My Skincare Routine

Part 1: When my skin became a huge problem for me

Part 2: When my only solution turned its back on me

Note: If you guys want to read more on my skincare journey, check out the posts above :) 

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I was really debating with myself whether or not I should post about this. I didn't want to spam people on Instagram. I understand that some of you might be seeing content that you don't want to see but you are free to unfollow me :) 

This post is going to be a much detailed breakdown of my skincare routine. I hope you enjoy this! Also, feel free to let me know what you think or if you have any questions. Leave a comment or message me on my Instagram.

Preface

I have two main routines: one for daytime and one for nighttime. I exfoliate once or twice a week with a chemical exfoliator which I incorporate into my nighttime routine. I also use sheet masks or gel masks sometimes. This is what I do every single day (minus the exfoliators and masks).

Products

Essentials

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

This is a really great cleanser in my opinion. It doesn't dry me out and is full of ceramides and has no irritating ingredients--perfect for people who have eczema or sensitive skin. 

2. Foreo Luna Play Plus

This was an expensive investment. The Luna Play Plus is the cheapest one out of all the Foreo cleansers. This was a game changer for me. I use it at night and it cleans my skin better than my hands do. I use it with a foaming cleanser. It's such a great tool and I recommend it.

3. Cleansing Balm: 

Heimish All Clean Balm

Gentle Hour Call it a day cleansing balm

I am currently using the Heimish All Clean Balm and I'm almost done with my tub (lasted me 6 months). I'm about to try a local brand called Gentle Hour. I cannot empathize enough how important oil cleansers are. For me, a foaming cleanser isn't enough and a double cleanse system is essential to get rid of all the gunk and residue on your face.

4. Krave Beauty Kale-lalu-yAHA Exfoliating Toner

My skin is easily clogged because I am oily. I think regularly exfoliating helps clean out your pores so this was another essential product for me. This is a bit harsh despite the ingredients. I use it 3 times a week but I've been using it everyday and it's been good.

5. COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

This was my initial toner and my first purchase during my first venture into the skincare world. This is calming and soothing on my skin and is alcohol free, so it's perfect to use anytime. I use it after my exfoliating toner or in the morning before I apply my serums.

6.  The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

I use this after my toner. I don't use a lot of it--just a drop for my whole face. It keeps my face from getting too oily and I noticed brightness in my skin after using this for a week. 

7. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

I use this as my moisturizer. I chose Alpha Arbutin because it helps fade scars and brighten dark spots. My skin also reacts really well to hyaluronic acid so this has been my go-to moisturizer.

8. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+/PA++++

I was using a clinic sunscreen that worked well on me but I wanted to stop using that so I chose this sunscreen after hearing rave reviews. It broke me out at first but my skin has adjusted well to this.

9. Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief

Another favorite of mine. This changed my skin. It moisturizes it so well. I was scared of the oils in it but it's super lightweight. I use it as my second moisturizer at night since it leaves my face quite shiny.

10. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This peeling solution is really intense and I can only use it 2 times max. These days I use it once a week. Sometimes I use it as a spot treatment on my problem areas.

Non-essentials

11. Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion

I used to use this as my main moisturizer but it got too heavy for me and now I only use it on my dry spots (around my nose and my mouth). 

12. Trilogy No.15 Limited Edition Beauty Oil

This face oil is something I use once a week or once a month. It helps moisturize my skin after my peel. I don't use it that often now because I feel like my skin is well moisturized by the Great Barrier Relief. 

13. Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream 

If I have a red spot or a healing pimple, I use this cream. It doesn't make it go away instantly but it does help with redness.

14. Pimple Patches

I use this on pimples with white spots on them (the ones that are ripe LOL) but this definitely helps heal my pimples faster and leaves almost no scarring.

15. Nebacetin Ointment

THIS. My mother-in-law offered me this and it changed my life. I use it on wounds and popped pimples. It helps it heal and dry faster. Sometimes I put it on active pimples as well.

Routines

I'll format the product names by underlining them so it's easier to spot.

AM

Face Wash: Half a pump of CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 

I start with a face wash and sometimes I use my Foreo to help clean my skin but it depends on how I feel. Skipping the Foreo might be a good idea since you could overexfoliate.

Moisturizing Toner: 1-2 spritzes of COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

I use my COSRX Centella Water Toner for this with a cotton pad. I know toners aren't supposed to remove "gunk" but I use it with a cotton pad and it makes me happy to see nothing on the cotton pad :)

Moisturizer: A drop of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

I'd use the Niacinamide serum but most days I just use the Alpha Arbutin Serum by The Ordinary.

Sunscreen: A small dollop of Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+/PA++++

I'm still really bad sometimes I skip this step but please don't. This is the last step but you need to do it!

PM

Cleansing balm: Half a scoop of Heimish All Clean Balm.

I end my day with a cleansing balm. I like to take my time and I can spend 10 minutes massaging my face. You don't need to spend 10 minutes though, I just like to do it.

Face Wash: Half a pump of CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 

I use the Foreo cleansing device with my facial wash to get it extra clean.

Exfoliating toner: Half a cotton pad of Krave Beauty Kale-lalu-yaha Exfoliating Toner.

Then I move on to the Krave Beauty Exfoliating toner on a cotton pad. I recommend using this once a week and moving to three times a week. My skin is super congested so I use it every night.

Moisturizing Toner: 1-2 spritzes of COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

I spritz on the Centella Water to soothe my skin after the exfoliating toner.

Serum: A drop of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

To regulate my oil I pat on this serum and make sure it is blended into my skin.

Moisturizer: 1-2 drops of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

I add this serum to help fade out scars and help add a bit of moisture.

Restoring Serum: 1 pump of Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief

My final step is this serum. It's a bit of a heavy serum but light enough it won't leave residue on your pillows. 

Exfoliating Routine:

Once or twice a week I use a The Ordinary's Peeling Solution. I won't explain in detail but this is how it usually goes and I usually do it after my second face wash and continue with my moisturizing toner and serums after this peel.

1. Dry face. This is really important. Do not do this with a damp face. You don't want the peel to go too deep into your skin.

2. Apply peel thinly and evenly. Leave for NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES.

3. Wash off thoroughly

4. Continue with nighttime skincare routine

5. Final Step: I use a face oil to add more moisture but sometimes I skip it when I feel my face is moist enough.

Masks

Clay Mask: 

I don't use a particular brand. I like to try different brands when it comes to clay masks. I've used Sukin and thought they were great. But I had to change to another brand because I stopped seeing any improvements. 

For oily skin like mine, this is a no brainer. I use this 1-2 times in between days where I don't use the peeling solution. It's not as intense as a chemical peel but it helps clean out my oily pores.

Gel Mask/Sheet mask:

I also try out different brands. I've really liked Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask. Sometimes I finish off with a moisturizing mask or a soothing sheet mask. This isn't necessary but it's something I like to do from time to time.

Wrapping Up

It's super long but hey, skincare doesn't show instant results. This has worked for me and I love routines. They're a great way to unwind and pamper yourself. I hope you find a routine and product that works with you as much as they did with me.

Financially, I have way more freedom since I've invested in these products. They last forever and I don't need to keep buying them every month. I also have some products that last me a year. A few of these are on the pricier side but if you use them sparingly, they'll last you forever. 

Skincare is a journey and sometimes we experience a few bumps (literally) on the road and that's totally okay.