This post will guide you through the step-by-step morning and night-time skin care routine to achieve the healthy skin you have been longing for.
Have you been wanting to take better care of your skin but don’t know where to start or what order to apply products? I’ve definitely been there and can attest to how confusing it can be, so I’ve created a step-by-step skincare guide to share with you all!
I struggled with my oily & acne-prone skin in my teens and early-twenties. I honestly couldn’t even name all of the products I have tried while trying to find my tried and true. Thankfully, I’ve found great products along the way and my skin has never looked better! have been following the same skincare routine for over two years now and firmly stand by these products. I will state that I am by no means a clinical expert so if you are having specific skin issues, I recommend consulting your dermatologist.
1. Cleanser
I begin my morning routine with a gentle cleanser. I love the Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash. I have oily skin and this cleanser is the best at removing oil while still gentle. If you have normal/dry skin, I recommend going with the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser.
2. Toner
I follow with a toner, which as the name implies – helps even out skin tone. I personally like Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant because it contains salicylic acid (which helps keep acne at bay) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid, which acts as an exfoliant). I apply a small amount of the solution to a cotton pad and wipe my face.
3. Serum
After the toner, I apply a serum. I use CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals, which is a combination of vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid (protects against free radicals that can contribute to aging). I usually use about 5 drops of the serum and press/pat onto my face and neck. I know SkinCeuticals products are on the steeper side of the price range so some more affordable alternatives are the Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face and Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% – The Ordinary.
4. Moisturizer
Moisturizing is a MUST to ensure our skin doesn’t dry after the above steps. When I was struggling with stubborn acne, I never moisturized because I was under the false idea that it would only make my oily skin oilier. Oh, how WRONG I was! Please, do not skip this crucial step.
My go to moisturizer for the past years has been La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer after accidentally bumping into it at my local drugstore. It moisturizes the skin without making it oily or sticky and is fragrance-free.
5. Sunscreen
Last but not least – SPF! Sunscreen serves as a shield against the sun’s UVB rays which can be very damaging in the long run. It is also recommended by dermatologists to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. I have been loving the Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It doesn’t have that peculiar sunscreen scent and applies smoothly while leaving a nice glow – no white cast! It also is non-comedogenic, has probiotics, and other fruit extract ingredients.
This completes morning skincare and you are set to face the day sporting the natural face or following up with your makeup routine.
1. Makeup Remove & Cleanser
You’ve likely heard to not go to sleep with makeup on and well, I’m only going to repeat it – PLEASE do not go to sleep without removing your makeup. You definitely don’t need oil and makeup marinating your face overnight. I’ve been guilty of this on those late nights when I all I want is to get to my bed, however, without fail, I wake up feeling so gross and usually experience more blackheads than usual due to clogged pores. Miscellar water (like this one) and a cotton pad works wonders even for hard-to-remove mascara.
Follow up with your cleanser to ensure you’ve gotten all of the makeup off and are left with squeaky clean skin for the night. I will usually use the same Cetaphil cleanser I use in the morning, but it’s totally up to what you and your skin prefer.
2. Toner
Add toner to a cotton ball/pad and wipe your face and neck. I will usually alternate toners since the 2% BHA toner is an exfoliant and I prefer to limit exfoliants to 2-3X per week. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner is a great daily toner option.
3. Serum
To help hydrate my skin, I apply a hyaluronic acid serum which helps with skin firmness and plumpness. I use the H.A. Intensifier by Skinceuticals (a great investment). For a more affordable option, I also recommend the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum by The Ordinary. After application, the skin feels so smooth and moist!
*This is optional, but you can incorporate Retinol into your night routine. I personally have seen the biggest improvement in my skin when using it. It is a potent ingredient and will however dry out the skin when beginning use so I’d advice starting with 2 – 3 times a week, then gradually building up to nightly. I personally use prescription Tretinoin which is amazing – so, if possible, consult your dermatologist/doctor and see if they are able to prescribe it. Also, please keep beware that Retinol is not recommended if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. All in all, as a precaution, please consult your doctor before use.
4. Moisturizer & Lip Treatment
I promise that after this step your skin will not remember what dry felt like! Apply a nice moisturizer to seal in the toner and serum. I use the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream with niacinamide and peptide complex which support skin elasticity. I swear this stuff feels like butter on the skin! For a lip moisturizer, I use the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask. This mask is incredibly moisturizing, and your lips will be so soft and supple in the morning.
5. Spot Treatment
As an optional and final step, you can add a spot treatment on any breakouts. Over the years I have found my tried and true to be benzoyl peroxide. This one from Target is a super affordable option and is maximum strength. Just dab a small amount on those bumps and you’ll notice a significant difference the next morning.
I consider skincare very important especially as I get older, so I hope that you find these recommendations helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me, I’d love to chat.! Thank you so much for stopping by <3
xoxo,
Diana Colibri
