can do about it.

Sunflower Seed Oil: The Top Face Oil For Skin Barrier

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CBD Skincare Benefits and Unknowns

Discover the impressive potential of CBD in skincare and learn about the risks. Our evidence-based exploration covers the CBD potential for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis and combating inflammation.

Is Petrolatum In Skincare Bad?

Get the facts about petrolatum, a top ingredient in skincare. Learn how this powerful moisturizer soothes, protects, and hydrates the skin. Plus, discover why it’s trending on social media and how it’s safe even for the most sensitive skin areas.

Can You Use Retinoids for Rosacea-Prone Skin?

If you’ve been grappling with the frustrating skin condition called rosacea, you may have been advised to steer clear of retinoids. This advice typically stems from concerns that retinoids can further irritate your already inflamed skin. But here’s something that may surprise you: retinoids, in fact, are commonly used in rosacea medical treatments.

Sensitive & Reactive Skin: What to Avoid?

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, what not to do is at least as important as what you actively undertake in terms of skincare. Learn what ingredients and skincare practices to avoid to reduce your skin sensitivity issues and help heal your skin barrier.

Opting for Fragrance-Free Skincare: A Skin-Friendly Choice

Opting for Fragrance-Free Skincare: A Skin-Friendly ChoiceIs the smell of your skincare products hurting your skin? It's a question we often don't think...

What Does Sensitive Skin Mean and How to Help It?

Discover what sensitive skin truly means. We break down the causes, symptoms, and potential triggers of sensitive skin, and share simple steps to manage and reduce skin sensitivity effectively.

Azelaic Acid: How It Works and Why You Might Need It In Your Skincare

Azelaic acid may not be the most hyped skincare ingredient, but, frankly speaking, it deserves way more recognition. Despite its underappreciated status, azelaic acid boasts a myriad of evidence-backed benefits, including combating acne, mitigating rosacea, addressing hyperpigmentation, and fighting against free radicals.

Thiamidol

Dive into our comprehensive guide to thiamidol, an effective tyrosinase inhibitor with impressive results against hyperpigmentation. Explore its science, evidence, and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

Products for Melanated Skin: An Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Skincare

You can choose better care products for melanin-rich skin if you understand your skin tone needs better. If you have melanated skin – or, in other words, a naturally dark skin tone – it’s essential to have a more gentle skincare approach and a stronger focus on avoiding skin trauma, irritation, and inflammation. Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of caring for melanated skin.

How to Build a Good Routine For Pigmentation Issues

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of hyperpigmentation and share the best topical skincare practices to help you achieve an even skin tone.

Azelaic Acid: How It Works and Why You Might Need It In Your Skincare

Azelaic acid may not be the most hyped skincare ingredient, but, frankly speaking, it deserves way more recognition. Despite its underappreciated status, azelaic acid boasts a myriad of evidence-backed benefits, including combating acne, mitigating rosacea, addressing hyperpigmentation, and fighting against free radicals.

Does Bakuchiol Help With Acne?

Discover how Bakuchiol, a plant alternative to retinol, can help combat acne. Dive into the latest research findings, learn the effective concentration and application tips, and uncover why Bakuchiol might be your new go-to for clear, happy skin.

CBD Skincare Benefits and Unknowns

Discover the impressive potential of CBD in skincare and learn about the risks. Our evidence-based exploration covers the CBD potential for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis and combating inflammation.

Can Supplements Cause Acne?

Can Supplements Cause Acne? While hormonal imbalances, genetics, and poor skincare habits are well-known causes of acne, did you know that some medications...

Food and Acne: What the Latest Research Shows

Can food you eat make your acne worse? Yes, according to recent studies, what we eat can make us more or less likely to have acne.

What Is a Good Routine For Skin Prone to Acne and Clogged Pores?

Acne is a complicated skin condition, but understanding its causes and developing an effective skincare routine can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind acne and explore practical tips to help you regulate your skin sebum, reduce inflammation, and control the growth of acne-triggering bacteria. You’ll also learn how to create an effective anti-acne skincare routine that addresses multiple factors contributing to acne formation.