How to Use the Skincare Journal

Welcome! Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of this skincare journal:

What You Can Do Here:

• Track your daily skincare routine log the products you use and when you use them.

• Note how your skin feels jot down any changes, improvements, or reactions.

• Learn about key skincare ingredients discover what’s inside your products and what they do.

• Get tips on layering products find out the best order to apply your skincare for maximum benefits.

• Set personal skin goals whether it’s hydration, clearer skin, or anti-aging, keep your goals in mind.

Tips for Getting Started:

• Be consistent try to log your routine every day or as often as you can.

• Pay attention to your skin’s reactions note any sensitivities or improvements.

• Don’t hesitate to experiment gently adjust your routine based on what you learn.

• Use the ingredient guide if you’re curious about new products.

Remember, skincare is a personal journey. This journal is here to help you understand and care for your skin better, one step at a time.

Happy journaling!

Skin Types Guide

Understanding your skin type helps you pick the right products and build an effective routine.

Dry Skin

• Characteristics: Flaky, tight, dull, prone to irritation

• Needs: Rich hydration, barrier repair, gentle cleansing

• Recommended Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Oils, Shea Butter

Oily Skin

• Characteristics: Shiny, large pores, prone to acne and blackheads

• Needs: Lightweight hydration, oil control, non-comedogenic products

• Recommended Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Gel moisturizers

Combination Skin

• Characteristics: Oily in T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), dry or normal on cheeks

• Needs: Balanced hydration, targeted treatments for different areas

• Recommended Ingredients: Lightweight hydrating serums, gentle exfoliants, spot treatments

Normal Skin

• Characteristics: Balanced, clear, few imperfections

• Needs: Maintenance, protection, prevention

• Recommended Ingredients: Antioxidants, Hydrators, Broad-spectrum SPF

Sensitive Skin

• Characteristics: Easily irritated, redness, stinging

• Needs: Gentle, fragrance-free, calming ingredients

• Recommended Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Allantoin, Panthenol, Oat Extract

Ingredient Guide

Hydrating Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid
Function: Draws moisture into skin
Benefits: Plumps skin, reduces fine lines, hydrates without oiliness
Best For: All skin types
Source: Naturally found in human skin and connective tissue; commercially derived via bacterial fermentation

Glycerin
Function: Humectant that attracts and retains moisture
Benefits: Improves skin barrier, prevents water loss
Best For: All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Source: Derived from plant oils (like soybean or coconut oil) or as a byproduct of soap making

Ceramides
Function: Replenish skin's natural protective barrier
Benefits: Prevent moisture loss, protect against environmental damage
Best For: Dry, sensitive, mature skin
Source: Naturally occurring lipids found in skin; often synthesized or extracted from plant sources like wheat or rice bran

Exfoliating Ingredients

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Types include Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic Acid
Function: Chemical exfoliation of surface dead skin cells
Benefits: Improves texture, brightens, reduces fine lines
Best For: Sun-damaged, mature, normal to dry skin
Source: Derived from fruits (glycolic from sugar cane, lactic from milk), and plant sources (mandelic from almonds)

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Type: Salicylic Acid
Function: Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores
Benefits: Reduces blackheads, controls oil, calms inflammation
Best For: Oily, acne-prone, congested skin
Source: Naturally found in willow bark, sweet birch, and wintergreen plants

Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)
Types include Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid
Function: Gentle surface exfoliation
Benefits: Similar to AHAs but less irritating
Best For: Sensitive, reactive skin
Source: Derived from gluconic acid, which comes from glucose (corn

Brightening Ingredients

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Function: Potent antioxidant
Benefits: Brightens, protects against free radicals, boosts collagen
Best For: All skin types (sensitivity varies)
Source: Derived from fruits and vegetables, commercially synthesized for stability

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Function: Multi-tasking active
Benefits: Regulates sebum, brightens, strengthens barrier
Best For: All skin types, especially oily and acne-prone
Source: Derived from niacin (vitamin B3) found in meat, fish, grains, and synthesized

Alpha Arbutin
Function: Inhibits melanin production
Benefits: Fades hyperpigmentation, brightens complexion
Best For: Pigmentation-prone skin
Source: Extracted from bearberry plants and other botanical sources, or synthesized

Anti-Aging Ingredients

Retinoids
Types include Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Tretinoin
Function: Vitamin A derivatives that accelerate cell turnover
Benefits: Reduces fine lines, improves texture, clears acne
Best For: Aging skin, acne (start with lower concentrations)
Source: Derived from Vitamin A found in animal sources (like fish liver oil) or synthesized

Peptides
Function: Amino acid chains that signal skin to produce collagen
Benefits: Firms skin, reduces fine lines
Best For: Aging, sagging skin
Source: Synthesized chains of amino acids, often inspired by natural proteins

Coenzyme Q10
Function: Natural antioxidant that diminishes with age
Benefits: Protects against free radicals, energizes cells
Best For: Mature, sun-damaged skin
Source: Found naturally in mitochondria of cells, commercially extracted from yeast or synthesized

How to Layer Skincare Ingredients

Correct layering improves product absorption and effectiveness. Here’s the basic order:

1. Cleanser

Start with a clean face to remove dirt and oils.

2. Exfoliant (2-3 times weekly)

Use chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs before other treatments.

3. Toner or Essence

Apply hydrating or treatment toners to prep skin.

4. Serums and Targeted Treatments

Start with the lightest (water-based) and move to thicker formulas. Apply actives like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Retinol here.

5. Eye Cream

Apply before heavier creams to avoid disturbing delicate eye skin.

6. Moisturizer

Seal in hydration; choose gel, lotion, or cream based on your skin type.

7. Face Oils (optional)

Apply last to lock in moisture.

8. Sunscreen (AM only)

Apply as the final step in your morning routine. Reapply every 2 hours if exposed to sun.

Timing Tips

• Wait 1-2 minutes between layers for absorption.

• For pH-dependent actives (Vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs), wait 15-20 minutes before the next step.

• Apply retinoids to completely dry skin, waiting 20-30 minutes after cleansing.

Have questions? Want to share your advice or feedback? Drop a comment below!

We’d love to hear what you think and how we can make it better for you.

This is a fun little project where I’m learning how to build simple web apps while sharing useful skincare info. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m excited to experiment and improve with help from family and friends like you!

MARIS SKICARE JOURNAL