My Morning & Night Skincare Routine

Developing a skincare routine that works for you can be an absolute game-changer!

A good Skincare routine is essential to keeping your skin rejuvenated and maintaining a healthy glow for years to come. 

I've been consistent with my skincare routine which has transformed my complexion and garnered countless compliments. I swear by this regimen that I call "the fountain of youth!" 

I've remained committed to this regimen, and the results speak for themselves. My normal skin type has thrived under this carefully curated routine, focusing on cleanliness, rejuvenation, and overall health.

If you have any specific concerns, just add the necessary products to the routine. 

Regular dermatologist visits for prescription Tretinoin and mole checkups have been pretty important in maintaining and adapting my routine over the years. I love these consultations which give me lots of insights into best practices and new treatment options.

Derma E is my absolute all time favorite skincare brand!

The majority of products I use are Derma e. Derma E uses only natural ingredients and focused on clean beauty. Their products are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil and other potentially harmful ingredients. They are also vegan and cruelty free which is a win!

On top of that, the products are very reasonably priced compared to many high-end skincare brands, making effective, clean beauty accessible. 

My daily routine consists of:

1. Facewash with Salicylic Acid
2. Witch Hazel Toner (unscented) 
3. Serum (Vitamin C for day, Retinol for night)
4. Lotion (Vitamin C for day, Retinol for night)
5. Sunscreen (daytime only)
6. Tretinoin (every other night)
7. Vitamin E oil (for night)

Let's break this list down further and explore why and in what order to use each of these self care products. 

Morning Regimen Benefits

1. Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

• Removes dirt, oil, and impurities accumulated overnight
• Prepares skin for better absorption of subsequent products
• Helps maintain and minimize clear pores and prevent breakouts 
• Refreshes the skin, giving a clean slate for the day

• Addresses multiple skin concerns besides just acne. It can help you with issues like uneven skin tone and smoothing the texture of your skin

2. Witch Hazel Tone:

• Mild astringent properties
• Balances skin pH preparing it for better absorption of subsequent products
• Natural antioxidant & reduces inflammation
• Removes any remaining traces of dirt or makeup that your cleanser might have missed

2. Shop Vitamin C Serum

• Powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals
• Boosts collagen production, promoting firmer skin
• Helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone
• Enhances skin's natural defense against UV damage
• Brightens complexion for a more radiant appearance

3. Vitamin C Lotion:

• Provides additional antioxidant benefits
• Hydrates the skin, locking in moisture
• Reinforces the effects of the Vitamin C serum
• Creates a smooth base for makeup application
• Continues to protect skin throughout the day

4. Sunscreen:

• Protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays
• Prevents premature aging caused by sun exposure
• Reduces risk of skin cancer
• Helps maintain an even skin tone by preventing sun spots
• Protects against hyperpigmentation

Nighttime Regime Benefits 

1. Cleanse (with Salicylic Acid face wash):

• Removes makeup, dirt, and impurities accumulated throughout the day
• Unclogs & minimizes pores and helps prevent acne
• Gently exfoliates, promoting cell turnover
• Prepares skin for better absorption of nighttime products

2. Witch Hazel Toner:

• Balances skin pH after cleansing
• Removes any remaining traces of dirt or makeup
• Tightens pores and refines skin texture
• Provides mild astringent and anti-inflammatory benefits

3. Retinol Serum:

• Stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Accelerates cell turnover for renewed, fresher-looking skin
• Helps improve skin texture and tone
• Can help manage acne and minimize pore appearance

4. Retinol Lotion:

• Provides additional retinol benefits in a moisturizing base
• Hydrates skin, counteracting potential drying effects of retinol
• Supports skin's overnight renewal processes
• Enhances overall efficacy of retinol treatment

5. Prescription Tretinoin (every other night):

• Powerful anti-aging effects, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin texture and tone more intensively than over-the-counter retinol
• Helps manage acne and prevent breakouts
• Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin

6. Vitamin E Oil:

• Provides intense overnight moisturization
• Acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin from free radical damage
• Supports skin healing and repair processes
• Can help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks

Face masks

Let me tell you, I absolutley love a good face mask! It’s not only relaxing but it can be a wonderful way to rejuvenate skin. Face masks play a special role in my skincare regimen.

I also enjoy experimenting with different products and masks, but these two have become staples in my weekly routine:

Morning Face Mask

Shop: ADVANCED PEPTIDES & FLORA-COLLAGEN™ CRYO-GEL MASK

This gentle, cooling gel mask is a luxurious treat I use it a couple of times a week, especially before photo shoots or special events. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. 

Night Face Mask

Shop: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This intense facial peel combines alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) to improve skin texture, reduce pore congestion, and address uneven skin tone.

Due to its potency, I use it only once a month and at night, as I already incorporate tret and retinol regularly.

After using this peeling mask solution, I make sure to moisturize heavily with hyaluronic acid serum and lotion to counteract any drying effects and nourish the fresh layer of skin revealed by the peel.

Foot Mask 

You can use a foot mask as a weekly treatment or an occasional indulgence. Foot masks are an effective tool for maintaining soft, healthy, and attractive feet.

Rest Of Body

The first part of this article has been mostly about face and décolletage skin care. Let's not forget about the rest of our body care. The combination of body wash, body lotion, and body oil is an important and effective trio for comprehensive skincare.

• My fave Body Wash
• Best Retinol Body Lotion
• Top Vitamin E Body Oil 

1. Body wash is the first step in cleansing the skin, removing dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells. 
2. Body lotion, applied after washing, is crucial for moisturizing the skin. It helps to lock in hydration, preventing dryness and maintaining skin elasticity. 
3. Body oil, the final step, provides an extra layer of nourishment and protection. Oils are occlusive, meaning they create a barrier on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss. Many body oils also contain antioxidants and vitamins that can improve skin health and appearance.

Conclusion 

While this routine works wonders for me, skincare is highly personal. If you have specific concerns, don't hesitate to add appropriate products to your very own routine.

Always consult with a dermatologist before making significant changes to your skincare regimen, especially when incorporating potent ingredients like retinoids or exfoliants.