Hi there, this is what you guys voted on and I'm here to deliver it with a smile. I get DMs all the time asking about what products to use/how to create a routine and I decided to just write a post about it for you all! If you are over the age of 25 and you don't have a skincare routine, you especially need to PAY ATTENTION, PUH-LEASE. I'm going to go over the suggested steps and I'll link some products that I've personally tried and have worked for me.
A little about me quick... I have combination skin: meaning I have an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin area) and I'm dry on my cheeks. So these products I'm linking have worked great with my skin type. My skin is also easily irritated so it's been tricky to find a routine, but I've finally perfected it. If you have strictly dry skin these products might not be the most beneficial to you. My biggest skincare concern is lightening the acne scars on my cheeks and wrinkle-prevention. I love the natural, dewy-skin look à la Rihanna, that's what I'm always striving for. Disclaimer: this is what works for me and feedback I've gotten from estheticians I've worked with. If you don't agree with my suggestions, I DON'T CARE.
Here is the flow of products you should use: cleanser, exfoliator (once a week AT NIGHT), toner, serums, eye cream, retinol (at night only, not the same night as you use exfoliator), and end with moisturizer. Okay, got it? Let's dive into some products.
Cleanser:
Super important to start your skincare routine with a clean base. If you like creamy cleansers I really love Korres Greek Yogurt Foaming Cleanser, Korres is a great skincare line. A staple in my skincare routine is the cleanser I'm currently using, Youth to the People's Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. This cleanser really cleans my skin and is pretty much like taking a green juice to the face. I also love that they sell it in a travel-size! A little goes a long way, and it smells so good! If you really like that clean, tight feeling from a cleanser then I highly recommend checking out Drunk Elephant's Beste Cleanser. It's an awesome cleanser for oily skin and also does a great job removing makeup!
Exfoliator:
IF YOU ARE STILL USING ST.IVES AS A FACE EXFOLIATOR THROW IT AWAY IMMEDIATELY. It flat out is way too harsh to be used on your face. It will create micro-tears if you use it too vigorously or too often. An esthetician I used to go to told me it's only appropriate to use that face wash on your knees and elbows, it's that harsh! Throw it out, sis! Now, the best exfoliator I've ever used is Peter Thomas Roth's FIRMx Exfoliating Peel Gel. It's gentle and visibly exfoliates your skin. It has left my skin feeling SO smooth and it's the only exfoliator I'll use or recommend. Again, I only use this once a week at night!
Toner:
The Ordinary is a brand I will recommend until I'm blue in the face. It's cheap and effective. My girl Gina got me on this brand and I'm SO thankful for her recommendation! I swear by this brand, it saved my skin and has significantly improved the appearance of my acne scars. First product you need from this brand is the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. This will help with skin clarity and brightness. Glycolic Acid really helps improve skin texture as well. It's the best-selling skin toner on Sephora's site and the best toner I've ever used so it's the only one I'm going to link!
Serums:
Oohhh... I love serums so much. This is my favorite part of my skincare routine! I use a variety of different acids/serums on my face based off my skincare needs at the time. If I'm breaking out anywhere I use a combination of The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and congestion, and The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid. I put that on any congested areas so for me my cheeks and sometime my chin. If you have dry skin I'd suggest trying The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid serum. Personally, I wasn't a huge fan of it but I have many friends who love it, so I figured I'd link it! Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrator multiplier for your skin, great for my dry skin readers! Another serum I've used and loved is OLEHENRICKSON's Truth Serum. This serum is full on Vitamin C and Collagen that brightens and firms! Don't use any Vitamin C serum and Niacinamide + Zinc together, it's not recommended! Just alternate using one or the other on a daily basis.
Eye Cream:
I've used a few eye creams and some haven't done shit. For me, I get bags under my eyes if I get less than 8 hours of sleep. She likes her sleep. The best under-eye treatment I've used is The Ordinary's Caffeine solution. I gently tap it with my ring finger under my eyes morning and night. If puffy under-eyes are your concern, I've heard this Dr. Brandt's is a good one!
Retinol:
If you are around the age of 25 and you don't have a retinol in your routine you are greatly doing your skin a disservice. Retinol products promote collagen, cuts down fine lines/wrinkles, and helps even skin-tone. YOU NEED A RETINOL PRODUCT IN YOUR LIFE! If you've never used one before I'd suggest starting at a low %, you may have a little bit of peeling or breaking out at first.
The Ordinary's site says about their retinols, "Caution: Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If you have not used high-strength retinol formulas in the past, we strongly recommend that you start your retinol regimen with our Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and adjust to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane as your skin builds tolerance. You will achieve the same end results without the unpleasant redness and peeling along the way."
I use Retinol 0.5% in Squalane every night (except the night I exfoliate with the Dr. Jart product) and then top my skin off with my moisturizer.
Moisturizer:
I've tried many a moisturizer and for me I like a thicker product and typically use it both in the morning and at night. I've been using Youth For The People's Superfood Air Whip moisturizer for a month now and really like it. I've also used Fresh's Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream and am a big fan of that one as well. Hot tip: lightly massage the moisturizer into your face to help boost circulation and reduce toxins!
*Also, you should be using sunscreen EVERY DAY! My favorite face sunscreen I've ever used is EltaMD Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46*
PHEW! There you have it... how to make a skincare routine and the exact products I use on my face. I hope this helps and feel free to reach out with any questions about The Ordinary products or skincare questions! Stay healthy and safe, hookers <3