Skin Care Routine
Originally written March 23, 2020
I have been trying to find little things in my day to day activities that help me feel in control and happy. Surprisingly, my skincare routine has been doing that. I feel happier when I am doing a little something good for myself. I don’t really do anything fancy or complicated, but I thought I’d share my different skin care routines.
Every morning
1. I start off my skin routine by washing my face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. I have a combination of oily/dry skin, so I need something that is light enough that won’t make my face too oily but also won’t dry it out. I used to just wash my face with my hands, but after a period of not seeing my pimples go away, I have been using a washcloth to exfoliate. That might sound obvious, but it has really helped. I didn’t realize I wasn’t exfoliating my skin on a daily basis with just my hands.
2. I use Thayers Witch Hazel Toner after I wash my face.
3. Then I will follow it up with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. If my skin is feeling a little more dry than usual, I will opt to use Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula. Sometimes when my skin is really suffering from dryness (in the winter), I use my Eucerin Original Healing Cream which I usually only use on my body.
5. Finally, I finish off by applying a squirt of Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen all over my face.
6. If my skin is breaking out somewhere, I will apply Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel to the spot.
Every night
I wish I could say I wash my face every night, but if I didn’t wear makeup that day, I usually don’t wash it. Is that bad??
1. After brushing and flossing my teeth, I will apply Global Beauty Hydrating Night Cream to my laugh lines, around my eyes, and my forehead. Anywhere I think is prone to wrinkling. I don't know how much this is actually doing to my skin, so I don't think I will be repurchasing this.
2. I finish by doing a swipe of Organys Lash and Brow Booster Serum to my top lash line. In case you are curious, I have noticed a difference in my lashes since using this serum (it's been about a year and a half). They are a little bit longer, but definitely fuller and stronger.
Weekends
Since I generally have more time and am feeling more relaxed on the weekends, I try to do a little more for my skin. I like to use an exfoliating face scrub such as St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub or Formula 10.0.6’s Be Berry Sassy Exfoliating Face Scrub to do a deeper clean. If I want a stronger cleanser without the exfoliating part, I will use Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, this might sting a little but it’s a good sting.
*Side note on St. Ives Apricot Scrub- I was just informed that any type of physical exfoliator that’s non dissolving (such as the walnut shell in St. Ives) causes micro tears in the skin which can introduce bacteria and also contribute to acne cycles. It can also cause long term damage to elasticity and tone of the skin. Powder or sugar/salt exfoliators made for the skin are the safer option of physical exfoliation if you don’t want to go the chemical route. SO once I am out of this tube, I don’t think I’m going to repurchase. Send me good physical (or chemical) exfoliator recommendations!
Face Masks
If my skin is acting up or I want to do a little self-care on the weekend, I will do a sheet mask. My favorite brand is TonyMoly.
If I am really breaking out or getting too oily, I will do an Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask to do a nice deep clean, and then follow it up with a sheet mask or just a moisturizer (usually Cocoa Butter). I have also been using a sample of GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask, which also does a nice deep clean, although it does sting my skin a bit (again, it’s a good sting).
If I don’t feel like doing a full face mask, I will use a peel-off mask. If you’re looking for an effective and inexpensive peel-off mask, I love the 7th Heaven Charcoal Peel-off Mask (only found in-stores at Walmart, but I will link a similar one you can order here). It works so well to really detox your face and gets rid of impurities! Just be careful not to get any in your hair because it’s annoying and hurts to peel off.
I hope this maybe inspires you to think about your own skincare routine, change something up or give your skin a little extra love. After writing this I realized I also have a decent amount to say about what I do for the skin on my body, so let me know if you’d be interested in seeing that either on Instagram or via a message in my About page!