The Best Skincare Routine: For Real & Forever

Hello and welcome back. I know I don’t have a recap of outfits for the last two months now. To be honest, it’s because I haven’t really gone anywhere and when I do, I never take photos. Who even am I? That will probably change once it starts warming up for the Spring and Summer.

Anyway, I want to update you guys on my skincare routine. Skincare was something I talked a whole lot about on here and at one point was even my main topic. However, it got to a point where I was just purchasing random skincare products in hopes they would completely get rid of my acne. During the lockdown, I learned a whole hell of a lot about skincare and went through a whole mindset shift. So let’s talk about it.

For starters, I’m not a dermatologist or an esthetician so I cannot say for certain that just because something works for me, it’ll work for everyone else. Everyone’s skin is different. Next, acne is a skin condition and there is no miracle product that is going to cure it. Products only help keep breakouts under a certain amount of control. I will probably always have acne and I’ve accepted that.

Now, let’s get into this routine! It’s really really simple, however, I add steps depending on what my skin is doing and what day it is. So my normal routine without acids or retinol is:

• Oil cleanse
• Second cleanse
• Tone (hydrating)
• Hydrating serum/lotion
• Essence
• Moisturizer

On the days when I use retinol, that is almost always my last step. This is also the same when I use any type of product that helps with hyperpigmentation. On the days when I use acids, I will apply them after my second cleanse. The key to my routine is to go in on hydration, especially because my skin is sensitive. Obviously, that is my nighttime routine. My morning skincare routine is the same but without double cleansing and actives. So, I rinse my face in the morning and skip straight to my toning step and add sunscreen as my last step.

I know you guys want products so I won’t leave you guys hanging. Just a quick disclaimer, my products are ALL over the place. Some are luxury, some are mid-range, and some a drugstore – I like to think of it as balance, duality if you will.

• Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm
• Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
• Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
• La Mer The Treatment Lotion
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
• InnisFree Intensive Hydrating Cream with Green Tea Seed

• Paula’s Choice 0.3% + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Dr. Oracle 21 Stay A-Thera Peeling Stick (Exfoliant)
• Suntique I’m Safe for Sensitive Skin SPF 35+
• InnisFree Daily U/V Defense Sunscreen
• Topicals Faded (for hyperpigmentation)

This is my entire routine except for one last product that I apply right before I go to sleep. The Cerave Healing Ointment is the last step in my nighttime routine. I absolutely do recommend trying this step out if you haven’t already because it is such a game-changer for acne-prone skin. Vaseline or Aquaphor can also be used as well.

Okay, I know I said it was a simple routine, but I may have oversimplified that statement just a tad. Writing it out makes it look like a ton of products and steps. I could definitely have more like I used to but I LOVE this routine and so does my skin. Once Summer comes rolling around, I will probably change up my cleanser and go without as much hydration due to the humidity. My actives are perfect for my acne-prone, sensitive skin.

If you’re hip, then you know the majority of this routine is basically what @MakeupforWOC tweets about constantly. Her tweets are my own personal skincare bible, so go check her account out on Twitter if you haven’t already.

That’s my updated skincare routine and will probably be my last skincare routine post forever. More than likely the routine will stay the same but the products will change. I will do a follow-up post about my actual skin so you all can see the glow up! I hope you all liked this post and like the routine. Tell me about your skincare routine in the comments.

Until next time,

ChelsiKay