I should have titled this “Easy Skin Care – because I am the laziest when it comes to taking care of my skin (read: I am gaaahhhhhiilllty of not washing my face most nights).
But mid way through the 1st year of the Pandemic I started doing some research on what was required for my age and my skin (spoiler alert: for my skin type it wasn’t much). And then also what tweaks I could make given that I was creeping every so slightly towards 40!
I love this little infographic because a) I am a visual learner and b) it simplified everything for me.
First things first, I made sure I was using products that would: Cleanse, Moisturize & and provide Sun protection (aka Sunscreen).
A tweak I incorporated was: sun protection for the AM but then luxurious moisturizer in the PM.
I use a few different cleansers depending on the time of day, condition of my skin or what I am in the mood for: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash, Aveeno Daily Cleanser or Cetaphil Face & Body soap (bar). Also on some occasions I will just use water to splash on my face (keep the natural oils on my skin and prevent unnecessary stripping of my derm!)
For the morning I found it easier to combine the moisturizer and with sunscreen protection and my go-to currently is Aveeno Positively Radiant with SPF 30. In the evening after washing my face, I use The Body Shop’s moisturizing night cream with vitamin E. I should also add that I layer Vichy Normaderm underneath my moisturizer on my T zone if I am breaking out (it has 2% Salicylic which targets pimples throughout their lifecycle but is also very hydrating!)
Another tweak I made was adding a serum or face oil depending on the needs of my skin or the time of day.
If I am breaking out/clear up blemishes: I’ll use The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc
Every AM it’s all about the Vitamin C: Olay B3 + Vitamin C Serum
PM I’ll use an Anti-Aging Skin Replenish (only twice a week): Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
Evening Serum on the days I don’t use Retinol: The Ordinary “Buffet”
Lastly, I’ll use The Ordinary “Buffet” on my T zone if I want a break from Niacinamide/Zinc.
And now you may be wondering, what about face masks, exfoliating and eye creams – yes I use all of them too (following the cheat sheet I shared above)!
Now the most obvious questions? Does all this work?
I can say for sure that the anti-acne products do help, but time will tell with the other stuff. For me this has really been about creating a ritual for self care. It feels sooo good to pamper my skin, gave my face a little massage with my finger tips and see the glow on my skin :)
So what’s next / aka v2 for my skin care routine?
I definitely want to convert to clean and cruelty free products. I also want to glow from the inside out. I know I can adjust my food and incorporate herbs/supplements to improve my skin.
Do you have a skin care routine? Do you have products that you can’t live without? Would love to hear more about it in the comments below?