Hi again–happy (almost) Fourth of July! My small island home is currently being jam-packed with tourists, which is a sure sign that the weekend/holiday is approaching. Although we find ourselves in uncertain times, I hope you’re all doing okay and taking care of yourselves.
I’ve only recently discovered a love for skincare. When I turned twenty, I decided to take a closer look at how I was taking care of my skin, specifically focusing on how I could maintain a radiant complexion for as long as possible (aka saying no to wrinkles). Quite frankly, my initial routine consisted of a make-up wipe and a moisturizer. It seemed like a good starting place (I mean I was only twenty, right?), but I soon realized I was not giving my skin what it needs. Feeling ready to commit to a better skincare regime, I took the plunge and began reading, watching, and listen to the skincare community. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
MY SKIN TYPE
First off, I feel like every person sharing their skincare routine needs to disclose their skin type. I live for the Harper’s Bazaar Go To Bed With Me series on Youtube, but no one ever takes the time to tell us their skin type. Learning about my skin type helped me hone in on the products/ingredients I needed (and steer clear of the ones I didn’t). Therefore, sharing my personal skin type seems like a good starting place, so you’ll know if these products are right for you.
I have mostly normal skin, meaning that my skin is rarely super-oily or super-dry. However, if I neglect my routine for a few days (hi quarantine), my skins tend to become a little dry. Therefore, I focus on hydrating my skin and evening out my complexion. I also have noticed an uptake in acne, specifically around my chin. I’ve since started birth control, but I do have some lingering pimples and scarring along my lower jawline.
STEP ONE: Cleanser or Cold Water
When I first wake up in the morning, I usually shuffle over to the bathroom. If I don’t do my skincare routine right when I wake up, I won’t do it for the rest of the day. Depending on how my skin feels, I will either wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleaner or simply splash my face with cold water. If I’ve gone through the trouble of completing my nighttime skincare routine (post to come!), there’s no reason for me to use a cleanser in the morning. Don’t wash away the oils your skin has produced from the night before!
If I put on makeup the day before, I gravitate toward the cleanser to be sure that any leftover makeup is gone. Cerave is not only a great brand price-wise, but every product I’ve used from them delivers essential ingredients to the skin with little-to-no irritation. Their facial cleanser has ceramides, which reinforce your skin’s natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which draws water to the surface of your skin. I have been using this cleanser for a little less than a year and I can’t see myself switching to anything else.
STEP TWO: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum
After I wash/wet my face, I want to replenish with products that will hydrate my skin. Cue this serum. I first encountered Drunk Elephant through my birthday gift from Sephora. As the saying goes, the rest is history. I immediately bought the full-size version of this serum and never looked back. I love the consistency (not too watery, not too firm) and how I can feel it on my skin at the end of the day. Since using the B-Hydra™ Serum my skin feels softer and I’ve noticed a reduction in dry areas on my face.
STEP THREE: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
When I got my birthday gift from Sephora, I also received the Drunk Elephant C Firma Day Serum. I liked the product but I was not willing to pay $80 for a damn serum! Luckily, one of my favorite YouTube channels, Mixed Makeup, uploaded a video detailing some great, affordable products to try on Amazon. I immediately gravitated toward the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, and for $20, thought it would be worth giving a try. Although I’m not obsessed with this product, it does the job. Dark spots and acne scars have definitely faded from my face. I have also noticed that I have a brighter complexion in the morning, and who doesn’t want that?
STEP FOUR: EltaMD Sunscreen or Cerave Tinted SPF
This is probably the most important step in any skincare routine (maybe besides washing your face). In terms of skincare, applying sunscreen reduces the effects of ultraviolet exposure, which is the number one cause of premature aging. Even more so, sunscreen dramatically decreases your chances of developing skin cancer. As someone already predisposed to skin cancer, I always make sure to put on sunscreen every day, rain or shine (UV rays are around even on cloudy days!).
I have tried a number of facial sunscreens over the years. My two favorites are the EltaMD Facial Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid and the Cerave Tinted Sunscreen. The EltaMD sunscreen has an incredibly smooth consistency and the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. The Cerave sunscreen is on the thicker side (considering it’s a mineral sunscreen), but the tint helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone. If you want a lighter sunscreen that feels more like a moisturizer, I recommend the EltaMD. If you’re looking for a thicker, more make-up-oriented sunscreen, try the Cerave!
OCCASIONAL TREATMENTS
We all feel the need to treat ourselves every once in a while. When my skin is feeling particularly depleted, or if I just want to be alone, I’ll grab one or more of these products and go to town.
This is one of those masks that creates a visible before-and-after moment on your skin. I love how the clay tightens on my face and strips my pores of any dirt and buildup. Beware: the clay can irritate sensitive skin. Follow the directions carefully to ensure that you don’t damage your skin!
This mask has mini particles that scrub away dead skin and leave your face with a healthy glow. Formulated with niacinamide and bamboo stem extract, this product increases skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of dark spots. I use the mask once a week and love how it makes my skin feel.
