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I have a strong feeling I’m not the only one who turns to focus on her skin in her 30’s. I’ve never been a big makeup wearer (not since high school and the infamous Maybelline Matte Mousse, iykyk) and I found myself wanting my skin to be clear, firm and bright so I felt put together without makeup. On top of that, I’m not someone who wants to get botox or anything like that (no shame in that game if that’s for you!); I’d much prefer to age gracefully and not fight it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to do everything I can to keep my skin looking bright and healthy as I age.
Now the internet will tell you you need a 10+ step skincare routine to have clear skin. Oh, and it needs to be high end. That drugstore stuff just won’t work. Bleh. F that. I definitely have some what I call “medium-end” products. But I also love the low-end stuff and have tried it all.
After doing a lot of research, and being on this simplicity journey, I learned that it really doesn’t take much- despite what marketing will tell you. So I’ve narrowed my routine down to only a few products that work for my skin and make me feel beautiful.
The number one thing you need:
And even better it’s absolutely free! Can you guess? It’s good ‘ol H20. Water! Increasing your water intake not only makes your body feel better but it makes your skin more hydrated which will decrease the appearance of wrinkles and slow their coming altogether. If you know anything about me, you know I am a Diet Coke fiend. I don’t drink a ton of coffee but I definitely like to have a Diet Coke with at least one meal. I know it’s not the best but we all need our vices. What I’ve been doing is drinking a glass of water before I enjoy my DC. I’ve also started having a water bottle with a straw near me at all times (no you don’t need a Stanley, I have a knock off and Starbucks cups around the house and a Hydroflask in my car). Since it’s near me on my desk, nightstand and in the car, I drink more and I’ve definitely seen the difference in my skin.
Morning line-up:
I’ve put these steps in order. Do I do all of them everyday? No way- I’m a busy mom. But I do try to at minimum wash, moisturize and SPF. If I don’t get the rest in, oh well.
- Cleanser– I’ve tried SO many cleanser from super cheap to super expensive and this one is my absolute fav! It’s not too harsh but also gets in there and cleans things out! If I’m having a particularly oily or dirty time I’ll add in an exfoliating scrub once ever 2-3 days. I like this one.
- Vitamin C– The ultimate brightener. I mean have you ever seen a dull orange? Once again, I’ve tried a few and this one is my favorite. I tap a small drop of this on my skin paying attention to my cheeks and forehead.
- Acne treatment (if needed)– I am one of the lucky ones that still gets acne, especially around my period. This is my fav spot treatment. If you haven’t caught on, I really like Tula’s products!
- Under eye serum/ cream– Hooray for toddler mom life! I have never been more tired and therefore this has never been more needed. I like this one from The Ordinary. It’s got caffeine in it so not only does it counteract the dark circles it helps with the puffy under eye bags that have joined the gag (somehow around the same time my son was born 😉).
- Moisturizer– Once again, I’ve tried a lot of moisturizers. I’m a big fan of the light and simple ones. My fav for everyday is the Enrich Moisturizer that I pick up at Trader Joes. In the winter (lol, winter in SD), I like to use a slightly thicker one and this gives me the moisture I need without clogging.
- SPF– Girl. If you’re not using an SPF everyday (even if you don’t go outside!! did you know sun damage can come through open windows?) where have you been? Have you seen old sun-soaked leather. Ain’t nobody want that.
Nighttime routine:
Same as above, if I don’t get all of this- c’est la vie. I do try to – at minimum- wash and moisturize. Life is busy and I gotta sleep.
- Cleanser– I use the same morning and night. I don’t see a need to change it. 🤷🏼♀️
- Acne treatment (if needed)– Once again, if needed I add this puppy at night.
- Retinol Serum– This is a new thing for me. You cannot use retinol when you’re pregnant so I’m still experimenting. Generally speaking though, if you’re trying something new, go with a company that doesn’t have a lot of fluff. I like The Ordinary or Tula because they use simple and readable ingredients.
- Moisturizer– A slightly thicker one for night time but still not too heavy for my sensitive skin.
Treat Yo Self:
Sometimes we need a little extra self care. Here’s my favorites for the special times when you want a little something extra. I generally only do these things when I feel like I need a little pick me up or before a bigger event.
Blackhead mask– If I’m having a particularly oily time, this mask is great especially for my t-zone. It sucks out all the nasty and leaves you feeling clean.
Fizzy mask– This mask is so much freaking fun. You put it on your face and it fizzes and bubbles as it cleans. It literally feels like there are little scrubbing bubbles that are getting all the dirt and oil out. Bonus? Use this after the previous mask and get suuuuuper clean!
Lush Beauty Sleep Mask– The ultimate fresh face mask. I use this all over my face as a general mask. It leaves your skin feeling clean and tight and smells amazing! Pro tip: put this in the refrigerator. The coolness feels amazing.
Ice roller– Once again, coolness feels amazing! Also, rolling your skin with a cold roller decreases puffiness and inflammation, and who doesn’t want that?
Pimple patches– These are great for a big ‘ol zit that naturally pops up a few days before some large event. I like to leave these on overnight and find that it really helps decrease the size of any zit and helps it heal faster. Don’t ask me how, it’s just magic.
Under eye patches– Got a fancy event? Use these before you put on your make up. De-puffs and brightens your under eyes. And you definitely feel like a movie star when you’re pregaming the event.
Facials– If you’re able, a facial is absolutely wonderful. I am a big fan if/when I can sneak in a facial. I love the feeling for feeling really clean and totally refreshed. There’s definitely something to be said about letting a professional do their thing!
I hope this helps you out on your skincare journey. Once again, this is stuff that works for me and my skin. I highly encourage you to give a simple skincare routine a go. Taking the time to care for my bare naked face makes me feel more confident not wearing make-up in this crazy busy time in my life.
