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My Skincare Routines
17
items My skin doesn’t always need the same things, so I change my routine depending on what it needs. These are the products I reach for when I’m dealing with breakouts, dryness, or just want to keep my skin healthy.
Sections
4
Anti-Acne / Breakouts Routine
Healthy Skin Barrier Routine
Anti-Aging Routine
Skincare Tools
Anti-Acne / Breakouts Routine
When my skin starts acting up, I want products that actually have a purpose instead of throwing everything at it. This routine is more about keeping breakouts, clogged pores and the aftermath under control without completely overwhelming my skin.
When breakouts are the problem, I want the first step to stay simple. This is the kind of cleanser I'd put at the beginning rather than trying to make every single product in the routine an acne treatment.
Paula’s Choice - CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
I wouldn't use this just because a breakout appeared, but it's a useful option when texture and dullness are happening at the same time. For me, this makes more sense as an occasional exfoliating step than an everyday one.
The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
This is the one I'd look at when clogged pores are actually the issue. I like that it has a very specific job in the routine instead of just adding another exfoliant for the sake of it.
Naturium - BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
Helps a lot with redness and breakouts and keeps the skin more balanced.
The Ordinary - Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Cream
This is the kind of moisturizer I'd want after using acne treatments - simple, calming and not another active to worry about. It gives the skin some much-needed comfort without making the routine feel heavier than it needs to.
VANICREAM - Daily Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides
Healthy Skin Barrier Routine
When my skin feels dry, irritated or just a little overwhelmed, I want to keep things simple. These are the kinds of products I'd reach for when my skin needs more hydration and comfort instead of another complicated routine.
This is the cleanser I'd reach for when my skin is feeling dry, tight or just generally unhappy. I like that it keeps the first step simple instead of adding another active when my skin really needs a break.
Kiehls - Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser
I love having a toner like this in a barrier routine because it adds that extra layer of hydration without making the routine feel excessive. This is the kind of step I'd keep around for days when I want my skin to feel calm and comfortable.
ANUA - Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner
This is the splurge in this routine, but I can see why people keep coming back to it. When my skin needs more hydration but I don't want another heavy cream, this is exactly the kind of serum I'd add.
Drunk Elephant - B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
This is my “okay, let's stop doing so much” kind of product. I'd save it for nights when my skin feels irritated, dry or overwhelmed and needs something much more comforting than another active.
Kiehls - Ultra Facial Medicated Recovery Cream
Anti-Aging Routine
I don't think an anti-aging routine needs to mean using every active ingredient at once. These are the products I'd look at when I want to focus more on keeping my skin looking smooth, healthy and well cared for over time.
I wouldn't overcomplicate the first step of an anti-aging routine. A gentle cleanser like this gives you a clean base without using up your skin's energy before you even get to the treatments.
La Roche-Posay - Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser for Dry Skin
Retinol is one of those ingredients that can make a routine feel a lot more serious. I like the micro-dose concept because it feels like a much less intimidating way to bring retinol into your routine.
Kiehls - Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
If I'm already building an anti-aging routine, I'd rather add a serum with a clear purpose than another generic hydrating step. This one fits nicely alongside the retinol without making the routine feel completely overloaded.
Clinique – Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Definitely the luxury pick in this routine. This is the kind of cream I'd choose when I want my evening skincare to feel a little more special instead of just functional.
Shiseido - Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream
I'm much more likely to use SPF consistently when it doesn't feel like traditional sunscreen. The smooth, almost primer-like texture is what makes this one especially easy to work into an everyday routine.
Supergoop! - Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Skincare Tools
These are the extras I'd add when I want to take my skincare a little further. They're definitely not something you need for a good routine, but they're the kind of things that can make skincare feel a bit more fun.
Okay, this is obviously the “I'm taking my skincare very seriously” purchase. It's a big splurge, but I like that it makes sense for more than one section of this list - especially anti-aging and breakouts
Dr. Dennis Gross – DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Mask
⭐️ 9.5/10
If a whole skincare gadget setup feels like too much, this is much easier to picture actually using. It's small, simple and fits into something you're already doing anyway - cleansing.
FOREO – LUNA 4 mini Dual-Sided Facial Cleansing Massager
The appeal here is how specific it is. You don't need to change your entire routine when one annoying breakout appears - this is made for those little problem spots.
FOREO – ESPADA 2 Plus Advanced Blue LED Light Therapy For Acne