Leah's Daily Skincare Routine
Hi there,
It’s crazy to think we’ve been stuck at home for a year. I mean, holy cow. In this super unsettling time, the one thing I’m certain of is this pandemic has disrupted normalcy as you know it. And if you’re anything like me that means you’re holding onto more stress than usual. In times like these is it INCREDIBLY important to take time for yourself. So, today I wanted to focus on my fave form of self care: my skincare routine. I tried to smash together the key building blocks of a good routine AND my favorite products but it was too much for one post and I think was more overwhelming than helpful. So today we’ll focus on the right steps in a routine (along with some optional add-ons) and then next time (maybe next 2 times, we’ll see, I’ll give recommendations!
Hugs,
Leah
MY MORNING ROUTINE
Cleanse
Forget that crap about not needing to wash your face in the morning. Your skin is constantly detoxing and renewing itself including (read: especially) overnight. You don’t need to go cray but you should definitely cleanse. I like to use a mild, gel cleanser. I also really like to use a washcloth when I cleanse as it gets my skin super-duper clean and it feels so refreshed after. Just make sure to get a new one every AM!
Tone
Toning can broadly be described as a step to prep your skin for your serums and treatments. It also takes care of any remaining dirt or leftover cleanser on your face. I have blemish-prone skin and exfoliating is hugely important in my routine so I use an acid toner for this step. If you have dry skin you could use a hydrating essence, if you have sensitive skin a calming one, etc etc.
Mist (OPTIONAL)
After toning your skin is ready to start drinking up whatever you put on it next. I find that the next steps soak in better if I spritz first. I spray the mist directly on my face.
Eye Cream/Spot Treat
If you’ve post college, you should be using an eye cream. Be gentle as you dab it under your eye and along the orbital bone, the skin here is very thin. If I have any active breakouts I also add my spot treatment in this step.
Serum/Treatment (OPTIONAL) -
These babies are super concentrated and thus where you’ll see the most benefit if there is an issue you’re targeting (eg. hyperpigmentation, dryness, aging, etc). So if you’re splurging anywhere in your routine, let it be here. Important to note that the lines are blurring between serums and oils so I’m lumping together here but keep in mind you should apply from lightest to heaviest. Traditionally serums are water based so it would go first and THEN any oils. I’d recommend a Vitamin C for literally everyone but anything else you use in this step is dependent on your skin and what it needs!
Moisturizer:
I feel like people disagree between what should come first: oil or cream. Technically you only need one but I use both (as you can maybe tell when it comes to my skincare routine - more is more). So, personally I do oil first because I swear it helps keep my skin clear but you do you girl.
SPF:
Every. Single. Day. Seriously, do not skip this step. And yes it’s a separate step from your moisturizer. You need way more SPF than moisturizer PLUS the active ingredient in your SPF will overtake other benefits in your moisturizer. So if you use a combo you’re likely not getting enough sun protection or hydration.
MY NIGHT TIME ROUTINE
Cleanse
If you wear makeup or SPF you should be double cleansing at the end of the day. The first cleanse is all about removing makeup and SPF. Then, the second cleanse can then get in there and clean your pores. Double cleansing really does just mean washing twice so you can absolutely use the same cleanser for both! I use an oil cleanser for the first cleanse as I find it just melts off whatever is on my face and a cream cleanser second to get in there and clean. If you decide a washcloth is for you this is the second time you’ll use it and then toss it in the hamper!
Tone
I find that acid toning twice a day is a little much for my skin (my mom does it and it’s working great for her!) so I switch it up to a hydrating toner for the PM.
Mask (OPTIONAL)
2-3x per week I do chemical exfoliation with peel pads and 1x per week I do a mask (clarifying, moisture, brightening - whatever my skin needs, most of the time I need clarifying)
Mist (OPTIONAL)
I use the same one for AM/PM and again spritz directly on my face
Eye Cream/Spot Treat
Same as AM, remember to be gentle!
Serum/Treatment (OPTIONAL) -
Here is where I use my retinol/bakuchiol. From a previous post you know I have mad respect for both these ingredients for anti-aging. Just make sure it’s a clean one as there are issues with sourcing and contamination in retinol. Retinol takes some time to get used to. Start once a week and work your way up. It also may help you to avoid around the eyes and mouth.
Moisturizer:
At night I use a lighter oil, a heavier oil then a cream to lock it all in. Like I said more is more for me and I can’t choose between my fave products but you only really need 1 (though oil followed by a cream to lock it in is a real good setup).