Fall Skin Care Routine
I love skincare, but more importantly, I love skincare that works. However, buying tons of products can get really expensive! That’s why I like to keep my skincare routine pretty simple. I always try to research the products I use and their active ingredients. I want to make sure that whatever I’m using is actually going to make a difference.
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Based on the reading I’ve done and my past experiences, I’ve settled on the following routine:
– Morning –
Step 1: Hydrate
I always start my morning with a huge glass of water (with some combination of lemon / ginger / mint). Yes – this is part of my skin care routine because our skin needs water to look plump and refreshed!
Step 2: Cleanse
I’m currently using the Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1. It’s basically a creamy miceller water. It’s mild, non-drying and perfect for sensitive skin.
I don’t like using a harsh face wash in the morning. I wash my face before bed, and don’t feel like there’s that much dirt to wash off in the morning! The simplicity of the Vichy is perfect.
Note: my Vichy is a bit old, so I’m planning on trying something different when it’s gone. I have a trial size bottle of the Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser, which I really like, so that will probably be my next purchase.
Step 3: Treat
Everyone should use an antioxidant serum in the morning!
Antioxidants help neutralize atmospheric free radicals. Pollution, infrared and ozone all lead to premature aging by accelerating photodamage, lines and wrinkles.
A layer of antioxidants helps to diffuse any harmful rays that are able to penetrate through your sunscreen. Thus, an antioxidant serum, used in conjunction with sunscreen, is the best way to protect our skin.
Things to consider when picking an antioxidant serum
I’m currently using the Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Power Serum. I chose this serum because it also contains ferulic acid, which stabilizes both vitamin C & E. Ferulic acid also doubles C & E’s photoprotection. Choose a serum with ferulic acid to reap all of the benefits of your antioxidants!
Additionally, vitamin C is super sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen (ironic since it protects us from them, right?), so make sure you choose a serum that’s in an opaque, preferably airtight, bottle.
The PTR C Power Serum is in a solid colored bottle to protect the product from light and has a pump to prevent oxygen from reaching the product. For extra protection – I keep my bottle in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Protect
Sunscreen is an absolute must!
We have pretty solid evidence that sun causes the most damage to our skin. Not only does it cause fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, it can also lead to skin cancer – which none of us want.
So wear sunscreen!!
I’m currently using the Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Protection Quotidienne – which is a physical sunscreen.
A physical sunscreen uses minerals, such as zinc oxide, to physically block and reflect the sun’s rays.
I try to use physical sunscreens for the following reasons:
- they are less irritating on sensitive skin,
- they work when applied (no wait time), and
- they last longer (chemical sunscreens tend to break down over time and need to be reapplied more frequently throughout the day)
Protection from Infrared and High-Energy Visible Light
Think you don’t need sunscreen because you aren’t leaving the house? Well, I’ve got some disappointing news for you. Dermatologists are now saying that Infrared Light (IR) and High-Energy Visible Light (HEV) also cause damage to our skin.
HEV is the blue light emitted from our computers and phones, as well as the light from LED light bulbs. While blue light takes quite a bit of time to actually cause damage, the LED light causes nearly as much photoaging as being in the sun! (Luckily, HEV does not cause skin cancer.)
IR isn’t visible light. It’s more noticeable in the form of heat (such as the heat from our laptop). Although scientists do know that IR can cause some skin mutations, they are unclear about the actual impact.
Since damage from HEV and IR is a fairly new concept, there isn’t an adequate amount of research for us to be 100% sure on how to protect ourselves.
For the time being, I’m playing it safe by using the Coola Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops, which claims to protect against both IR and HEV.
That’s it for my morning routine!
– Night Routine –
Step 1: Cleanse
I always take a shower at night because I want to get into bed clean. I wash my face while I’m in the shower.
I’ve been using the Peter Thomas Roth facial cleansers for years now. Currently, I’m using the acne wash (I alternate with the anti-aging wash).
PTR is kind of expensive for a facial cleanser, so I’ve tried to find a more reasonable alternative. With extremely sensitive skin, I’ve reacted to pretty much every other cleanser I’ve tried, so I end up going back to what I know works.
Note Regarding Animal Testing: I do try to purchase products are cruelty-free. PTR, unfortunately, falls into a category of beauty brands that do not test on animals, but they sell their products in China.
Chinese law requires that all products be tested on animals (I believe government facilities perform these tests). Although PTR doesn’t test on animals, they choose to sell their products in China and that decision means that their products cannot be classified as cruelty-free.
Step 2: Exfoliate
A few days a week I will exfoliate my skin with my Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub. I love this scrub. It has the perfect amount of grit and doesn’t irritate my skin; it just leaves it smooth and soft.
Exfoliating is a really important step because it removes the layer of dead skin (which is mixed with dirt and makeup residue) that’s hanging out on top of your healthy skin. The layer of dead skin acts as an obstacle to the serums and moisturizers that you apply afterward, so removing it allows your products to work more effectively.
You can use a physical exfoliant, such as a facial scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as an acid.
About two days a week (on the days that I don’t use my facial scrub), I’ll use the Omorovicza Acid Fix. It has a mix of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids), which work to dissolve the top layer of old and dead skin.
I use the acid fix as a night treatment under my moisturizer.
Step 3: Treat
Nearly every night I apply my prescription retinoid (just not on the nights I use the acid fix). I’ve used a few types, but I’m currently using Differin (which is now sold over-the-counter in the US).
If you are truly dedicated to skincare, you will get a prescription for a retinoid. It’s the best anti-aging product that you can get, something that dermatologist agree on year after year.
What’s the difference between a retinoid and retinol?
Both products contain retinoic acid, which is derived from vitamin A. Retinoic acid works to stimulate cell turnover.
Retinoids, which require a prescription, have a much higher percentage of retinoic acid. While a retinol, which is often found in over-the-counter beauty products, has a lower, concentration of retinoic acid, and is, therefore, slower acting.
Both should be used at night because the sun can deactivate the retinoic acid.
If you decide you want a prescription retinoid, talk to your dermatologist about your skin concerns and how to apply the product. Since the retinoids are pretty strong, it is recommended to ease into the product.
Step 4: Moisturize
The final step of my beauty routine is to moisturize. I love moisturizing with facial oils and tend to purchase a few, which I’ll combine in different ways depending on my mood.
My current favorite is the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. Squalane is an oil that our body naturally produces, which acts as a barrier to lock in moisture.
When I apply this oil, it feels really smooth and soft; my skin loves it. Plus, it smells so good! I’m obsessed!
Step 5: Sleep!
Beauty sleep is real! One of the best things you can do for your skin is get an adequate amount of sleep. Entice yourself to bed with cozy pjs, lush sheets, and a silk pillowcase.
That’s my current beauty routine! I like to keep it simple, I use a few products that I know are going to make a difference and don’t overwhelm my skin with a lot of unnecessary ingredients.
What is your current skin care routine like? Are there any steps or products that you can’t live without?
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