My new years resolutions ALWAYS include putting more effort into taking care of my skin and sticking with my skincare routine. Maybe one of the only good things of 2020, is that I actually stuck to that goal and it has changed my skin! I have a minimalistic, yet effective skincare routine that has reduced acne and hyperpigmentation, decreased pore size, and helped my mid twenties fine lines. Keep reading for my 2021 winter skincare routine!
Morning Skincare Routine
Cleanse
I start my mornings off with a gentle face cleanser- I have very sensitive skin so something gentle and unscented is a must for me! I am currently using Tula’s Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser, but also love the more affordable Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser! Both are great options for removing dirt and oil from pores with irritating the skin.
Serum
Right after cleansing my skin, I then add a couple of drops of a Vitamin C serum onto my fingers and press into my skin. Vitamin C has a TON of antioxidant benefits that does all sorts of good stuff for your skin (check out Allure’s Vitamin C benefits) and adds an extra layer of environmental protection! Recently i’ve been using the NourishMax Vitamin C + B + E + Ferulic + Retinol serum (great product, smells TERRIBLE!).
Moisturize
There is one thing i’ve learned in the last couple of years that has absolutely changed my skincare game…not moisturizing oily skin is so counterproductive! I used to think that because my skin was so oily, any extra moisture I added on top would just make me look like a grease ball, but it’s actually the opposite. What was actually happening was that my skin was overproducing oil, making me look greasier and break out more. Right now (well for the last 4 years really) I use Dermalogica Active Moist in the morning, it’s a super lightweight moisturizer that I don’t see myself ever not using!
SPF
SPF baby! I put it on every single day to protect my skin from premature wrinkles, aging, and sun spots. Sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to protect against aging skin, and your sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and broad spectrum. I bounce back and forth between the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60. Plus, i’ve got the Nuetrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 55 currently in the mail for me, so I can get a fresh mist of sunscreen on my face in the afternoons.
Night Skincare Routine
Single or Double Cleanse
So if i’m not wearing makeup I will single cleanse with my Tula cleanser listed above with lukewarm water. However, if I am shockingly wearing makeup, I will double cleanse. The first step is using an oil-based cleansing balm, right now it is Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, it just melts off all of my makeup instantly. After my makeup is removed, I will then go in with the Tula cleanser.
Serum
My next step after cleansing my skin is to apply the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum….i’ve been using this for about 2 years and it makes my skin so smooth and plump, 10/10. Plus, this serum has hyaluronic acid in it, which helps moisture set into your skin. It’s definitely expensive, but here’s my stealthy little hack: get the seasonal Estee Lauder skincare sets that include this in them, you get the full size product (usually with other great product like the Advanced Night Repair eye cream) for like $60-$80! Now this the best time to get these too, after Christmas these sets are usually on sale.
Retinol
Retinol is my other holy grail product that has changed my skin. If you are in your mid-twenties and do not use retinol, it’s time to start. Retinol is one of the only (if not THE only) skincare product that is scientifically proven to not only prevent aging, but reverse aging. It boosts collagen and skin cell turnover, and can be very aggressive on sensitive skin at first. Start slowly, applying a pea size amount every couple of days and working up to every night. I use the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni 1% Retinol Cream– you can get OTC retinol like mine, but dermatologists can also prescribe retinol which is usually stronger.
Moisturize
When using retinol (which can be very drying), a good thicc moisturizer at night is a must. I use the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, like the big boy tub of this. This one tub has lasted me for about a year and i’m finally about to buy my second one. This is my holy grail moisturizer that is super hydrating and calming, that does not break me out.
Eye cream
Last but not least, I use a good ole eye cream to end my nighttime skincare routine. I currently use the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair eye cream that I mentioned earlier. It’s nice and light, but I am not particularly attached to it to be transparent! I use this as it comes in the big gift set I buy to get the night serum. This is very hydrating which is my favorite part of the product!
If you’re still here at this point, thank you so much for reading about my skincare routine! ♥️
No Comments