Q+A - What’s Your Current Skincare Routine?
As I sit down to write today, the world looks and feels so different than it did just a week or two ago. How are you all doing during this period of tumult? Now is the time to consider creating grounding practices, healthy coping, and new routines and rituals for ourselves and for those we love. It needn’t be complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better.
Here are a few past posts that may be useful or comforting at this moment. Know you are not alone if you are feeling more anxiety, loneliness, overwhelm, or sadness.
https://www.beautyinthenow.org/blog/healthy-coping
https://www.beautyinthenow.org/blog/daily-grounding-rituals
https://www.beautyinthenow.org/blog/5-ways-to-slow-down-and-connect-with-your-life
https://www.beautyinthenow.org/blog/when-things-fall-apart
While it feels shallow to be discussing my skincare routine amidst all that we are facing (personally and collectively), I also think that as we “shelter up” and “turn inward”, some of our routines can be comforting at times like this. We can be brought back to basics and find that in fact, they are essentials. How did we get so distracted as to forget? Important tenets of health— like eating nutrient-dense foods, sleeping well, getting outside regularly, moving our bodies, spending time with our peeps, stimulating our brains, and embracing moments of letting it all go (by watching Netflix, for example, or by stepping outside or taking a bath) act as protectors to our physical, mental, and emotional selves.
So with that thought in mind, one thing I do every day is care for my skin.
A Few Things I Care About
I value using CLEAN products (EWG Skin Deep Safe)
I prefer using products in recyclable containers (looking to shift to reusables soon)
I value using products that are ethically-made and sourced (no testing on animals)
I appreciate using effective products at reasonable prices (for me that is $15-20 per item though I do have a splurge item in my current routine)
I prefer fewer steps to a more involved routine
I want products that do not cause additional breakouts or irritation
My current skincare routine is working well for me right now! It has taken time for me to realize that while Vitamin C serum is all the rage—it always seems to cause breakouts in my skin. Or that retinol can be problematic for me. Listen to your skin. Notice. One thing I am also working on is embracing who I am now and what forty-eight years of age looks like on me. It is a process. But my level of awareness around my own insecurities or expectations can be hugely helpful in decreasing impulse buys or needing to try new things all the time with the hope that a certain cream is THE ANSWER. For the record, my skin type tends toward DRY—and I also live in an exceptionally dry climate.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
MORNING
Cleanse. I simply splash my face with water. Towel dry.
Exfoliate. I use The Ordinary liquid exfoliant twice each week. I apply it with a reusable pad. Can I just say that I love this stuff? They should call it The Glowmaker! It literally does make my skin glow—and I have noticed a decrease in breakouts since I started using glycolic acid. I do take it easy as I am trying to respect my skin barrier too!
Moisturize. I normally use the Double Repair lotion which goes on light and absorbs immediately. I do love using the Cicaplast balm when my skin needs an extra moisture boost though. It goes on a bit thicker but absorbs right on in. My skin plumps right up with this stuff!
In the sunny months, I do add an SPF. Elta MD has a nice one.
NIGHT
Cleanse. I use the Hydrating Gentle Cleanser as my main face wash. It is extremely gentle. If I have chosen to wear mascara, I will need to remove my eye makeup with an actual oil cleanse (I am using argan oil, right now) prior to using the cleanser.
Treat or Moisturize. I use Drunk Elephant’s Retinol a few nights each week. I have had issues with using retinol in the past, so I am thrilled with my experience using this cream so far! No breakouts or irritation.
If it is a night that I use retinol. I leave my face alone after that. But if I have skipped retinol, I use the Cicaplast balm again.
Apply lip balm. I apply lip balm every night. I have just started using Wonder Whip by Kari Gran. I am liking it so far!
That is it, folks!
NOW I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WHAT DOES YOUR CURRENT SKINCARE ROUTINE LOOK LIKE? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS? DO YOU TEND TO USE MORE PRODUCTS OR FEWER? THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME HERE. SENDING LOVE TO YOU ALWAYS.
