My skin care routine is fairly simple though some may think it has lots of steps. I think my routine is like most women but I would definitely be interested in hearing what your routine is like!
My skin has gone through some changes as I’ve gotten older. I suffered through acne as a teen but don’t have any major scars or discoloration. From my 20’s through my early 50’s, I had what could best be described as combination skin. My cheek area was dry and my T-zone was oily. But, I wasn’t overly dry or oily. And my skin leaned toward the sensitive-no harsh scrubs or chemicals that make skin burn or tingle allowed!
In the past couple of years (and to my surprise) my skin changed. I have gone from combination skin to a more normal skin type. This change has led me to trying different products for different reasons. Also, as I age, my biggest concern is keeping my skin hydrated. I don’t really care about wrinkles or lines-that’s what happens as the years go by and I figure that the more wrinkles and lines that I get means that I’m still alive and I’m really cool with that!
When you go through the products in my skin routine list, you’ll see that many of them are anti-aging (hate this phrase) or to reduce lines and wrinkles. I’ve chosen these products because they tend to be hydrating without being greasy/oily.
These products I use in the morning also have to work under my makeup as I do tend to wear makeup daily especially on work days.
MORNING ROUTINE:
This is the order that I use and apply the products.
CLEANSER:
Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Very simply, apply the cleanser in a circular motion, remove by splashing luke warm water on the face and pat dry with a face towel.
Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
I know that the use of toner is controversial. Many beauty folks say that it is absolutely not needed and other swear by it. I fall in the swear by it category as long as it is not drying. Most toners on the market usually have a lot of alcohol in them which dries the skin out. Witch hazel is gentle and non-drying. I like to use it as insurance that my face is completely clean and all makeup and cleanser is removed and to prep my skin for the next steps.
TREATMENT:
CeraVe Skin Renewing Serum
Dime sized drop is all you need to apply the serum to the face and a little on the neck as well.
MOISTURIZER:
No 7 Restore and Renew Day Cream
Apply to both the face and neck. I dot a bit on both cheeks, forehead and chin and rub it in.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Eye Cream
Eye cream is another product that garners lots of discussion and I have mixed feelings about it. I don’t think that eye cream really does anything and I’m not sure that you need a moisturizer that is separate than what you use on your face. So why am I using it? Because I had it in my drawer and decided to use it up. I don’t think I’ll be buying another eye cream once this one is gone. If you have an eye cream that you swear by, please let me know and tell me why! My reality is that the bags under my eyes won’t go anywhere until I start getting enough sleep EVERY night! These bags are part genetic and part lifestyle related.
EXTRA:
Black Girl Sunscreen
This is the newest addition to my skin care routine and I could not be happier. I have had trouble finding a facial sunscreen that did not leave a white cast, was not greasy and was light enough to wear under makeup. BGS fits the bill. I wear it daily make up or not and I love it!
NIGHT ROUTINE:
MAKEUP REMOVER/CLEANSING
No 7 Cleansing Oil
I do a double cleanse at night and the first step is this cleansing oil. I use it to remove makeup including eye makeup and water proof mascara. I either splash water on my face to remove the product or use a damp face towel to wipe the product off.
2ND CLEANSE:
Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
TREATMENT:
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Instead of the skin renewing serum which I use during the day, I use this Vitamin C serum at night. Vitamin C serum can be hard on the skin especially in the sun during the day so I use it only at night. Vitamin C can be used during the day but you must wear sunscreen with it.
MOISTURIZER:
No 7 Restore and Renew Night Cream
This is the night-time version of the day cream. It’s a little thicker and again, I use it on both my face and neck.
PRODUCTS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
I’ve read really good reviews about this product and would like to try a more moisturizing type cleanser.
No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Day Cream
My current day cream is almost out and I bought this one to replace it.
I am not product loyal and will try different ones to see if they are more moisturizing, less greasy, or just deliver different results. Plus, I don’t believe that you have to use products in the same line to be effective. I know that companies make and market products to work together but everything doesn’t work for everybody. Additionally, in terms of pricing, I am not one to purchase expensive cleansers and moisturizers. I love them idea of them but because these are products that get re-purchased over and over I prefer to use products that are more drug store priced. The vitamin C serum is my most expensive item. I got it at Ulta for $45.00
Expensive brands that I’ve heard really good things about include Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, and Murad.
My budget just won’t justify paying $100’s of dollars for cleansers and moisturizers several times per year.
Also, some of you may have questions about masks and exfoliants that I may use. Well, the truth is I don’t use them enough to offer a reliable opinion as to whether or not they are effective. I do love masks and the idea of masks but don’t make time to do them on the regular. Maybe in the future after I’ve spent some time using them I can offer some feedback.
And the best piece of beauty advice that we’ve all heard is that the best thing you can do for your skin is to hydrate from the inside-DRINK WATER!!
Share your favorite beauty products in the comments and let me know what your holy grail products are!
