A couple of weeks ago, a reader asked about starting a night time skin care routine. After answering, I've had several other people ask me for what my current skin care routine is, and since I last did that post in February, here's an update! As you can see, many parts of my routine are still the same, but I've stopped using a few products for one reason or another, and added a few new ones in. I'm finally over the flakiness that the tretinoin cream caused, and I have a more control
in the morning
Glossier cleanser: I use this first thing in the morning in combination with the sponge below. It's a very gentle cleanser, the bottle lasts a long time (I just ordered my second bottle finally), and I even use it to remove my make up on nights I'm feeling lazy and wore less make-up during the day.
Cleansing sponge: I've had the same sponge for about two years now, and still use the same one. It has made such a difference in removing flaky skin, especially during the winter.
Paula's Choice perfecting liquid: Another mainstay in my skincare routine. I'll stop using it for a few days because I get lazy, and all of a sudden have like four new break outs. It is a bit drying so I only use it on my problem areas, but it has made such a difference for me.
First Aid Beauty hydrating serum: To combat the dryness, I started using this serum last winter, and it's been a life saver. I tried cutting back on it this summer too, but again, came right back to using it because it is so effective.
Paula's Choice sunscreen: I used to never use daily sunscreen, but having read enough about skin cancer and just the vain prevention of wrinkles has made me start using sunscreen. I really like this sunscreen particularly because it's not thick and oily like typical sunscreens - it's a very fluid sunscreen that doesn't leave a film or anything on the skin.
Belif moisturizer: Another mainstay in my current routine - I'm on my third or fourth jar now!
in the evening
Micellar water: I reviewed this a few weeks ago, but like I said, it easily removes all eye makeup and is super gentle (it basically feels just like water!). I use it with cotton pads.
Paula's Choice cleanser: Another favorite! It's gentle, removes remaining make-up, and doesn't dry out my skin. I'm on my third bottle of this, and am about to order a fourth!
Retin A Micro: Probably the biggest game changer in my skincare routine over the past year. It's a prescription cream that I use every other night. It has decreased my acne, reduced hyper-pigmentation, and has overall made a big difference in my skin. Highly recommend if over the counter creams and cleansers aren't making as big of a difference as you would like.
Vanicream: This was recommended to me by my dermatologist to help with the dryness and flaking caused by the tretinoin cream. I didn't believe it made me much of a difference until I ran out of it a few months ago, and the dry flakiness came back. Now I slather this on at night, and when I wake up, my skin is so soft (and not dry!).
Glossier balm.com: I use this for the rougher skin I get around my nose (mostly during the winter when I'm blowing my nose all the time). It soothes the irritation and heals the chapped skin.
as needed
Kiehl's acne treatment: I've had this same little tube for a few years now (it's probably actually time to get a replacement) but I use it when I feel a break out coming on. I don't think it makes a huge difference one way or the other, and I don't particularly think that this salicylic acid spot treatment is much different than others, but I like it, and it's what I've been using.
Kaplan's lip mask: I mentioned this on instagram yesterday, but the combination of a weekly lip mask + daily lip balm has made a big difference for my lips. I tend to have pretty dry lips no matter what else I've done, and this has helped, especially now that winter weather is officially here.
Glamglow face mask: I use this about once every two weeks to help with the flakiness of my skin. It's definitely drying, so I don't leave it on much longer than necessary, but it has been one of the only things I've found that helps with removing flakes.
Ren mask: I stumbled upon this while looking through mask reviews, and people seem to really like it! I've used it twice, and plan on doing a full review soon, but it's basically a gentler mask that helps "restore radiance".
Memebox sheet masks: After mentioning how much I liked the Sephora face masks a few months ago, several readers recommended checking out Memebox for cheaper masks. I put in a big order, and have been using various ones ever since! The masks run $1-$3, so even if I put one on and don't end up liking it, I don't feel like I wasted a ton of money on something I don't like.