Warning: This will be a long and detailed post. Let’s get straight to it. It’s been a few months since I’ve shared my skincare rituals so I am back at it again with another updated skin care routine. This time I’m doing something different.
To be honest, there are A LOT of skincare products and brands out there. You have your natural home remedies, drugstore brands, and high end products. As a consumer, you have a lot to choose from. As a micro-influencer (that felt weird to say, but embrace it, Eni) I could tell you all the products I use and tell you to buy every single one of them. But, let’s be real here. What works for me, may not work for you, and that’s perfectly fine. On top of that, to be transparent, I received some of these products for free from companies. I didn’t pay for all of them nor would I be able to afford doing so. If you tried to go out an buy ALL of these products, it would be pretty pricey. But here my routine, the information a lot of you have been asking for:
That’s why although I’ve shared all the products that have been in my skin care routine rotation, I’m also breaking it down by ingredients. Shopping by ingredient, instead of by product, made my life so much easier. There is a science to skincare. When you keep track of ingredients, you can treat your skin based on its needs. The same way you may take different medication for congestion caused by a cold and congestion caused by allergies, you should notice your skin’s problems and act accordingly. That way, instead of feeling like you need to add every product on this list to your routine, you probably only need to pick one in each ingredient category if you haven’t incorporated it already. Alright here goes…
* Indicates a staple in my routine
To Brighten: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Purpose: This acid exfoliates skin and breaks down dead skin cells. It leaves it looking brighter and clearer. Products with AHAs in them may say AHA, or either glycolic or lactic acids which are both variants of AHAs. Use if your skin looks/feels congested, clogged, or dull and you’re trying to gain that glow again. Here is how I use them in my routine:
- Ren Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic* (Toner,$35): I started incorporating this product in my routine back in November when I received my HelloAva Beauty Regimen. (I highly recommend Hello Ava by the way.) I can immediately see the exfoliating effects of this toner. My skin looks polished and clear. Over time I noticed the brightening effect. It seems a little too strong to use daily so I use 1-2 times a week, so I use typically on the weekends. I highly recommend.
- Pixi Peel & Polish* (Exfoliant, $24): I received this product as a part of a PR package from Pixi. There were about 4 other masks and peels included in the package, but this is the one I gravitate towards the most. As opposed to a chemical exfoliant, you can feel the beads as you massage it into your skin. I use once a week or as needed.
- Pixi Glow Tonic (Toner, $15-$29): A great drugstore toner. I use this only when I travel since it’s pretty easy to find the travel size at Target.
- Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment*(Exfoliant, $85): Because it’s pricey, I only use (you guessed it) on the weekends. Used with the Ren toner immediately following, my skin is GLOWING.
- Krave Beauty Kale-lalu-yAHA (Exfoliating Toner, $25): I received this from Krave Beauty, a Korean Beauty brand. I’ve only used this a couple of times but I have no complaints when I do use it. It’s typically sold out on the website which probably means it’s a great product. Instructions say to use at night 2-3 times a week.
To Retain Moisture: Hyaluronic Acid
Purpose: This acid, which is naturally produced in your body, helps your skin retain moisture and hydration. I had seriously dry skin but that’s a thing of the past thanks to this magic ingredient. Use as a solution for dryness. Here is how I incorporate hyaluronic acid in my routine:
- Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner* (Toner, $34): This is the toner I use a majority of the week when I don’t use the Ren toner mentioned previously. It hydrates, soothes and protects your skin. It is not harsh on the skin and actually very refreshing. I also love the fact that it is a spray bottle. I use daily in the mornings.
- Sunday Riley Brightening Tidal Enzyme Cream* (Moisturizer, $65) : A moisturizer I refuse to live without. As soon as I use it my skin is noticeably hydrated and plump. It’s an added bonus that it contains ingredients meant to even out the skin tone which is a concern of mine as well. I highly recommend.
- Glossier Super Bounce* (Serum, $28): A new favorite of mine. I feel the effects of this product on my skin. Glossier was on to something when they made this and now it is a new addition to my routine and here to stay.
To Clear Acne: Retinol/Retin-A
Purpose: Derived from Vitamin A, this ingredient causes your skin cells to turn over rapidly and thus helps even out skin tone and texture. Retin-A is the stronger version and as a result you need a prescription for it. Retinol is more diluted and can be found in products sold in beauty stores and over the counter. Use Retinol/Retin-A for either of its two primary purposes: to treat acne and to reduce wrinkles or signs of aging. Here is how I use them in my routine:
- Trentinoin a.k.a prescribed Retin-A cream* (Cream, $ depends on insurance) : Single handedly the product responsible for clearing my breakouts and fading my dark spots. I talked about it a decent amount in my first main skin care routine post so be sure to check that out. I use a pea sized amount nightly. It’s pretty aggressive so I sometimes scale it back to 2-3 nights a week. Side note: If you are struggling with acne go see a dermatologist to find out what works for you. If you’re in the NYC area looking for recommendations, I go to Angela Lamb! I’m warning you now, she’s usually booked months in advance.
- Sunday Riley Luna Night Sleeping Oil (Night Serum, $105) : I used this before I started my Retin-A. You don’t need to use both retinol and retin-a. This product is pricey but it works and you’ll notice as soon as you wake up in the morning.
To Fade Dark Spots & Acne Scars: Vitamin C
Purpose: There are numerous benefits to Vitamin C including boosting collagen production and fighting the signs of aging. It also lightens dark spots and hyper-pigmentation. Use if you’ve got stubborn acne scars that you want to fade. Here is how I incorporate Vitamin C in my routine:
- Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser* (Cleanser, $34): Another product I won’t live without. I use day and night. If you’re trying to combat hyper-pigmentation, incorporate vitamin C into every part of your routine, including cleanser.
- Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion* (Serum $24): It works to sooth and brighten the skin. I use during the day, after cleansing and toning but before moisturizer and SPF. My skin feels so so soft when I use this.
- Glossier Super Glow* (Serum, $28): This stuff works and it is now a staple in my routine. It does what it says it’s supposed to do. I use daily in the morning and night.
- Ohii Beauty Get Fresh Toner Pads (Toner, $16): Not a staple in my routine but I actually REALLY like this product along with the Ohii Beauty Spray Serum. The pads have an exfoliating feel to them and whenever I use my skin looks bright and refreshed. I recommend the Grapefruit & Raspberry version specifically. Could also be a great travel option since it is not a liquid.
To Protect: SPF
Purpose: Gone are the days of believing that melanin provides enough sun protection. Wear SPF every single day. It helps with preventing acne scars and keeps hyper-pigmentation from being deep. Use if you are a human being. Here is the SPF I use in my routine.
- Krave Beauty Beet Shield* (SPF, $20): My new favorite SPF! The one I was originally using left my skin feeling super oily. This one feels just like a moisturizer and leaves no white cast. I use daily as the last step in my skincare routine.
Final Thoughts
That was definitely a lot of (hopefully helpful) information.As a reminder this is my daily AM routine and I am by no means a licensed esthetician or certified dermatologist. If you’ve got some serious skin care concerns, I’d recommend seeing one to get a more personalized look at your needs and recommended treatment.
“Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” Luke 1:45
