No, that's not a typo. I really did mean to type routine with an S! I understand that everyone's skincare regime is different, but a lot of the times people just post a general routine. We all know that our routines change; our day routines aren't the same, step for step, as our night routines and they definitely aren't the same when we want to give our skin a little bit more TLC.
That's why I decided that I'd share with you all my daytime & nighttime skincare routines, as well as my routine when I want to give myself a mini facial. It's inspired by the famous Korean 10 Step Routine as well as what I've learned at my current job at the spa. I'll also share my thoughts about each step, as well as some product recommendations.
Before I begin, I'd like to just point out that I have combo/oily skin, that's particularly oily in the t-zone during the summer months. I am also prone to acne, especially hormonal acne. Although I work in a spa, I am not a skincare expert, nor will I ever claim to be. I am merely sharing my experiences and what's worked for me. These routines aren't completely set in stone, but I do feel like I've got it almost figured out. And what I mean by this is that I now understand why the steps are in the order that they are and because of this I don't think my future routines will steer too far from what I'm currently doing.
So maybe, just maybe, this is my final skincare routine post ever. Maybe. It will definitely be the most comprehensive, so I hope you enjoy and learn a thing or two. Or three!
Daytime Simple Routine
1. Gel/Foam/Milk Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Essence
4. Eye Cream/Serum
Optional: Sheet Mask, for days when I need a little bit more hydration/moisture in my skin or just when I want that smooth, luxurious feel. Makes your foundation sit real nicely on the skin!
5. Serum(s)
6. Moisturizer
7. Sunscreen
I know you might be going, "That's simple?!" It really is. On most days, I use 1 serum. I'll do two if I am having a little trouble with hormonal acne. Right now for example, I am using a hydrating serum to keep my skin nice and soft and an acne serum w/ Mandelic Acid to treat my jawline and chin. I have read though that you should apply serums with active ingredients BEFORE a sheet mask if you are going to use them, so that they are able to penetrate the skin better. I haven't tried this method, but it makes sense.
My nighttime routine is pretty much the same. I do the double cleanse and I obviously cut out the last part, which is applying sunscreen.
Nighttime Simple Routine
1. Cleansing Balm/Oil
2. Gel/Foam/Milk Cleanser
3. Toner
4. Essence
5. Eye Cream/Serum
Optional: Sheet mask or rinse off mask.
6. Serum(s)
7. Moisturizer
Is it crazy that although I work at a spa and am able to get services for free, I hardly ever book facials or massages for myself? So instead of booking an appointment, I try to take on the task myself. About twice a week, I give myself a mini facial, that includes exfoliating and a mask. This particular routine is inspired heavily by both the Korean 10 Step Routine and the facials I've been getting the last 5 years.
Mini Facial Routine (in lieu of a simple Nighttime Routine)
1. Cleansing Balm/Oil
2. Gel/Foam/Milk Cleanser
Optional: High Frequency Wand* to target stubborn pimples and blemishes
3. Exfoliating Cleanser (used with a "flannel" or muslin cloth) or Exfoliating Peel Pads (I prefer this method)
4. Toner
5. Essence
6. Eye Cream/Serum
7. Sheet Mask/Rinse Off Mask
8. Serum(s)
9. Moisturizer
See, even with my Mini Facial, I don't reach the ten steps! And I don't mean to step (hehe) on the 10-Step Routine, but it's really not necessary, especially for everyday. Nevertheless, I do think each step has its place and is important.
CLEANSING BALM/OIL
I'm fairly new to this step and only started incorporating it into my routine in the last 3-4 months. My first exposure to it was the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, when I received it as a sample from Birchbox years ago. I wasn't as skincare savvy back then so I had no idea what it was even meant for and ended up chucking the cleanser. However, since I've started researching more about the Korean Beauty scene, I realized that it's an essential part of the routine. I think it's definitely a step that you shouldn't miss as it does help dissolve all the makeup off your face (even waterproof mascara!) as well as lift any other dirt and impurities (ew, I hate that I'm even using that buzzword) out of your pores. The first real cleansing balm I tried was the Botanic Farm Grain Ferment Cleansing Sherbet, which was included in a Memebox K-Beauty sample kit. I loved it instantly because it didn't make my skin feel dry after rinsing. By using a balm or oil first, in my opinion, it allows the foam cleanser to go even deeper since it doesn't have to work through all the gunk on the top layer of the skin. I've recently finished a tub of the Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm and I highly recommend it for those who are just starting out.
GEL/FOAM/MILK CLEANSER
For me in particular, I like using gel cleansers with a pH that's a little more alkaline than acidic because I have oily skin. My favorite is the Pevonia Botanica Phyto-Gel Cleanser, which lathers up quite nicely, but isn't too drying. This step should be your final cleansing step (unless it's Exfoliation Night) so I'd suggest getting a cleanser that really gets all up in your business,
EXFOLIATION
Ahh exfoliation, my absolute favorite step. I am what they call an "enthusiastic exfoliator" (which I totally just made up). Nothing makes me feel more productive and satisfied than a good exfoliation. I do both manual and chemical exfoliation, though I'm quite partial to the latter as my skin fares better with this method. Manual exfoliation tends to make me oilier at times, so it's not something I do often. I will only employ this particular method when I don't have my peel pads at hand (my favorite is the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel) or my Dermaquest Peptide Glyco Cleanser. It really is a step you cannot skip on mini facial nights. Since I started using chemical exfoliators, I've noticed that my skin feels much smoother, less irritated and the amount of the tiny closed comedones that like to hang out around my temples have decreased significantly (I still have some, though I'm chalking it up to other internal health issues).
TONER
When I first started getting into skincare, I thought toner was the final step in cleansing. It's supposed to be the product that really gets deep down into the pores to really clean them out. And I thought that your skin was supposed to feel really tight and dehydrated after using toner. However, as I've become more well-informed and educated in skincare, I've learned that toner really should be the step to prepare your skin for all the products you're going to put on. From personal experience, it's the step that I often say is "the step that brings my skin's pH level back to where it needs to be." I really do feel that that's its intended purpose (at least the newer toners), especially after cleansing and exfoliating, which can kind of mess with our skin's acid mantle. I am currently using the Missha Super Aqua Pore Correcting Toner (now reformulated as the Super Aqua Pore-Kling Toner) and the Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin. I switch between the two depending on my skin issues. I definitely like to use the Innisfree toner after exfoliating as it's more nourishing as opposed to the Missha toner, which is more for when I want counter balance my oiliness.
ESSENCE
To be completely honest, I'm not entirely sold on this essence business. I know that essences have a little bit more "umph" to them because they are more concentrated than serums. They also contain a lot more active ingredients and because it's a more watery consistency, your skin absorbs it much better. The one I'm currently using is the very popular Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Mist. What I can tell you about this particular product is that it's very hydrating and my skin feels very plump after it's been completely absorbed. Most essences contain fermented ingredients, mostly to help with plumping and brightening up your complexion. I've definitely felt that plumping effect, however, it hasn't done much in brightening up my skin or getting rid of any scarring.
EYE CREAM/SERUM
If there's a step that a lot of people often neglect, I'd say this is one of them. I feel like this is a step that doesn't get enough attention on any front. I know we can't turn back the hands of time simply by applying eye cream or serum, but I think it's definitely important to help nourish that particular area of our face. The serum I'm currently using is the Wilma Schumann Eye Contour Revitalizing Serum.
SHEET MASKS & RINSE-OFF MASKS
I can almost guarantee this is everyone's favorite step. I always feel so relaxed when I have a mask on and I love that I can multi-task when it's on so I can get things done, especially in the mornings (like blow drying my hair or making my lunch!). Sheet masks are having their time right now and they are seriously popping up everywhere, even WalMart! I'm still quite partial to purchasing the ones at the Japanese stores I go to though. My favorite sheet masks are ones that contain green tea, honey, propolis, aloe and avocado. There's so many different companies that make them, it's hard to pick one favorite. I also use rinse off masks, which are great for days when you need extra help or your skin needs a little more hydration. My favorite rinse off mask is the Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask. I'm acne prone and this helps dry out my zits a lot!
SERUMS
This is the step when I really buckle down and target my skin's specific needs. You can either go crazy here or keep it simple like I do. On most days, I will use 1 serum and it's mostly a hydrating serum of some sort. On days that my skin needs a little more help, like when I'm breaking out, I'll add another serum or treatment. But really, I like to keep it simple and not overstimulate my skin. My favorite serums are the Dermaquest C Infusion Serum, Essential B5 Hydrating and the Dermaclear Serum. I also like the iS Clinical Super Serum because it really helps with getting rid of scars, but because it is so potent, I use it sparingly.
MOISTURIZER & SUNSCREEN
This final step is probably the most crucial. Moisturizer locks all the moisture in (and I'd like to believe it also locks in all the product you put on) and sunscreen helps limit skin damage. As someone who has oily skin, I love gel moisturizers. It really keeps the oil at bay, while keeping my skin really hydrated. I'm currently using the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel. One of the best things about it is that it can double as a soothing mask. If my skin is particular fickle, I'll layer it on a little thicker than normal and leave it until it's completely absorbed then put sunscreen on top. Works like a charm every single time! Sunscreen, well that's a no-brainer. Put that shxt on or so help me!
*High Frequency Wand
I've put this on as an optional step because I don't think this is something that most people have. I'm fortunate enough that I have my own (thanks boss!). I use this to zap zits and help control my oil production. My recommendation is to get something similar to this, and making sure that it is ARGON gas (purple) that comes out if you are using it for acne. It also helps with skin tightening and boosting collagen production. If you are thinking of purchasing one for yourself, please read up on how to use it exactly. One important thing that I've learned is to never use it on skin where you've applied product containing alcohol. That's why I like to do this step just after cleansing and before exfoliating and toning.
Did you make it this far? Well if you did, bless your heart. Again, I just want to say that I am not a skincare expert and this post was just to share my experiences and thoughts on varying skincare routines and steps. My main goal with this blog is to reach out to my community of close friends and family and give them a little insight on things like skincare, makeup, etc. so treat this post as more of a stepping stone to the world of beauty! I hope that you have learned some things from reading this novel.
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