Time for an updated skincare routine! I’ve added a few new products into my routine and am really noticing a difference with these products.
Cleanse
Morning and Night
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
As you may already know, CeraVe is my favorite skincare brand and I use most of their products in my skincare routine. I had been using the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, but decided to try out the foaming version once that ran out. I mostly did it for a change, but I really like this cleanser…better than the hydrating actually! The lather is so soft and gentle, and it leaves my face feeling soft as well. Its better for oily/combination skin which my skin has been lately due to the weather getting warmer. I also use a little bit of Clinique’s Take the Day Off Balm before this cleanser to make sure my eye makeup is removed.
Tone
Morning and Night
MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Spray
I’ve been using this spray during the Winter months to combat dry skin and its been working really well! This spray provides your skin with antioxidants and ingredients to soothe dry patches. Unlike a lot of toners out there, this doesn’t contain any alcohol or ingredients that will strip your skin of moisture. I think I will continue using this during the warmer months because its been working out really well! If my face starts to get too oily, I will have to look into a warm-weather toner.
Learn more about toners and which ones to avoid.
Exfoliate
Night
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant
This is the most recent addition to my skincare routine! Its very important to use an exfoliator that is either a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) to exfoliate skin because it does a better job than manual exfoliants and is much more gentle than harsh scrubs. I had previously been using an AHA, which is better for dry skin, but I’ve noticed my skin is starting to get a bit more oily/acne-prone so I’m now trying out this BHA. This is a 1% concentration as opposed to a 2%, since my skin isn’t super acne-prone. I’ve really been noticing a difference in my skin and my acne spots have also faded a bit since I’ve started using a BHA. You can use this twice a day, but I only use it at night because I found that it is enough for my skin. If you’re interested in Paula’s Choice exfoliants, they’re actually 20% off on her website right now!
Learn more about Exfoliants and which ones to chose.
Treat
Morning and Night
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol
This is another new addition to my routine that I’ve been using for about a month. The texture of this serum is super emollient so its great for dry skin! It helps to repair collagen production, get rid of dry patches, and can also be used as a makeup primer. I have noticed that I have not had any dry patches since I’ve started using this serum. However, I try not to apply too much of this to my oilier areas (such as my forehead) because of how emollient this is. If you have super oily skin, you may want to check out some alternate serums from Paula’s Choice. Also, if I’m planning to wax my face at all, I don’t use this serum for about 48 hours prior. Apparently anything containing retinol could cause your skin to be more sensitive to the wax.
Moisturize
Morning and Night
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion AM / CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion PM
The last step, of course, is to moisturize! I’m on my second bottles of both of these moisturizers and absolutely love them! The AM moisturizer contains SPF 30, which offers great protection against the sun! Its also really nice and emollient and works well under makeup. I would avoid, though, if you have super oily skin. The PM moisturizer is a bit lighter than the AM and feels really refreshing. Both of these moisturizers contain niacinamide which can restore skin’s healthy tone and texture, fade discolorations, and improve elasticity. And of course, they’re fragrance free!
And there you have it! I’m hoping that this routine takes me through the summer months without me having to worry about breakouts or flaky skin. If you’re looking for an effective skincare routine to try, I’d highly suggest CeraVe’s products (which you can find in the drugstore), Paula’s Choice products (available online), or anything that has a positive rating on Beautypedia.com. The only steps in this routine that are necessary are #1, #3, and #5, but I really like adding in the other 2 to treat any skin care issues.
What is your skin care routine like? Do you use the 5-Step system or do you have less steps?
This is great. I never knew how important steps like toning and exfoliating really were in an everyday routine until I started school to become an Esthetician. My skin is so much healthier now that I do these. Great way to educate others! I really want to try CeraVe products because I’ve only heard great things. I am just about out of my moisturizer so I may pick some up. Great post!
I have never heard of any of the brands you use, but I’ll look into the toner and treatment you use, because both of those look like they could be good for me. I currently wash my face with Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap drastically diluted in a foaming pump container with added lavender and tea tree essential oils. I moisturize in the morning with Say Yes to Carrots and in the evening, I use Skincare Cosmetics Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum, topped with virgin coconut oil.
@Alexis I love the Say Yes to Carrots moisturizer! I used to use it but had trouble finding it in the drugstore.