I had flawless, near perfect skin as a teenager, but as I got older (and hormones/diet/products changed), I had to figure out a skincare routine to follow to keep it clean and clear. Gone are the days when I could use soap + water to cleanse; as I got older and started playing with makeup and other products, I realized that I had to not only develop a daily regimen, but pay more attention to what I was putting into my body as well.
Let me first say, I am NOT a dermatologist or a skincare expert. I can only speak on those products that have worked for me, however, there are basic steps that no matter your skin type or products you choose to use, you can follow and hopefully get your skin on track. If you’re one of those people that only use water and coconut oil and your skin is clear-good for you. For most people, some type of product combination, whether natural or chemical-based, is needed in order to properly care for their skin, ESPECIALLY if you’re 25+. Your skin texture can change based on time, environment, and even the products that you’re using, so always remember that skincare is not one size fits all. Below are a few steps that you can implement based on your skincare needs and goals, especially once you hit your 30s.
Before we even get into routines and products: How is your diet? Drinking water, eating a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and taking vitamins and supplements (like A Complete’s Beauty Concentrate Supplement for Skin Care, which have vitamins and antioxidants that minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles + restore firmness to the skin) are all vital parts of maintaining healthy skin. Staying hydrated and eating as healthy as possible are key factors in having great skin, especially as we age. Check your diet, then review your daily routine to make sure you’re doing everything you can to fight the great skin fight.
The Basics
Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, Protect
Make sure you’re cleansing your skin daily, preferably morning + night (you are already doing this, right??). I have combination/oily skin and love to wear makeup almost every day, so there are some times where I’ll actually double cleanse (oil cleanser 1st, regular cleanser 2nd) to make sure I remove all of the gunk.
After cleansing, you should tone to help reset your skin’s ph balance. I actually switched back to plain ol’ witch hazel about 6 weeks ago bc it’s so gentle (and I’ve seen a difference in my skin from it), but some people may prefer an astringent, which is a little stronger. After this, moisturize (if you’re oily/combination, try a gel based formula that’s not as heavy but still effective) and then finish with sunscreen (a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 20 to 50).
Try:
Cleanser (Oil): Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil
Cleanser: A Complete Youth Preserve Deep Cleanser
Toner: Dickenson’s Original Witch Hazel
Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Extras
Scrubs//Exfoliants
Exfoliating regularly (2x-3x a week) helps to remove dead skin and assist with cell turnover. Facial scrubs are awesome (and my fave), but don’t be afraid to try alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) as well to exfoliate deeper. Using an exfoliant regularly can help remove flaky skin so that it appears smoother, assists with reducing hyper-pigmentation spots, and even helps fine lines appear softer. Whichever type you choose, do a patch test first!
Try:
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads
Facial Oils
For an added boost in moisture (and the appearance of glowy skin), think about adding in an oil. More concentrated than a traditional moisturizer, facial oils absorb quickly and penetrate skin to make it look plump and dewy. They can help combat the over-production of sebum (the oil that’s clogging your pores) and also help foundation apply more smoothly (always a plus!). Not all oils are created equal/for the face, though, so try oils like argan (my favorite is this one by Josie Maran), jojoba, vitamin E and rosehip oil. While a lot of people are recommending coconut oil right now, it’s moderately comedogenic and can actually cause breakouts. Do what’s best for YOUR skin, but definitely test it out first.
Try:
FARSÁLI Rose Gold Elixir
MARIO BADESCU Rose Hips Nourishing Oil
JUICE BEAUTY Organic Treatment Oil
Serums
Need to target a specific skincare concern? Try adding a serum into the mix. There are formulas that can help boost hydration, brighten skin, fight acne, even exfoliate. The active ingredients are more potent and concentrated, so they’re best applied after cleansing and toning. My skin can sometimes appear dull, so I’m a fan of Glossier’s Super Glow (it has Vitamin C, which brightens).
Try:
LANCÔME Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum
Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum
A Complete Highly Concentrated Youth Preserve Serum
Masks
Masks are awesome (and really deserve a post of their own). Like serums, they can help you target a specific skincare concern and are a fun bonus step to add in once or twice a week. I’m personally a fan of clay masks that pull out impurities and/or help improve the appearance of pores, but there are so many to choose from.
Try:
Yes to® Tomatoes Acne Fighting Paper Mask
Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask
StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask
Eye Cream
The skin around our eyes is more delicate, so adding in an eye cream once you’re in your 30s can help fight dryness, puffiness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The added moisture is a plus when it comes to concealer application as well (keeps the area looking smooth).
Try:
Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
MARIO BADESCU Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Origins No Puffery™ Cooling Roll-On
Watching my diet and following my daily skincare routine has allowed my skin to really flourish. While I do fight some texture issues here and there, I hardly ever have breakouts, dark spots fade quicker, and I’m winning the battle against large pores. I love to wear makeup everyday, but I’m comfortable leaving the house with a squeaky clean face. I am interested in delving deeper into more anti-aging products soon, but for now, the basics plus periodic extras keep my skin glowing.
What’s your everyday skincare routine?
This post was sponsored by A Complete, but all opinions are my own.