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The other day at work, I happened to look down at my computer and see the date: August 22nd. I was horrified. How could time have gone by so fast? How am I going to be 25 in just six months? This realization sent me spiraling.
To me, 25 is such a monumental age. Growing up, I pictured myself married with kids, a big house, and the perfect career… ALL BY 25! Isn’t it crazy how our childhood expectations are often SO FAR from reality? In six months, I will be halfway through my twenties with some huge life changes ahead of me. From buying a house to possibly getting engaged, the second chapter of my twenties will be filled with so many incredible life events.
SO. All of this brings me to the purpose of this blog post. It’s time I begin to take my skincare seriously. I’ve never had what you’d consider a “skincare routine.” I typically just wiped my makeup off with micellar water and threw on whatever moisturizer I had at the moment. Well, after binge watching hundreds of skincare-related YouTube videos, I realized how much damage I could be causing and how I could actually be aging my skin… which is terrifying.
I made a promise to myself that I would create a skincare routine and try to both clear my skin and be more confident without makeup. I am by no means, an expert on the topic. I’ve build this routine based on a moderate amount of research. I’m 99.99% sure this will be a trial and error type-process, and I’m totally okay with that. So without further ado, here are some products I’ve chosen in my first ever skincare routine.
BUT, FIRST THINGS FIRST
Skin Type: Combination- more so dry than oily
Here are some of the skin problems I deal with on a regular basis that I’m trying to solve
- Acne / random breakouts
- Uneven texture
- Pore size
- Uneven color / pigmentation
- Aging/ fine lines
PRODUCTS I’ll USE
Product: Micellar Facial Gel Wash
Brand: Simple
Price: $5.97
Why I chose it: This product was created for sensitive skin and is super hydrating. I read that gel cleansers are gentle on the face. This product contains no artificial perfume or color and states that there are “no harsh chemicals.”
Product: Snowflake jelly Cleansing Oil
Brand: nooni
Price: $23
Why I chose it: The double cleanse! If there is one thing I learned, it’s that you need to remove your makeup and THEN cleanse your face. I credit Susan Yara, from Mixed Makeup, for enlightening and drilling this into my head (her videos are life changing and have serious taught me so much… I would def check her out).
Product: Hydra-Splash Alcohol-Free Toner
Brand: Elizabeth Arden
Price: $15
Why I chose it: Toner helps prep the skin for the next product and helps them sink into the skin (or so I’ve read). I chose this product because it was created for both normal and dry skin types- which I thought would be perfect for my combination skin. Also, because it’s alcohol-free. That is something that I paid attention to in all the products I bought. Alcohol can be harsh and drying on the skin- something I most definitely want to avoid.
Product: Micellar Cleansing Water
Brand: Garnier
Price: $4.99
Why I chose it: This is what I have been cleaning my face with for the last year or so. I love it for eye makeup and it works great. I’ve moved this product from the spotlight to more of a supporting role, typically using after a workout or days I’m not wearing makeup.
Product: PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Brand: CeraVe
Price: $15.99
Why I chose it: I bought this a while ago and loved that it has hyaluronic acid. It works to restore the protective skin barrier overnight and is oil-free.
Product: Oil-free Moisture
Brand: Neutrogena
Price: $8.99
Why I chose it: Again, I purchased this a while ago and use it in the morning before my makeup. It’s specifically formulated for combination skin and I’ve never had an issue with it.
Product: Anthelios Sunscreen-Gentle Lotion
Brand: La Roche-Posay
Price: $29.99
Why I chose it: I knew I NEEDED a sunscreen. This one is SPF 50 and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It claims to be a soft finish lotion with Cell-Ox Shield (UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants). It’s also fragrance free which is great for sensitive skin.
Product: Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Brand: The Ordinary
Price: $5.80
Why I chose it: One of my goals is to create a more even skin tone. According to Glamour, vitamin C “stimulates collagen production,” and “increases glow and evens out spots.” Sign me up!
Product: Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Brand: The Ordinary
Price: $5.80
Why I chose it: Texture, texture, texture, oh and aging! This product scared me for a while and after A LOT of research I jumped in and started to incorporate it into my routine. I’m starting off slow and building up my tolerance to the product. Several articles I’ve read suggest using a pea-sized amount once a week for a week, two nights a week for two weeks, and then every other night after that.
Product: Hyaluronic Acid
Brand: The Ordinary
Price: $6.80
Why I chose it: Moisture is a girl’s best friend. Am I right? I get super dry and flakey on my cheeks and around my nose. After getting past the “acid” part of this product, I chose this to help tackle the dryness.
PRODUCT ORDER
Something else I learned was the importance of the order in which you apply your products. A general rule I followed, was working from my thinnest to thickest products.
Morning Routine
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Vitamin C
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Night Time Routine
- Cleansing Oil
- Gel Cleanser
- Exfoliator
- Toner
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Retinoid
- Moisturizer
*I need to buy an exfoliator. Comment any suggestions!
Skin improvement takes time. I might not see any change for a while. But, I’m dedicated. I really hope to keep a routine of some sort for the foreseeable future. I know eventually my skin will change, so in return my routine will change. I’m also super interested in adding and switching things around as I get more conformable with these products.
For now, I will be sticking with this routine for 3 months- posting updates at the half way point, and then a review/ what I learned type-post at the end.
I would love to know what product you use or any suggestion you might have! Also, I feel like I should remind you, I know this might not be perfect. It’s just a jumping off point for this skin care newbie. Go easy on me!
This post My Simple Skincare Routine first appeared on Twenty Something.com
