You’ve done in-person school, you pulled through the sometimes grueling virtual learning, you studied and you kept your eye on the prize—and now the big day is finally here! We’re talking about graduation. Whether you’re finishing high school or college, one thing’s for sure—this is a major accomplishment. And with mask mandates changing, social distancing orders relaxing, and in-person events beginning again, you’ll want to look your best as you walk across the stage to be honored for your efforts. We have a feeling you’ll want your skin to look as perfect as possible after a year or more of covering it up under a protective face mask.
So that means following a skin care routine that’ll help ensure your complexion looks it’s most beautiful on graduation day. It’s really all about sticking with the basics and practicing a consistent five-step skin care routine, complete with the right facial cleanser, a water-based moisturizer, and a few other key skin care products. Keep reading for your graduation skin care routine!
1. USE AN EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
The first step in your graduation skin care routine, as any other skin care routine, should be cleansing. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser resurfaces the skin by dissolving the gunk that holds dead skin cells together on the surface. Formulated with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and aloe extract, it’s non-drying and gentle enough to use daily (morning and night). It’s even dermatologist tested for sensitive skin. Smoother and brighter skin is in your future, grad.
2. CUSTOMIZE YOUR SERUM ROUTINE
Think retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are just for women with mature skin? Think again! These anti-aging ingredients also have benefits in hydration, radiance boosting, plumping and more. Take your pick from these serums that target different skin care concerns:
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum: This nighttime serum is the perfect pick for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of dark spots while making the skin tone more even. Always follow up with SPF the next day as glycolic acid can increase the skin’s sun sensitivity.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: If hydration is your goal, you’ll want to massage this serum into your skin every morning and night. It’s especially useful for anyone with dry skin that wants to lock in moisture to keep the skin moisturized daily.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum 0.3% Pure Retinol: Whether you suffer from acne or rough skin texture, you can reap the benefits of retinol. This night serum works to deliver smoother skin and a complexion that’s brighter and more radiant. Follow up with an SPF lotion in the morning.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum: If uneven skin tone and dull skin are plaguing you, add this serum to your routine leading up to your big walk. The lightweight antioxidant formula restores skin’s radiance in just one week. You were always bright, grad—now your skin will be too.
3. DOUBLE CLEANSE AFTER MASKING
After wearing a protective face mask every time you stepped outside of your home for more than a year, you’re probably well acquainted with maskne, or mask acne. We’re pretty confident it’s not what you want popping up to surprise you on your special day. Keeping your face clean of dirt, oil and bacteria is one of the best ways to keep breakouts away. Try the double cleansing method using the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes. These revitalizing towelettes will help you remove traces of makeup and impurities from the skin before you wash with your facial cleanser. They’re also easy to take on-the-go so you can keep your face clean while you’re out and about or anytime you need a quick refresher between masking up.
4. SMOOTH YOUR SKIN WITH A MOISTURIZER
Whether you’ve just cleansed or exfoliated, it’s important to follow up with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin, all of which are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.
5. ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP BEFORE BED
This step should be part of your skin care routine going forward if it wasn’t already: Always remove your makeup before going to bed. Take the time to properly take it all off. Use a gentle facial cleanser, like a micellar water, to effectively get rid of all traces of makeup from the surface of your skin. You can even keep it by your bed to ensure that you don’t hit the hay in a full face of glam. Pour some of the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which hydrates and purifies, onto a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face to remove your makeup.
Photo: iStock
