My Skin Routine
Y’all voted…it’s time for my skin routine.
I am in no way a skin expert, but thought I would share a bit about the process and products that have worked well for me. For some reason, I really enjoy hearing about (and watching) other people’s skin routine. It’s fascinating to see what people use, what they find necessary, and what types of products/methods have worked best for them.
All of our skin is gloriously different so regiments are not a one size fits all situation. Regardless, I have picked up tips and tricks from friends, research, and skin experts that have been incredibly helpful. I hope this post can be another resource for you as you continue the quest to brighter, happier skin.
To help you compare and contrast, I have combination skin that tends to lean towards the drier side. My main pain points are texture and the occasional monster of a cystic pimple.
GENERAL STEPS THAT I FOLLOW:
Oil based cleanser (Step #1 of Double Cleanse)
Cleanser (Step #2 of Double Cleanse)
Exfoliate
Serum
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
OIL BASED CLEANSER (Double Cleanse, Step 1)
Farmacy Green Clean
The first step in my double cleanse is removing the first layer of makeup/grime/pollution with an oil based cleanser. My favorite is the Makeup Meltaway from Farmacy. Even on makeup free days, I use this magic to get rid of any residue or sunscreen. The product’s namesake is quite appropriate…it really does mellllt makeup off your skin without tugging at or stripping it.
INGREDIENT NOTES: It’s chuck full of sunflower and ginger root oils as well as papaya enzymes to help gently exfoliate while it’s melting your day away.
WHY IT’S A HOLY GRAIL ITEM FOR ME: I really love Farmacy-not only do they have a great story, their products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and all of their packaging is recyclable.
SMELL: Delicious. It’s like you are dunking your face in a tropical vaca.
THE ALTERNATE: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
OTHER CLEANSER (Double Cleanse, Step 2)
Kate Somerville Exfolikate
After the makeup meltaway, this foaming wash finishes up the double cleanse process. It’s a gentle but exfoliating cleanser that makes sure that anything the first step left behind is removed.
INGREDIENT NOTES: Pineapple, pumpkin, and more papaya enzymes. Glycolic and lactic acid.
WHY IT’S A HOLY GRAIL ITEM FOR ME: Kate’s products have transformed my skin and this product is the star of the show. It’s been a great daily cleanser that does the work without making it feel like my skin is taking a beating. This cleanser is also sulfate and cruelty free.
SMELL: So fresh and so clean, clean.
THE ALTERNATE: CeraVe Foaming or Hydrating Facial Cleansers
EXFOLIATE
Dr. Dennis Gross Exfoliating Pads
I don’t use these pads everyday, but can definitely tell a difference when I use them on a regular basis. I typically utilize them every other day or so. I feel as though it does the most for the overall texture and brightness in my skin. When I use them the texture of my skin is more even and appears less dull. Each pad has various acids on them to help tackle everything from aging to acne.
INGREDIENT NOTES: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, no sulfates or parabens
WHY IT’S A HOLY GRAIL ITEM FOR ME: They really couldn’t make it much easier for you. Each peel pad is individually wrapped and ready to roll for you. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten free.
SMELL: There is a distinct smell to them. I don’t think it’s anything overpowering but noteworthy if you are sensitive to that type of thing.
THE ALTERNATE: It isn’t a different product but I also enjoy the Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads-same concept but there is a gradual tanner in it.
SERUM
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Oh this serum. I always felt like some serums were a bit of a gimmick. I tried a few and just didn’t see the results I was hoping for considering how packed the product was supposed to be. This is the one that changed my mind. I got a sample of it from Sephora as a free gift and it was a game changer for my skin.
INGREDIENT NOTES: B5, pineapple ceramide
WHY IT’S A HOLY GRAIL ITEM FOR ME: I liked the formula and could truly feel it holding hydration in my skin. Whether it’s being out in the sun in the summer or the dry air in the winter, the extra hit of moisture is welcome. + it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
SMELL: Nothing really. It might be because my double cleanse products are still present but I haven’t noticed any kind of smell to this product.
THE ALTERNATE: Glossier Super Duo
MOISTURIZER
Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream
I have found that my skin is particularly sensitive to moisturizers. A few that I have tried have caused me to have a bit of a reaction so I was thrilled when I found one that worked well for me.
INGREDIENT NOTES: Natural plant-based emollient, mango butter
WHY IT’S A HOLY GRAIL ITEM FOR ME: I really like the weight of this lotion. It is a bit thicker than some moisturizers almost having the texture of a body butter. While this won’t work for everyone, I love feeling that level of hydration on my skin particularly at night time.
SMELL: There is a really clean, light scent to this. It isn’t super potent just enough to be present.
THE ALTERNATE: Farmacy Honey Drop
SUNSCREEN
Elta MD
The last step (but a really crucial one) is sunscreen. Even in the winter, it’s so important to make sure that your skin is protected. It isn’t just about ‘burning’…nothing ages you like sun damage. Something I would like to learn more about is a sunscreen that helps protect against the negative effects that all of the blue light we consume has on our skin.
INGREDIENT NOTES: This sunscreen is zinc oxide based which I prefer for face and beyond. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture.
WHY IT’S A HOLY GRAIL ITEM FOR ME: This product came heavily recommended but the formula itself is what sold me. It’s really lightweight which was key for me since some sunscreens can feel heavy/milky on your skin particularly under makeup.
SMELL: Fragrance free which doesn’t always happen with sunscreens! While I love a good beach-y smelling sunscreen as much as the next gal, when it comes to my face I don’t need to be smelling like a tiki hut on a daily basis.
THE ALTERNATE: Coola Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops Organic Sunscreen (SPF 30)
I hope this peek into my regiment was helpful for you! Again, I am no expert but hope that this can be helpful to you. Share your tips, tricks, and product favorites with me…would love to hear them.
Sincerely,
Ashley