Great skin is most certainly a function of genetics, diet, and other lifestyle factors. Having a solid and consistent skincare routine can keep skin looking clear and youthful – not to mention a quality routine can feel like a luxurious daily ritual.
With all the products and experts out there, it can be really hard to know what is best for you. I think it takes some trial and error and sampling lots of products to see what works best for your specific type of skin. I’m not a dermatologist or esthetician, so this is just how I approach building a skincare routine and what has worked for me. This is also the most extensive version of my skincare routine. I encourage you to pick and choose the steps that make the most sense for your particular skin. You can always add in steps over time as you feel the need to build out a more robust skincare routine.
MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE
Gentle cleanser – This is an absolute must, and I don’t think it has to be anything fancy. I love Cerave’s foaming cleanser because it’s gentle, doesn’t break the bank, and is available everywhere. If you use or have ever tried Curology, I really like their cleanser as well.
Exfoliating cleanser – I like to switch it up every few days with an exfoliating cleanser. My absolute favorite is Tata Harper’s Regenerating Exfoliating Cleanser. This one is definitely a bit of a splurge but so worth it. If you’re only using it every few days, it will last for a long time.
Toner – Toner gets a bad rep for being drying, but modern alcohol-free toners can help deep clean pores and prime skin for serums, creams, and makeup. I like Pixi’s Glow Tonic with 5% glycolic acid. Glycolic acid has a whole host of benefits such as exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin cells underneath, stimulating new cell generation as well as collagen and elastin production.
Vitamin C serum – Use a brightening antioxidant serum like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic in the morning for protection from skin-damaging free radicals caused by the sun, pollution and oxidative stress. Vitamin C is known to smooth fine lines, prevent hyperpigmentation, and fights signs of aging all around. Just know that vitamin C needs to be kept in a dark bottle, away from sunlight, and usually use within 6 months. Otherwise, it may oxidize and become ineffective. Also, be sure to apply this to completely dry skin. So wait a few minutes after washing and toning. (Side note: vitamin c serum can kind of smell weirdly like campfire or hot dogs. I don’t really mind the smell at all, but now you can’t say you haven’t been warned).
Gua sha – I only recently learned about this Traditional Chinese Medicine practice, but it is a game-changer. Gua sha is a practice of scraping a smooth, flat stone along the skin to improve circulation and reduce puffiness. This practice is known to have a lifting, firming, and anti-aging effect on the skin and can also be used for lymphatic drainage. I am by no means an expert, so if this is something you are interested in, I would encourage you to check out the guidebooks and video tutorials from Mount Lai to learn more. To get started, all you need is a gua sha stone and some oil or lotion for slip. Right now, I’m loving the Acure Radically Rejuvenating Rose Argan Oil.
Eye cream – I’ve heard mixed reviews on whether or not eye cream is actually worth it. Once I walked into a high-end skincare store and the salesperson took one look at me, and told me I had better start using an eye cream. That interaction certainly made me feel awful, but I started using an eye cream and never looked back. A little extra nourishment on that delicate eye skin certainly can’t hurt. I like the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex.
Jade roller – Rolling a cool jade stone across your face and around your eyes feels amazing. Jade rolling is known to reduce puffiness and promote lymphatic drainage. For more details on how to use this tool, I recommend Mount Lai’s guidebooks. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time to jade roll, but I like to roll the small end around my eyes after applying eye cream. I’ve heard this can help enhance product absorption, but at the very least, I like to roll when that skin is the most moisturized to avoid any pulling.
Sunscreen – This is a non-negotiable. As in, do I not leave the house, or spend too much time in the sunny living room, without at least SPF 30. My favorite brands are Dermalogica, SkinCeuticals and Cotz. Check out this post for more details on choosing the right sunscreen.
NIGHTTIME ROUTINE
Makeup-Melting Butter – The Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser might be my favorite skincare product of all time. Instead of being too lazy/tired some nights to do a proper skincare routine, I look forward to my routine so much because of this step. I love, love, love my nighttime routine now. There is no better feeling than scooping a glob out of the tub and massaging it into my face. It literally melts away all the makeup, dirt, sunscreen – whatever! After massaging it all over, just add water to activate, and everything will rinse clean. It’s amazing.
Exfoliant – My favorite exfoliant is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It’s made of rice powder and is super gentle, making it great for every day. I love how soft and smooth my skin feels after. The makeup-melting butter mentioned above also comes with a charcoal bamboo exfoliant, but the Dermalogica Microfoliant has been my favorite for a long time.
Hydrating Mask – Once or twice a week, I like to go all-in on self-care with a mask. My all-time favorite mask is Naturally Serious’s Hydra-Plumping Mask because it’s both purifying and nourishing. My skin feels completely renewed after use.
Hyaluronic Acid – Hydration is so important! Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin so it can lock that moisture right in. Due to its excellent ability to hydrate the skin, hyaluronic acid is perfect to pair with retinol, which can be super drying. I love The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Retinol – I started using a retinol a few years ago in my late 20s when I became concerned with signs of aging. Retinol (basically vitamin A) stimulates collagen production and encourages cell renewal to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I love SkinMedica’s Age Defense Retinol Complex , and I use the 0.5 concentration. If you’ve never used a retinol before, you might want to start with the 0.25 concentration and only use it every other night to start since it can cause irritation and dryness at first.
Gua Sha – Same process as in the morning routine, but at night I like to use Badger Damascus Rose Beauty Balm for slip. It’s a bit of a heavier product than the Acure oil I use in the morning, but I like how nourishing it is before bed.
Magic Cream – I like to use a moisturizing cream before bed as well. I will forever be obsessed with Charlotte Tillbury’s Magic Cream. It’s the perfect medium-weight cream, and it has hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. This cream also sits nicely under makeup so it’s a great daytime cream as well. Just make sure to apply it before your sunscreen.
Eye cream – Same process as in the AM routine.
Okay, I know those are a lot of steps, and I definitely don’t do all of them every single day. I just wanted to share the tips, techniques and practices that I am currently loving and are working for me. Ultimately, you have to choose what works best for you, and you can add to your routine over time. Drink lots of water and eat whole foods, and you’ll already be off to a great start.
For more on skincare, see 6 Product Picks: My Skincare Revival. If you’re interested in Botox, read about my experience here: Preventative Botox: Everything You Need To Know.
