Looking for the secret to a luminous complexion? It doesn't have to be a solo journey.
Starnectar Barrier Protect Jelly Cleanser
Moonbounce 2% Bio Retinol Plumping Moisturizer
Empress Barrier Repair Oil
Whether you're dealing with dry patches, excess oil, or uneven skin tone, there’s a world of botanical solutions and products waiting to help you unlock new levels of radiance. With actionable advice for every twist and turn, here's your invitation to a life where glowing skin isn't just a dream — but a daily reality.
1. IDENTIFY YOUR SPECIFIC SKINCARE CONCERNS AND PRIORITIES
Understanding your skin type is like holding a golden ticket — it helps you make all the right choices when it comes to cleansers, toners, and moisturizers.
Knowing what your skin needs also helps you choose between active ingredients. Mainstream drug store options may include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which may be a great fit in some cases… but at Wildling, we prefer to use active ingredients found in naturally occurring plants — vitamin C derived from Seabuckthorn, for example.
It’s also important to set your priorities based on your skin type. If your number one concern is breakouts, it’s probably best to tailor your skincare routine accordingly. Likewise, if you’re most concerned about dullness, prioritizing products designed to target this is key.
Your skincare routine can help you achieve a clear, flawless complexion all around, but knowing your “weak spots,” so to speak, can help you make sure that you have the best routine for your unique needs.
2. SIMPLIFY YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
We’ve been there. As you’re scrolling through social media, it's oh-so tempting to get lured into complex skincare routines flaunting numerous steps and hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Though interesting, an overdone routine can actually worsen skin problems like breakouts and dryness, especially if you're using products that don’t get along.
Focusing on consistency rather than a 12-step lineup of treatments can help you get better results... without adding a long, frustrating chore to your daily to-do list. It can also be tricky to determine which products are and aren’t working when you’re using so many at once — and if your skin seems to be having a negative reaction to something in your lineup, you’ll want to get back to basics and re-introduce products gradually so you can be sure everything plays well with your skin.
A good, core skincare routine often includes a gentle facial cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and daily sun protection with a high SPF. Serums and targeted treatments that align with your priorities can be helpful too — and not for nothing, but the general ritual of self-care can be valuable to your soul, so if nourishing your skin with a range of products and ingredients is how you practice mindfulness and self-love, more power to you.
That said, start simple and build up to a more complex routine slowly if you’re not seeing the results you want! This will allow you to ensure that every aspect of your routine is working for you.
3. USE A CLEANSER THAT REALLY WORKS
The cornerstone of any skincare regimen is an effective cleanser. Double-cleansing in the evening is an option if you use particularly stubborn products during the day, but in general, a single cleanser that’s truly effective should be enough.
You want something strong enough to remove makeup, SPF, and any dirt or impurities that may have gathered on your skin throughout the day — but not so strong that it strips your skin’s natural oils and leaves your face feeling dry and uncomfortable.
If your cleanser isn’t getting the job done, you could be leaving behind a buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells in your pores, leading to breakouts. If your cleanser is too intense, though, you might be damaging your skin barrier and robbing your skin of the moisture it needs to glow.
Our Starnectar™ Barrier Protect Marshmallow Jelly Cleanser is an example of a cleanser that does it all… without doing too much. Infused with the calming vibration of Moonstone, it melts away makeup and impurities with a blend of marshmallow root, licorice root, and orange peel.
This plant-based face wash helps maintain balanced oil production but also benefits your mental wellness thanks to its warm, woodsy scent.
Application is easy: massage the cleanser onto dry skin, add water to create a milky texture, and then remove it with a warm, damp washcloth to reveal clean, more even skin.
4. EXFOLIATE REGULARLY… BUT DON’T OVERDO IT
Exfoliation serves a crucial role in revealing radiant, glowing skin by sloughing off dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. If you have oily or breakout-prone skin, consider using chemical exfoliants containing active ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
For those with sensitive skin, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) offer a milder alternative. However, moderation is key. Over-exfoliating can result in a compromised skin barrier, leading to symptoms such as redness, dryness, and increased sensitivity. Keep an eye out for these signs and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.
5. FOCUS ON YOUR SKIN BARRIER
Your skin barrier is the first line of defense against environmental stressors. It works hard to keep invaders out so you can maintain a clear, youthful-looking complexion. To support this protective layer, introduce Empress Balm of Gilead Barrier Repair Oil to your skincare arsenal.
This potent elixir features a blend of vitamins and antioxidants, fortified by the uplifting vibrations of Sunstone. Not only does it support healthy skin elasticity and provide brightening benefits, but it also elevates your mental state through its enriching ingredients. Incorporating it into your skincare regimen creates a balanced, harmonious complexion and supports your skin barrier with its occlusive properties.
The better your skin barrier functions, the less TEWL or transepidermal water loss you’ll experience throughout the day, which means better hydration. Plus, since your skin barrier stops bacteria and other undesirables from penetrating your skin, keeping it happy is key.
6. THINK ABOUT YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Your surroundings play a major role in the health of your skin, too. Pillowcases, makeup brushes, and smartphones — they’re all up in your face, and they’re all a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Making sure to clean these items regularly can help prevent blemishes and breakouts by keeping excess oil and grime away from your skin.
7. DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE
Fighting the urge to touch your face or pop a pimple? We get it. It’s a constant battle for many, especially when blemishes seem to appear out of nowhere. But here's the (literal) rub: your hands are teeming with bacteria from everything they touch — door handles, keyboards, phones, and countless other objects.
Transferring these bacteria to your face can lead to further irritation, infection risk, and even dark spots or scars that could last a lifetime. Instead of giving in to the temptation, opt for spot treatments packed with effective ingredients.
Salicylic acid from willow bark, for instance, penetrates into the pore lining and exfoliates inside the pore as well as on the skin surface. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide, created through a reaction between benzoyl chloride and hydrogen peroxide, acts as an antibacterial, killing off blemish-causing bacteria beneath the skin. In short: let your skincare products work their magic and keep your hands away from your face. Your complexion will thank you.
8. MOISTURIZE TWICE DAILY
Dry skin may be a sign that your skin's natural barrier needs reinforcement, and for that, a multitasking moisturizer like our Moonbounce™ 2% Bio Retinol Irish Sea Moss Plumping Moisturizer is ideal. Bio retinol offers a potent alternative to traditional retinoids, enhancing skin's elasticity and collagen production.
Irish sea moss is a hydration powerhouse, rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin at a cellular level. And let's not forget the environmental stressors… luckily, the antioxidants present in this moisturizer help support your skin health during exposure to free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process. Its earthy, spicy-sweet aroma also contributes to your mental wellness, making your skincare ritual a holistic experience.
9. WEAR SPF DAILY
If you thought sunscreen was only for sunshiney beach days or summer outings, think again. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are relentless, and they’ll reach your skin even on overcast days or through windows. Making sure to use high-SPF sunscreen shields you from a range of skin problems, from immediate concerns like sunburn to long-term issues like premature aging.
When selecting a sunscreen, opt for one with broad-spectrum coverage that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. For those with oily or breakout-prone skin, look for formulations that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, as these won't clog pores. Most importantly, make it a habit to reapply your sunscreen every two hours and immediately after going for a swim or breaking a sweat.
A FLAWLESS FINISH
Embarking on the journey to clear, radiant skin requires a solid understanding of your unique skin type and its specific needs. The secret lies in your daily skincare regimen, with each product chosen to complement the other. This guide aims to serve as your all-inclusive roadmap for achieving clear, blemish-free skin.
Being disciplined and diligent in your skincare routine isn't merely a short-term investment — it's a long-term commitment to yourself, one that allows you to embrace the daily ritual of caring for your skin wholeheartedly to get all of the benefits that come along with it.
Sources:
Skin Barrier Function | National Library of Medicine
‘Cell‐Phone Acne’ Epidemic During The Covid‐19 Pandemic | National Library Of Medicine
Your skin barrier is the first line of defense against environmental stressors. It works hard to keep invaders out so you can maintain a clear, youthful-looking complexion.
