My Current Skincare Routine
In the pursuit of radiant, healthy skin, our journey often starts with a quest to find the perfect products. But behind every skincare routine lies a unique story, and mine is no exception. Picture a teenage me, grappling with the daunting challenge of cystic acne that seemed to defy every remedy (whether it was a DIY recipe, drugstore skincare, high-end skin, or prescription products). It was a battle that greatly tested not only my patience but also my self-esteem. However, when faced with a dermatologist prescribing Accutane and then conducting hours of research on its effects, I decided there had to be a better way, and that perhaps I needed to focus from the inside-out, as opposed to targeting just the skin on my face.
I've come to learn that true skincare isn't just about the products we slather on our faces; it's a holistic journey that encompasses hydration and nourishing food choices, as well as a mindful skincare regimen. And although I would like to think I’ve simply grown out of the acne-prone teenager phase I was in all those years ago, I definitely still have to work hard and be consistent to maintain a nice, glowy complexion. In this blog post, I invite you to join me on my quest to finding my current skincare routine (one that has evolved through triumphs and oh! so many trials) and discover how I've come to embrace the harmonious blend of good skincare, inner hydration, and wholesome eating to achieve the glowing, healthy skin I once thought was unattainable.
For reference, I have normal (slight tendency to be oily on my T-zone), acne-prone skin today. I won’t be focusing on the hydration and nutrition aspects of my skincare routine (which are equally important) in this post, but if you’re interested in learning more about my journey and what I’ve learned along the way in terms of nourishment and hydration, please let me know in the comments section below.
Cleansers
Although I’ve weaned myself off of wearing foundation daily (I’d like to attribute this to having clearer skin as a result of my consistency with my skincare routine, hydration, and nutrition), I still like to wear a tinted moisturizer every day, along with a bit of face powder and mascara. I’ve learned that double (or even triple if you have a full face of makeup on) cleansing is a crucial step to keeping my skin fully clean. Plus, a truly clean face is the best canvas for targeted serums and moisturizers, so think of your cleansing step as the foundation for your skincare routine.
As a first cleanser, I swear by the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It’s definitely pricey, but truly nothing compares to its lovely scent, balmy texture, and power to remove every last trace of makeup from your face. For my second (and third) cleanser, I have used Nourished3’s Purify & Comfort Face Cleanser religiously since it was first launched a few years ago — I’ve tried dozens (let’s be real, probably about a hundred) cleansers, and none compares to this.
A few nights a week, I will follow-up my cleanser with a gentle resurfacing pad prior to applying serum. My current favorite from Beauty Pie is the Dr Glycolic Multi-Acid Micropeeling Glycolic Acid Pads which are a great, affordable dupe for the Elemis resurfacing pads (which are also fantastic if you’re not on a budget!).
Serum
When it comes to serums, I like to rotate them daily based on the needs of my skin. If I’m having a breakout, I will look for something with salicylic acid, such as Murad’s Deep Relief Acne Treatment with Salicylic Acid, to target the pimples as soon as possible. I also love serums with niacinamide, a versatile skincare ingredient that offers a multitude of benefits including reducing redness, minimizing pore appearance, and improving the overall texture and tone of your skin. First Aid Beauty’s Facial Radian Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum has been a favorite of mine for years.
If you’re on a budget, Beauty Pie has a number of lovely serums, many of which I’ve tried and repurchased for weekly use. I’m a big fan of the Japanfusion Genius Lift Elixir and Triple Hyaluronic Acid when my skin is looking a little dry and dull. Looking for other Beauty Pie products to try? I shared some of my favorite products in a post last year here.
Moisturizer
To be totally transparent here, I am still on the hunt for a favorite moisturizer as part of my skincare routine. I’ve tried so many different ones and I haven’t really pinpointed one that beats all of the others for me. But, I have been using belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer for years in conjunction with other moisturizers (usually heavier ones for the night), and it’s one that I consistently repurchase and go back to. If you have a favorite moisturizer, please let me know in the comments below!
SPF
An often-overlooked step, but believe me, using an SPF every single day is crucial to keeping your skin healthy in the long run. And, if you are keen on using retinols or other resurfacing skincare products, SPF is even more crucial to protecting the sensitive skin on your face against harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, sunburn, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. My current favorite sunscreen for the face is the Supergoop Glowscreen which provides a lovely sheen to your skin without makeup and also serves as a great face primer.
Treatments and Masks
About once a week, or more if my skin is particularly hormonal, I like to use the Nourished3 Clarify & Brighten Face Mask.
A couple of times a week, I also love to use a gentle retinol treatment overnight (I don’t use this for the day or two after I use the Nourished3 mask) — just be sure to use an SPF in the morning and reapply as needed throughout the day if you’re in the sun. Retinol, a powerhouse ingredient, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting smoother, more youthful-looking skin. While I’m not seeing many signs of aging yet, I like to think that using it now is a preventive measure for my future, older self.
On occasions that my skin is feeling particularly tight or dry, I’ll put on a calming and moisturizing overnight sleep mask. While I’m not fully devoted to just one, a couple of my favorites are the Elemis Peptide4 Plumping Facial Hydrating Sleep Mask and Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask.
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