My Updated Skincare Routine

Hey everyone! I went home from college for winter break, and seemed to just break out everywhere! Obviously, it was a sign to work on my skincare routine.

So I’m not actually sure of my skintype. I have oily spots and dry patches and acne, and while my chin usually can feel greasy by lunchtime, the dry spots on areas like my nose and around my brows are usually considered part of the T-zone. I feel like something with my skin is just a surface condition, whether it’s oil caused by acne or dehydrated spots.

Step 1: Oil cleanser. I just read in The Little Book of Skincare that you should double cleanse twice daily. I used to use it only in the evening, mainly as my makeup remover, but have since added it in the morning to help remove excess sebum. I’m currently using the Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil, and feel like it’s decent but not spectacular. If I do use a makeup cleanser beforehand, I’ll go for something like the Estee Lauder Take It Away Cream.

Step 2: Water-based cleanser. A lighter water-based cleanser won’t strip your skin, and I currently am using the BareMinerals Acne Treatment Gelee Cleanser. This isn’t harsh at all while still including key acne-fighting ingredients. If I’m using more acne products, I’ll switch to something like the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.

Step 3: Exfoliant. Some people will say to use it every day, while others it’s more like once a week. There are lots of factors going into it – what your skin can handle, if the exfoliant is chemical or manual, etc. I’m still figuring this out, trying different brands and types before committing to something.

Step 4: Face mask. I don’t have a set amount of time between using masks, usually just a couple days to a week. I use a lot of clay masks, especially acne-fighting ones, but will use others like soothing or exfoliating masks. For an all-around clay mask, I like Boots Botanicals Ionic Clay Mask. My favorite part is when it starts to dry, any zits or oily pores remain wet longer, making it feel like the oil is being removed.

Step 5: Toner. The first time I bought toner, I had no idea what it did, just that it was supposed to be in my routine. Personally, I’d go for a moisturizing toner like the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, but if you want an astringent one, use an alcohol-free version (alcohol meaning denatured alcohol, which is usually the second or third ingredient if it’s used). I’ve always been pleasantly surprised by the ones in acne-fighting kits from brands like AcneFree.

Step 6: Nightly add-ins. This is the point where I’ll add a sheet mask, serum, spot treatment, etc. Lately I’ve been going through samples of Dermalogica’s Overnight Clearing Gel.

Step 7: Eye cream. I’ve always had super dark circles under my eyes. In the mornings, I go for Origins GinZing Eye Cream, which seems to do a good job of brightening my dark circles. At night, I like using Clinique All About Eyes. I usually apply eye cream before moisturizer, in case any previous products need time to sink into the skin.

Step 8: Moisturizer. I’m finishing off my bottle of Olay Active Hydrating Fluid, which is a nice everyday product, but I want to explore other brands and products afterwards.

Yes, this is a pretty comprehensive skincare routine, but I’ve just gotten so interested in skincare lately. It feels like I have the power to be able to help my skin become the best and healthiest it can be, and that feeling makes me want to wash my face multiple times throughout the day. My routine is also pretty fast, despite all the products – unless I do a mask, it takes about ten to fifteen minutes, in the morning and at night.

-xo, Andi