How to Find Genderless Skincare
If you’ve been spending time online, cyberstalking your favorite beauty influencers as we all do, you’ve probably noticed the shift toward genderless or non-binary beauty products. This trend has been a long time coming to the traditional industry that in the past has been harshly gender binary. With culture shifting to an even more inclusive and welcoming environment, beauty brands have kept up with the times by creating products and marketing campaigns that are no longer targeted at just one gender identity. The traditional idea of skincare being gender specific is not only outdated but also adds to the harm of gender stereotypes.
The truth is that skincare is for everyone.
I mean, we all have skin. Skin that we need to take care of. It’s as simple as that. Your skin is a vital part of your body, the biggest organ you have, and your first defense system from the environment. Your skin does so much for and in return, it (and you) deserve to be treated with care and love. And while there may be some differences in the specific needs of certain skin types, these differences are by no means connected to gender.
So what does a genderless skincare routine look like? Let’s dive in!
gentle cleansers
A good place to start is by simply washing your face. Seriously, even just a splash of water before you go to bed each night is better than nothing. But, ideally, look to incorporate some sort of gentle cleanser into your nightly routine. This cleanser should be free of harsh sulfates and alcohol because these ingredients have been found to be irritating to the skin, and irritating the skin is the exact opposite of gentle and caring. Reach for cleansers with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, preparing it to protect you for the rest of your days.
Here are few options to get your started:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: This gentle cleanser (so gentle it’s literally in the name) is formulated with a blend of calming ingredients, like aloe and glycerin, and is free from all those pesky fragrances and dyes I mentioned above. It is a classic that has stood the test of time for gently cleansing the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel: This is another classic gentle cleanser that has hyaluronic acid in its formation and is designed to hydrate the skin while also cleaning it thoroughly. Just like before none of the harmful fragrances and dyes can be found in this product.
pH balancing toner
A toner is not a crucial step, but it is extremely beneficial for the skin if you struggle with maintaining a neutral pH. A toner also works to prep the skin for the rest of your routine. Again (and always, you’re going to get tired of me saying it) look for formulations that are free of alcohol and astringents, so you don’t dry out and irritate your skin. Reach for those soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Here are a few pH balancing toners to get you started:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: This pH balancing toner is formulated with 7% glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is known for its exfoliating and skin-brightening properties. It is designed to help improve skin texture and tone, and is suitable for all skin types.
Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner: This pH balancing toner is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which are known for their exfoliating and pore-refining properties. It is designed to help improve skin texture and tone, and is suitable for all skin types.
serums or treatments
After toning your skin comes the fun part. The unique customization of what you and your skin want time. It's serum time. This is where you can really tailor your routine to your unique skin, no one else is quite going to have the exact routine as you. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, you might look for a serum with salicylic acid to help clear up breakouts or if your skin tends to be more dry or dehydrated, this is where you can add in hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate the skin.
Here are a few options to get you started:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: This serum is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and is designed to help improve skin texture and tone.
XYZ Skin Bounce Back Serum: This luxury hyaluronic acid serum is formulted with tremella mushroom and bakuchiol for the ultimate skin rejuvenating and hydrating effects. It is designed to help improve skin plumpness and is suitable for all skin types.
moisturizer
Finally, finish off your routine by locking in all that other goodness. Slather your face with a gentle moisturizer. This product in particular is really specific to you and your skin type. If you have oily skin, you might look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might opt for a thicker, creamier formula. And at risk of sounding like a broken record… choose a moisturizer that is free of harsh ingredients (sound familiar?).
It's also worth noting that there are certain skincare ingredients that can be beneficial for all skin types and concerns. For example, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten and even out the skin tone, as well as protect against environmental stressors. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, can help to boost collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can help to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of enlarged pores.
sunscreen
In addition to incorporating these skin care staples into your routine, you cannot under any circumstances skip this last step: sunscreen. Everything else you’re doing is in vain if you’re not protecting your face from the sun. This is true regardless of your gender (yes, as crazy as it sounds, all skin is skin). The sun's harmful UV rays pose the largest threat to the skin, causing immeasurable damage which can result in age spots, sun burns, and puts you at a much higher risk of skin cancer. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 40 every single fricken day. Yes, that even includes cloudy days or when you'll be spending most of your time indoors. Just do the thing, you’ll thank yourself later.
