Nighttime Skin Routine

My skincare routine was one of the most requested topics for my blog, so I'm giving the people what they want! I'm going to start out with some background information, and then we'll get to the products I use. For reference, I have combination skin, and this skin care regime is what works for me & my skin.

So, I was on Absorica (Accuntane) several years ago in high school, and while that kept the acne away for about 5 years, last summer I developed hormonal and comedonal acne.

First, I began taking Alani Nu Balance pills, and they really helped clear up all of my hormonal acne. So I now take those every day! (These were not a recommendation from my dermatologist. I did my own research, tried them, and found they work for me.)

Despite this working for some of my acne, my comedonal acne was still present, especially around my mouth/chin, so I was put on Spironolactone. And while that worked for a little while, my acne came back. So back to the dermatologist I went. To make this short, essentially my dermatologist put me on a prescription retinol cream, and suggested I use water-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and products. So with all of this background information, let's get into my skincare routine and products!

Step 1. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser. I use this product to take off my makeup, and nothing else compares! It takes off waterproof makeup, layers of foundation, eyelash glue, etc. Makeup wipes can be really harsh on my skin, and I hated having to use 2-3 to get the job done. I found this product probably 6 years ago and have never gone back. It is an absolute staple in my routine! Then for any left over residue under my eyes or makeup in my hairline I missed, I use a Neutrogena Makeup Wipe.

Step 2. Dove White Beauty Bar. Next I wash my face with a bar of Dove soap. Yup, just a regular, plain, original bar of Dove soap. I do this 1. because my dermatologist told me to, and 2. because it is a mild cleanser that helps retain my skin's natural moisture. I put the soap on my skin and then use my Lil' Scrubbies to cleanse and exfoliate.

Step 3. Thayers Unscented Witch Hazel. I use this on a cotton pad to catch anything I missed in my cleansing process and to help reduce inflammation.

Step 4: Retinol Cream. After using the witch hazel I let my face dry completely. I do this because it's super important to only use a retinol cream on 100% dry skin. After dried, I apply no more than a pea size amount of the retinoid onto my skin. (Not posting the retinol cream because it's a prescription.)

Step 5: Tatcha The Water Cream. I moisturize using The Water Cream from Tatcha. I use to never use a moisturizer because I would break out every time I put one on. I was super hesitant to buy this because it is expensive and since so many moisturizers hadn't worked for me before, I didn't want to waste my money. But, it works like a dream! No breakouts, not oily, not heavy - it's the perfect moisturizer for me! I seriously hate how much I love this product because it is so expensive, but I'm obsessed! I love the way it smells and makes my skin feel, and it works for me because it's water based, non-comedogenic & oil-free. I put about a dime size amount all over my face and down my neck.

Step 6: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum. I haven't been using this product for too long, about a month, but I do like it! I haven't seen a difference in the color or firmness of my under-eyes, but they absolutely feel more hydrated! I typically only wear concealer (as far as base makeup goes) to work, and I have definitely seen a difference in how that has been applying!

And that's it! I occasionally do face mask or use my rose quartz facial roller, but these 6 steps are my every day nighttime skin routine. Hope ya'll enjoyed!