The first step in any basic skincare routine should be your cleanser. The job of a cleanser is pretty self explanatory - to cleanse your skin. Cleansers help clear build up of pollutants, bacteria, oil, dirt, and makeup off your face. This step can be repeated morning and/or night.

However simple its basic function is, there are many different types of cleansers and ways that they work with your skin, so it is important that you find one that is suitable for your skin type. Common cleansers are oil-based, foamy soap, and milky/cream-based.

Oil cleansers are great for a thorough cleanse that won't leave your skin feeling dried out. If your skin tends to be on the drier side, you may want to try an oil-based cleanser. However, as a general rule, oil-based cleansers are compatible for all skin types and known to leave the skin feeling supple and soft.

While your cleanser does not need to foam to work properly, many people do prefer the sensation of a foamy cleanser. These types of cleansers also work to thoroughly cleanse the skin and are compatible with combination or oily skin.

Cream-based, milky cleansers are silky, light, and gentle, while still removing impurities. These may not be the best option if you are removing heavy (or waterproof) make up, but they are a wonderful option for a cleanser that also doubles as a moisturizing agent for your skin. Milky cleansers work well on sensitive skin types as well as dry and normal skin types.

Toners are a wonderful tool to top off your cleanser step and prepare your skin for its next step. How it accomplishes this is interesting and complex.

Toner is best applied directly after cleansing to remove any last traces of impurities that can get stuck deep in your pores even after using your cleanser. Unlike cleanser, toner isn’t meant to be washed off your face after you apply it. Instead, it stays on the skin for absorption.

Toner works with the skin to balance pH levels and prepare it for moisturizer and/or serum. Your pH level measures how acidic or alkaline your skin is, from a scale of 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline). A pH level of 7 is neutral, but healthy skin hovers around 5.1 - 5.5, being slightly acidic. If the levels are too off-balance, an environment is created where harmful bacteria to thrive. Having slightly acidic pH levels puts the skin in an advantageous state to resist harmful bacterias. Toner helps to recalibrate this pH and calm the skin, especially after cleansing, which can often throw off the balance by making the skin more alkaline.

Exfoliators are designed to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, and are classified as chemical or physical. This is often an intimidating step to incorporate into your routine, but can drastically improve the health and appearance of your skin. Exfoliating gives the skin a chance to renew and replenish itself for a clearer and brighter complexion.

A physical exfoliator involves a physical or mechanical tool, which can be as simple as a facial cloth, a sponge, or The Class favorite: a mihakka tool. Exfoliating beyond just the skin on your face can have incredible full-body benefits, like lymphatic drainage and blood flow that Dr. Mia Reddy mentioned. One of our favorite ways to physically exfoliate the body is with a body brush.

Chemical exfoliators (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid) are products that have chemically active ingredients in them. These ingredients work to break or dissolve bonds between dead skin cells, loosening them and effectively shedding them off the surface of the skin to reveal more radiant and vibrant skin.

Because exfoliation is a bit more intensive, it is generally recommended to utilize 1-3 times a week. “Exfoliating is an important part of the routine, however, it's just as important not to over-exfoliate.” Shares Dr. Mia Reddy. “Exfoliating twice a week keeps skin looking fresh and ready to receive treatments and moisturizers. My favorite part? Since it's only a couple of times per week, I make it a ritual by taking it slow and keeping it gentle and intentional.”

Facial serums are lightweight, highly concentrated products with active ingredients in them. Serum absorbs quickly into your skin, and should be applied after cleansing, toning and/or exfoliating. Serums are often packed with powerful ingredients that target different skin concerns or goals, which is why we always encourage people to take a close look at the ingredient list. We love a serum with Vitamin C or collagen in it to pack in maximum benefits.  

Serums are trusted to give your skin a smoother, firmer texture, as well as improve moisture levels. Because serums are potent products, they tend to be a little pricier, but a little goes a long way. While serums and moisturizers can enhance one another's performances, we don't recommend mixing the products and applying them at the same time. Serums do their best work when they are applied to the skin's surface unobstructed, so the ingredients are able to effectively penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients. Then, moisturizer locks it all in.