My Updated Skincare Routine 2020

OUTFIT DETAILS: PINK PAJAMA SET | KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES

I have always been a big advocate for finding a skincare routine that works for you. As much as I enjoy putting on makeup there is something about skincare that makes me feel like I am prioritizing self-care. Plus, if you have great skin then you don’t need as much makeup so it’s really a win-win.

My mid to late ’20s have been quite a skincare journey for me. I was fortunate enough to have great skin for much of my life then it seemed like when 26 hit thanks to the stresses of real-life and hormones my skin decided it didn’t want to cooperate anymore.

That was a fun time!

I can categorically say I have tried almost everything out and there and finally feel like in the last 2 months I have found a skincare routine that works well for me. One of the biggest changes in my routine was to switch to cleaner skincare products, and I’m so happy I did.

I thought it was a gimmick for so long, but decided after trying every product on the market that maybe I needed to go back to basics and it’s possible I was doing too much to my skin only making it worse.

For reference, I have dry skin but am also acne-prone now.

Trust me when I say – it is nearly impossible to find products as usually acne products are incredibly drying causing dry skin to dry out even more, which in turn causes more acne as your skin thinks it needs to produce more oil.

It’s a vicious cycle. 

While my skin isn’t perfect and I still do get those pesky blemishes around that time of the month, the frequency of blemishes and the overall moisture of my skin has greatly improved. It has also helped with #maskacne! I know this is thanks to my new skincare routine that I cannot wait to share with you!

DAYTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

BEAUTYCOUNTER Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser

Thanks to an Instagram friend, Thessali, from Down in the Hollow I discovered the amazing results of the clean beauty brand, BeautyCounter. I normally stay away from MLM’s, but her gentle approach to selling and the thousands of stellar reviews had me sold.

The Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser is a daily exfoliating cleanser that removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants that strip your skin of moisture. It also has a gentle citrus scent that doesn’t irritate the skin.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

I used the Bioderma micellar water for years and realized it was pretty much the same as the Garnier version so why not go with the cheaper option. I put some on a cotton pad after I cleanse just to make sure all dirt and impurities have been washed away. It’s also great for taking off makeup and it’s gentle too!

Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse

This was a brand recommended to me by an esthetician and is highly raved about in the skincare world. It’s an oil-free soothing facial toner that relieves dryness and helps to restore the natural pH balance of your skin. It’s made from a combination of natural extracts like chamomile, aloe, allantoin, and bisabolol.

CLINIQUE All About Eyes

Everyone should be using an eye cream as it’s one of the most delicate areas on our face. A great all-around eye cream is the Clinique All About Eyes. If you don’t need anything specifically anti-aging but rather moisturizing I highly recommend this product and I have been using it for years.

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%

I can’t lie this product does come with a hefty price tag, but it is one of the most highly rated vitamin c serums on the market.

A little bit goes a long way and a bottle will typically last me 3 months. The Obagi Professional-C Serum infuses your skin with 20% L-ascorbic acid providing antioxidant protection from UV damage and brightening away hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C also helps to increase collagen production for glowy and rejuvenated skin.

BEAUTYCOUNTER Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

This lightweight lotion adapts to your skin throughout the day to provide you the moisturization you need. The lotion is made with squalane (one of my favorite oils derived from olives), phytic acid, plum oil (rich in omegas 6, 9, and vitamin E), and shea butter. All great ingredients for keeping skin soft, smooth, and glowing.

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Mist

I love using facial mists to top up my skin throughout the day and as a finishing spray if I’m wearing makeup. This Herbivore one is a super-fine mist (much finer than the Mario Badescu spray) made with natural hydrating and soothing hyaluronic acid, rose hydrosol, coconut water, and hibiscus extract.

NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

I don’t normally wear makeup on a daily basis, but if I do I will always double cleanse with my facial cleanser then the micellar water. But most days it’s just a gentle swipe of the Garnier to remove the day’s dirt. I love using the Garnier Micellar Water with rose extract.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

I long used the Pixi Glow Tonic Toner, but in my effort to test out new skincare brands I have fallen in love with The Ordinary, an incredibly affordable brand sold at Sephora. Can you believe this toner is under $10?!

This exfoliating toner is made with 7% percent glycolic acid (the Pixi has 5%), amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry to help with dullness and uneven texture. I’m a fan of chemical exfoliants rather than physical as they can cause micro-tears in the skin leaving your skin irritated.

CLINIQUE All About Eyes

See my morning routine for more information

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

This potent retinol treatment helps to refine pore size, diminish the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.  It’s made with nourishing licorice extract, oat extract, and other soothing plant extracts to help calm the skin. I am a fan of using retinol as it helps to speed up the production of collagen – great for wrinkles and acne.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Another incredibly affordable and highly sought after product by The Ordinary – it’s only $7! Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients you could add to your skincare routine if you’re feeling that you need more moisture as it contains molecules that help to plump up the skin.

Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil

Biossance is another clean skincare brand I’ve been so happy to discover. This is the last step in my nighttime skincare routine as squalane (a natural replenishing and multipurpose oil) helps to lock in moisture and acts as a great barrier for your skincare products to sink in.

Apparently, our bodies produce their own version, but that starts to decline in our 20’s (uh oh) leaving skin rough and dry.

A FEW SKINCARE EXTRAS

I used to have a variety of masks and treatments but finally paired it down to these few – one for acne, one to detox, one to moisturize, and one to exfoliate. These are the products I use once a week as a little treat for my skin.

Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel

A high strength acne treatment with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and aloe vera.

Revision Skincare Pore Purifying Clay Mask (Black Mask)

One of the most highly rated clay masks loved by med-spas and estheticians. It was formally just known as the “Black Mask” but the name has recently been changed.

COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD Intense Hydrating Mask

Courtney Keer turned me onto this product and now I can’t be without this super hydrating mask that quickly sinks into the skin.

THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This is a pretty intense chemical exfoliant that truly provides results. Since it contains such a high percentage of AHA use only once every 2 weeks.

If you have any questions about specific products mentioned in my skincare routine feel free to leave a comment. What items are in your skincare routine or what is your holy grail skincare product? Leave a comment below letting me know!