I recently shared the nighttime skincare routine that I’ve developed and received so many inquiries about more in-depth details. For the first time in a VERY long time, I finally feel like my skin is happy, getting the products it needs and being well taken care of. It’s been quite the journey for me, especially since I just recently started digging deeper into taking care of my skin within the last two years.
Up until I was about 27, I was a face wash and go kinda girl. I waited what I feel like was way too long to invest in healthier skin and most importantly, daily use of SPF! During my late 20’s, I developed adult acne out of the blue. It was especially difficult because I had no way to pinpoint what would cause it. I would go from a breakout of cystic acne clusters to flawless skin, all while doing the same exact things. I tried (and wasted so much money on) so many different face washes, toners, “gels” and other products that essentially didn’t help in the slightest.
Finally, while preparing for our wedding I gave in and went to see a dermatologist. She reassured me on sight that my skin issues weren’t the end of the world and could easily be gotten under control. She prescribed me Acuzone and Differin Gel (can be bought at any drug store), and advised me to use the La Roche Effaclear face wash daily. It took months, but finally my acne was under control and my face looking bright and even with few breakouts.
Night Time Skincare Routine
Remove My Makeup | I start each night by removing my makeup in it’s entirely. If I have on a heavy face, my go-to is Dermalogica’s oil cleanser. For most work days, I’ll use an Almay biodegradable makeup wipe with a few drops of micellar water.
Cleanse and Tone | I rotate between First Aid Beauty’s facial cleanser and La Roche’s Effaclar medicated gel cleanser. La Roche worked wonders when I was battling acne and trying to get it under control. First Aid Beauty’s facial cleanser is amazing in removing dirt, make-up and anything in between. A dime sized amount goes such a long way and cleans my face so well. I then put a quarter size amount of First Aid Beauty’s Wild Oat Toner on a cotton pad and gently wipe my face and neck. I prefer this toner because I have sensitive skin and the oats help to calm it, instead of the sting that typically comes with most toners or astringents. Another great drug store toner is Dickinson’s, but it can be a bit too harsh for anyone with sensitive skin.
Exfoliate | I don’t exfoliate daily, but I have a handful of products that I rotate and absolutely adore. Exfoliating is important to evening out skin texture, scrubbing away dead skin cells and also helping your skin to soak up products to really get the best out of them. The first is Dermalogica’s Microexfoliant. It’s gentle enough to use everyday. My bi-weekly go-to is Olay’s Vitamin C + AHA Resurfacing Peel. My skin LOVES this combination! It’s an inexpensive option that works wonders. My all-time favorite exfoliator is Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliator. It’s too pricey for me to use daily, but I do keep it in stock.
Texture Treatment | I follow the cleanse and tone step with a thin layer of Differin Gel all over my face and then a pea size drop of SkinCeuticals .5 Retinol. My skin took some time to adjust to this retinol and it’s not even the strongest one. You will likely get dry and peel until your skin adjusts, so over-moisturize after using it or consider using it every other day to ease your skin in.
Acids | Dermelect’s Beauty Sleep Serum changed the game for my skin. Key ingredients are L-Ascorbic, Glycolic, and Salicylic Acid which are key to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as shrinking pores and brightening skin. It has done ALL of those things for me.
Moisturize | I combined one pump of First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Facial Moisturizer mixed with two drops of their Ultra Repair Cannabis Oil.
Serums | To really “marinate” my skin in goodness that will repair while I sleep, I put three drops of Beneath Your Masks “Nourish” serum in my palm with one drop of Beauty RX’s Vitamin C serum. If you don’t already use Vitamin C in your skin routine, you absolutely need to start. Read all about the benefits here.
Eye Treatment and Lip Moisturizer | Final step, I dab a pea size of First Aid Beauty’s Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream onto my ring finger and tap it under and around my eyes, up to my brow bone. I use this popular Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask every night because it makes my lips feel like the rest of my face – moisturized and shiny.
My Recommended Skin Products
I want to reiterate that I am not an expert, nor do I know if I’m using the products in the exact order that they should be – but I do know that my skin is finally flourishing and looks happier and more calm than it ever has. That in itself is enough for me to trust that these products are working for me and my complicated skin. If you want to know more about which products I feel work best for what, feel free to ask below!
I’ve been searching high and low for a good routine along with recommendations. I can always count on you for honest reviews. I used first aid before my son and I loved it. I just got occupied with motherhood that I forgot about my skin ! I recently cleaned out under my sink while being quarantined and found a huge bottle of cleanser. It had no expiration date so I trashed it (bummer)!! However, now I’m going to get the trial sizes and try it again. Thank you for all the links!