My Beauty Bucket List of Skin MUSTS

I write so you share. Thank you.

Here’s what you’ll find in this article: Great Skin MUSTS.

What are “Skin MUSTS”?

When it comes to skin care, the most popular question is this one: “what’s your skincare routine?” Well, that’s like asking what comes in a box of cereal…everyone has their own individual regimen. But there are definitely a few must-haves for all skin types.

What are the “Skin MUSTS”?

See my list below. Most of these are great for all skin types and textures. Some things might not be so great for some types of skin, but if you’re not sure, go to your derm.

The Philosophy

I keep my skincare routine (and my life) simple. There are a few things that are obvious to me, like for example not going to bed without removing your makeup. Others are not as obvious; for example, maybe start thinking about stopping having to apply makeup. Anyway, here they are, let me know what you think:

  1. SPF – without fail! You MUST use SPF everyday…no exceptions
  2. Throw out your expired skincare products
  3. Be consistent with your (simple) skincare routine
  4. Don’t use tanning beds
  5. Never sleep without taking off your makeup
  6. Always read the labels. Always.
  7. Protect your skin in the winter
  8. Choose fair trade products
  9. Buy local skincare when possible
  10. Read your sunscreen labels as well
  11. Don’t be scared of using facial oils
  12. Use a face wash that is gentle for your skin
  13. Use a good eye cream
  14. Eat well – what you put on your skin will reflect in the mirror
  15. Drink lots of water – this keeps your skin looking young and hydrated
  16. Never be afraid to ask your dermatologist for advice
  17. Never skimp on moisturizer
  18. Try a new skincare product at least once every couple of months  – it’s always good to try new brands
  19. Remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on skincare
  20. Don’t be afraid to try new things…you just never know what works best for you!

Now let’s get to the GOOD STUFF!
How many of the above do you really do/not do?

I don’t do some like for example remove makeup at night, as I don’t wear make up any longer. Phew, it really feels like a relief. I’m also going to add some of my own tips that are not on this list.

(1) You MUST eat well and stay away from drugs or alcohol, they will wreak havoc on your skin.
(2) You MUST use a gentle cleanser on your skin. You don’t want to strip it of all its natural oils.
(3) You MUST use a facial wash that is for your skin type.
(4) You MUST use a moisturizing facial oil at some point, your skin will be so happy! I didn’t know about facial oils until recently, as I used to just put on cream but I should have been using an oil more regularly. I just did, by the way. My mix of argan and sea buckthorn oil.
(5) You MUST exfoliate. I use white a DIY exfoliator mask with oats and honey. I like to use this once a week.
(6) You MUST drink plenty of water. No need to buy expensive bottled water, just drink filtered. I know this one is on the list above but I also have to be tough on myself, I don’t drink as much water as I should.
(7) You MUST allow your skin to breathe. Maybe time to start thinking about ditching makeup. I’m serious.
(8) You MUST moisturizer that works with your skin type.
(9) You MUST try a serum if you haven’t yet. You might not want it in the future, but because they are easily absorbed by the skin and are high in active ingredients, you might fall in love with them.
(10) You MUST learn to love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, your skin will always have that special glow.

There you go. My skin MUSTS.

What are yours?

Patri Hernandez, CHC, Certified Health Coach & Certified Organic Skincare Alchemist
One day, during my menopausal rollercoaster, I had a spiritual awakening that connected me so deeply with nature, I thought I might sprout leaves. Suddenly, natural ingredients became my obsession—like an addiction, really. My body was magnetically drawn to them, and it wasn’t long before I found myself knee-deep in essential oils, herbs, and all things organic.

From there, it was a slippery slope (a delightfully scented one) into organic skincare formulation. The intoxicating aroma of essential oils, the thrill of crafting something pure with my own hands—I was hooked. It wasn’t enough to just use these natural wonders; I had to create them, surround myself with them. Now, I live on a piece of land where I grow my own organic fruits and vegetables (when the weather isn’t playing tricks on me), and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When people ask what I do, I like to think about the view from my window—the endless sea—and say, “I live the life dreamers dream of.” It's All about the richness of living in harmony with nature. Watching others turn to natural ingredients because of something I shared with them—that’s my proudest achievement.

Oh, and just to keep things interesting, I’m also a bit of a nerd. I love computers, software, and all the techy stuff that seems like it wouldn’t fit with my earth-loving, oil-sniffing lifestyle. But hey, who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?

My ultimate goal? To help people kick the commercial product habit and embrace the natural, the organic, the truly nourishing. Life’s too short to settle for anything less.

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