Do you remember a story about an old woman living in a shoe? Well, collecting skincare products may quickly make you feel like a lady who lives in her beauty drawer full of creams, serums and masks. To be perfectly honest with you, I’m a skincare hoarder.

I adore serums, masks and everything skincare. I’m addicted! With so many different products to choose from, it can be confusing to figure out exactly what to use and when.

Thankfully for all of the skincare junkies out there, I discovered the “Skincare Pyramid”. The pyramid breaks down what you should be doing to your skin on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis so that you’re not overdoing it—think of it like a food pyramid, but for your face.

Level one, or the base of the pyramid, explains how you can establish a healthy daily routine that will benefit your complexion. Moving up the pyramid, the higher levels identify elements of your routine that can happen on a weekly and monthly basis.

Level 1 – Daily

The foundation of the pyramid calls for consistent use of sunscreen. It specifies that you should clean your face whether or not you are wearing make-up, and use serums, moisturizers and eye creams in order to achieve a base for healthy skin.

Level 2 – Weekly

On a weekly basis, your skin will benefit from a routine that includes acids, face masks and you should also use an exfoliating products to keep your skin healthy and dirt free.

Twice a day (morning and evening), use a cleanser that will remove any makeup and free your pores of dirt and debris. Immediately after you cleanse, apply a moisturizer to your skin. Moisturizing helps your skin maintain a healthy balance.

Products that exfoliate your skin remove the upper layer of dead cells and provide deep cleansing. After you exfoliate, you will see brighter, fresher skin at the surface. Exfoliating products come in two variants: chemical and physical.

Chemical exfoliants dissolve dirt and damaged cells, while physical exfoliants use small beads to rub them off. Experts recommend that you exfoliate once or twice a week. More frequency might irritate your skin, whereas the right amount of exfoliation can stimulate collagen and help your cells turn over.

Level 3 – Monthly

Once a month, your skin deserves some professional attention. A professional treatment will help you to deeply moisturize, revitalize and recharge yourself. This treatment could be dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, or another option. Don’t skip this step, your skin will be grateful if you treat her right.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Did you know that sun exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging? Beyond having an aesthetic impact, UV rays can damage your cells and lead to cancer. When your skin absorbs the sun, it loses elasticity and the ability to renew itself.

Sun exposure can also cause brown sun spots and otherwise compromise the texture of your skin. Fortunately, wearing an SPF every day can reduce this damage by 90%. Protect your health and your appearance by finding a sunscreen product that you will be happy to use whenever you go outside, even if it is cloudy day.

Many sunscreens are specially formulated for your face, meaning that they won’t cause acne or clogged pores. You can even buy makeup or a moisturizer that includes an SPF. Sunscreen is not an option. Sunscreen is a must.

When it comes to your skin, establishing a healthy routine is very important. The pyramid can help you understand which practices and products will help you maintain a vibrant look that showcases your inner vitality and beauty.