Hi everyone,
I never thought I will write a post on skincare routine. I avoided moisturizers and toners for more than 20 years. I had a very bad, acne prone skin and anything I used led to horrible breakouts. I consulted a dermatologist and did an extensive treatment for my problem. I still have oily skin and I still get pimples now and then. But it is not severe like it used to be before. I realized the importance of moisturizing last year as my skin started feeling dry in the winter. Moisturizers revived my skin and it looked alive after many years. Since then, I tried finding a customized routine for my skin. I added new products and stopped using a few. The current routine is my favorite for the last 6 months. My skin is super hydrated and nourished now. Moisturizing the skin probably leads to cell renewal, so I can see healthy, glowing, young skin. I added products that will fade the old acne scars and blemishes. The marks have indeed cleared up. Also, I made sure that the products are oily-skin friendly. I have mentioned separate routines for day and night. Hope you all find this helpful.
Day Routine:
I go to my lab in the morning and do not get time to follow any extensive routine in the morning. I just clean off any residue product or oil from the night with Curatio Fash Foam Facial Cleanser. Next, I apply Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Cooling Toner. If I get time, I use The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution. I do not ever skip a moisturizer these days. I am using Palmer’s Skin Success Eventone Fade Cream for Oily Skin as it moisturizes the skin without making it oily an also acts on the acne spots. Finally, I seal the deal with sunscreens. I use the Lotus Herbals UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 in the summer. In the winter, I use the moisturizing Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 PA++.
Pro tip: Use umbrella, sunglasses and scarf to wrap around your head and face once you step into the sunlight. Sunscreen alone is not enough to prevent tanning. I did the same in this summer and my skin did not get any tan.
Night Routine:
In the night, I try to follow a customized version of Korean skincare routine. I will elaborate it here. My main objectives are reducing my open pores, removing blackheads, clearing acne scars and blemishes and making the skin look moisturized, hydrated, brighter and firmer. I am definitely seeing the changes with these products.
Step 1: Oil Cleansing: I was always afraid of oils as I have oily skin. But oil cleansing is a boon for oily-skinned girls. It cleanses the skin perfectly, it helps to reduce acne and pimples and it maintains the sebum balance. I use The Body Shop Rainforest Coconut Hair Oil to clean my face daily. I massage it in my face and after some time, wash it off with warm water. At times, I use a cotton cloth to remove the residue. When I want to remove heavy makeup, I use the Kryolan Hydro Makeup Remover.
Step 2: Foam cleansing: I use the Curatio Fash Foam Facial Cleanser again as my foam cleanser cum face wash. My dermatologist had recommended this to me as it cleanses all oil and dirt from the face. It cleanses the pores and reduces the chance of breakouts. I may buy the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser in December as winter will be harsher then and I will need something more gentle than this foam based cleanser. On days when I do not like using any harsh exfoliator, I use this MaskerAide Washbeautyco. Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge to gently exfoliate the skin. It removes dry flakes, dead cells, and blackheads easily.
Step 3: Exfoliation: For daily use, I opt for this Blossom Kochhar Aromamagic Coffee Bean Scrub. It is very gentle on the skin and exfoliates without making the skin dehydrated. Also, the smell of coffee will refresh you after a long, tiring day. I use the Lotus Herbals Phyto Rx Skin Brightening Exfoliator twice a week. It is harsher and effective for the blackheads on my nose. I also use a mechanical blackhead remover with this one which works great.
Step 4: Toner and mist: I use a DIY mist these days. I mixed rose water with a little almond oil, aloe vera gel and lavender oil. It is super hydrating and keeps the skin soft. It also helps to close the pores. For toner, I use Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Cooling Toner. I do not see any blackhead removing effect with this one but it tightens the pores and makes the skin firmer.
Step 5: Serum: Instead of using any oily serum, I use this The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution. It is a non-oily and the tea tree oil actually helps to control oil secretion. It makes the skin refreshed, cool and tight. It closes pores and reduces blackheads and acne. I am having lesser breakouts these days. Also, it evens out the skin tone and brightens up the skin effectively
Step 6: Gel: I have replaced the essence element of Korean routine with a gel as I do not understand what essences do and the availability is limited. I use this The Face Shop Damyang Bamboo Fresh Soothing Gel. It is super hydrating and quenches the thirst of a dehydrated, dull skin. It makes the skin look plump and smooth.
Step 7: Mask: I do not use a mask every day. I try using a sheet mask once a week for hydration and this Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask once to deep clean the pores. Both are very effective on my skin type and help to keep my skin clear and soft.
Step 8: Moisturizer: I am currently obsessed with this Kama Rejuvenating and Brightening Ayurvedic Night Cream. It helps to fight every aspect of dull skin. It rejuvenates the skin that becomes dull due to exposure to pollution and also due to acne spots and blemish. It clears the skin tone, makes it brighter, removes tan and your skin looks renewed every morning if you use this regularly in the night.
Step 9: Eye cream: I do not use a separate eye cream as I do not have any puffy eyes or dark circles. I mix some almond oil with the cream to apply under my eyes and it works very well.
Step 10: Sleep: You do not need any SPF in the night but you need to sleep well to get healthy, bright skin. I try to sleep for 7 hours at least and it definitely helps my skin to be better.
Winter Special: I am not doing anything different for winter. Whenever my skin feels dry, I use this Emolene Cream and it is moisturized in a minute. I also use Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream at times and I get similar results.
For lips, I use this Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm in the morning as it is transparent. For nighttime repair, I prefer using Boroline.
I also drink a lot of water these days as it helps to maintain the hydration of the skin. My pimple occurrence has reduced significantly and I am currently happy with my routine. If you have similar problems like I do, follow this routine and you will definitely never regret it!
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