I was very tempted to start this post by saying “a lot of you have been asking me” but alas I’m not a beauty influencer and there might not be very many people interested in my skincare routine but it’s one I’ve been wanting to document as I’ve really found my groove and a mix of products that are working well for my skin. These days, in between work, 2 kids, and a new puppy, any form of self-care feels like a luxury, so finding a routine that is simple and effective has been key.
After years of trying many different products and having complex routines that involved frequent masks, I have found that a basic 3-4 product/step routine is what works for me. I also haven’t done a mask at home in months, maybe years. Instead, I’ve been enjoying experimenting with a few beauty treatments in the safe hands of my dermatologist.
2024 was the year I tried PRP and Profhilo (aka skin booster) for the first time and I have been loving the results. Profhilo in particular I found to be very effective in giving just the right bounce to my skin, which is exactly what I was looking for. This year I want to keep on track with the PRP and Profhilo train, alternating between the two every few months, and seeing where it takes me.
Now, without further ado, on to the routine:
AM
Wash my face with water
Serum - had run out of my Shiseido one and wanted to switch things up so went back to a classic hyaluronic serum I was using a couple of years ago by Institut Esthederm
Note: This is a category I switch up often and have tried many good ones over the years. Essentially I want something hydrating, not clogging, and something that doesn’t aggravate my skin before putting on makeup
Moisturizer - been using an old favorite, Weleda Skin Food Light. It’s cheap, effective, and doesn’t break me out
SPF - Ultra Violette is my ride or die sunscreen. Haven’t tried anything else since switching to this 2 years ago. I always have a back-up ready to go.
Note: This is a step I’m religious about and one thing I recommend to everyone. Please do your skin a favor and not skip this step, even if it’s not a particularly sunny day. Your future self will thank you for it.
A lot of people swear by the Super Goop sunscreens. I have yet to try them but maybe one day.
PM
Makeup removal - been using a “balm” like cleanser for a good 2-3 years now and I love how it feels on the skin. I sometimes will switch up with an oil. My go to is this one by Clinique
Second cleanse - I’m a double cleanse girly about 90% of the time - I make exceptions for days I don’t wear much makeup. After removing most of my makeup with a balm or oil cleanser, I’ll go in with a proper face wash type product like this by Kiehl’s. I’ve had this particular tube for months and months (after buying it at duty free) and it won’t run out, which has been great for my No-Buy month, hah!
Note: Kiehl’s generally has great cleansers. I used the Centella one for aaaages.
Now this is the part where I like to switch things up so I can get all the different benefits my skin needs - hydration, brightening, anti-aging - without irritating it. I alternate between the following:
Vitamin C - I apply this every other day so about 3 times per week. After years of trying and failing to stick to any Vitamin C product as they would irritate my skin or break me out, I gave into the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic hype. My verdict: it’s incredible and one of the best new products I’ve introduced into my skincare routine. I see a visible difference in how tight and bright my skin looks
Salycilic Acid - I tend to apply this about once or twice a week, on days I’m not applying Vitamin C or Retinol, especially when my skin is feeling particular clogged up or acne prone. I’ve used this one on and off for years.
Note: I’m not super consistent with this step as I used to be back in the day, as these days I’m not having major issues with acne, and I would rather focus on things like brightening and hydration.
Retinol - I started adding Retinol to my routine a few years ago - pausing during both my pregnancies - and typically will apply it on days I’m not putting on Vitamin C or any acids or serums. I read somewhere years ago that it’s best to apply it directly onto your skin, without any other products before it, and that’s just what I’ve stuck to. I apply a pea size amount of this Obaji one on my forehead, cheeks, and chin, avoiding getting too close to the eyes, mouth or nose (again something I read years ago).
Note: Take your time with introducing Retinol into your routine. I started with the 0.5 and worked my way up to the 1.0 over the years - a little goes a long way - and the more you apply, the more likely your skin will flake. The flaking process is also normal but I try not to overdo it as I feel it affects how my makeup looks
Moisturizer - I love using something thick for the night time as I really want to get in as much hydration as possible. I’m on my third tub of this luscious cream by Medik8. Note to self - I need to try more of their products. I apply moisturizer most days, except the days where I’m using Retinol (I’ll still apply some cream around my eyes though)
Well there you have it - a round of my current skincare favorites and the routine I’ve crafted that feels both doable and dare I say - enjoyable? Don’t get me wrong, I still dread doing my skincare most nights but I always feel good for doing it (kinda like a workout, you know?). I feel all smug and warm inside knowing I’ve stuck to it and that I won’t wake up with my skin hating me.
I also have makeup, hair care and body care favorites that I would love to share but I’ll leave those for another post, if there’s interest. I’m currently in my No-Buy month so I’m not looking to try or buy any new products, however, there’s always the old wish list I could add stuff to and ruminate over, so if there are any products you absolutely love, please share in the comments below.
I’ve been waiting for this post! Thanks for sharing ♥️