At one point in time or another, we’ve all been a little self conscious about our skin. It took me a long time to find a routine that worked for me. It took working in a spa, doing lots of research, and of course, trying lots of products. Readers have been asking for weeks for me to post about my favorite products and routine. Luckily, these products are appropriate for all skin types (barring allergic reactions). This is a skincare routine that works for everyone.
AM Routine
I prefer to use mild products on my face. When you use harsh cleansers or exfoliants, it can cause micro tears in your skin, which will let bacteria in, and moisture out.
In the morning after I brush my teeth, I give my face a wipe down with Simple Micellar Water. Micelles have one end that love water, and one end that loves oil. For this reason, it’s super good at pulling up dirt and oil off of your skin! This is super gentle, you don’t have to rinse it off, and it’s not expensive. Perfect for ladies in a hurry.
Then I spritz my face with Murad Essential C Toner. This will help to regulate the oil production in my skin and balance out my PH. This particular toner helps to brighten and hydrate. I also really love Murad Hydrating Toner. Really just the Murad brand in general.
Then I slap on my moisturizer. Cera Ve Moisturizer in a tub. This is inexpensive, and has hyaluronic acid in it. It sounds scary, but hyaluronic acid is a water attention grabber. It can hold 1000 times it’s weight in water. 1000 times! Needless to say, it plumps, firms, and make the skin more supple. It’s just plain old good for you.
Before I move on with the rest of my day, I use Belif Eye Cream. If you’re looking for an eye cream that works immediately- this is the one. I saw a difference the very next day! I can’t say enough good things about it!
PM Routine
After I remove my makeup with micellar water, I swipe my skin with Stridex Maximum Strength. It says this is for acne, but I use it for it’s exfoliating purposes. A chemical exfoliate like this one will remove dead skin cells much more evenly that using a mechanical exfoliant (like one with scrubby beads or particles). It is also much more gentle on your skin! Using something scrubby can do quite a bit of damage to your skin’s moisture barrier, and cause blemishes and dryness. I exfoliate my skin every other day.
On the days I don’t use Stridex, I’ll use a mask, like this one from Peter Thomas Roth.
After I’ve cleansed and treated, I apply my moisturizer and eye cream again. Then I apply Dr. Jart Water Max Sleeping Mask. This is a mask you sleep in to help hydrate your skin.
Now, this one is a little weird, but unless you have a petroleum jelly allergy, does wonders for your skin. I put a thin layer of Vaseline on my face to lock in all the products. Vaseline is non-comedogenic, so it won’t break you out unless you’re allergic. My face looks glowy and gorgeous in the morning! The only downside is that you have to change your pillowcase often!
The very last thing I do is apply Hops Lips from Spindrift Soap Co.. It’s all natural and doesn’t make my lips peel. This keeps my lips moisturized and supple, so that my lipstick goes on smoothly and looks great. The added bonus is that it’s only $3!
Other Products and Treatments
Blackheads: Don’t use pore strips! These can cause spider veins, stretch out your pores, and in the end- the blackheads will come back worse than before! I love this two step treatment from Murad for clearing pores. This serum also helps to tighten pores and keep them clean!
Hyperpigmentation/Dark Spots: This serum has 2% hydroquinone in it, which is a skin lightener and is the strongest you can get over the counter. This will start to lighten dark spots immediately. Use this on your entire face, not just dark spots. You always want to be sure to use sunblock with this, because exposing your skin to sunlight while using this product can make hyperpigmentation worse. This product should be spot tested before use- it can be harsh!
My Routine
Disclaimers:
You should always spot test products on your skin before applying them to your entire face.
Do you possibly have a skin care routine for oily skin? I bought the products you recommended and I’m excited to use. My only concern is if I’ll become more oily with them. Thank you for your tips.
You said you use the Stridex every other night, for the PM routine? Im going to give this routine a try tomorrow. Thanks for the help!
Too much!!
Try a norwex cloth, hot hot water, n Olive oil…