Well hello there!

I couldn’t remember if I had ever taken you guys through my step-by-step nighttime skincare routine or not, so I figured now was as good a time as ever! Maybe it’s freshly entering my 30’s, but I’ve started taking skincare a lot more seriously over the last year. In some ways I’ve simplified my routine by using gentler products, but I’ve also added a few bonus products in as well. I was diagnosed by my dermatologist that I have rosacea, so most of the products I pick are safe and gentle even for the most sensitive skin!

I’ve linked all the products that I use below, and some that are similar, and I also have another stipulation for skincare products – they can’t break the bank. As much as I would love to be able to buy the highest-grade products, sometimes you just can’t! So I’ve found a way to make do with a lot of great substitutions. I’ll walk you through my process!

Cleansing

First and foremost, I cleanse my skin, and I usually do this by double-cleansing. I use these re-usable bamboo cotton pads and some micellar water and wipe off my makeup, sweat and any other debris from the days events. I don’t worry too much about getting it all off, but focus mainly on my problem areas of the face (chin, T-zone, forehead, and cheeks). Then, I wash my face with a gentle face cleanser. After doing this, your face will be “so fresh and so clean, clean.” A couple times a week, I add in some additional cleansing power from this glycolic acid face wash. It’s great for exfoliation, acne, and wrinkles! It really is a holy grail product. Make sure to PAT your face dry when you’re all done cleansing….no vigorous wiping or rubbing!

Serums

After cleansing, I usually get into my skincare serums and other products. A couple times a week, I’ll use a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) exfoliator to help my skin to not only help slough off some excess skin, but to also even my complexion and help with enlarged pores. I dab a couple drops onto a cotton round, and wipe all over my face like I would a toner-type product. For my rosacea, I use a 10% azelaic acid booster from Paula’s Choice, which is an excellent, affordable skincare company (and my derm loves them too!). Azelaic acid is also great for treating blemishes and evening skin texture. If I used a vitamin C serum, I would apply it now before my next serum. I’m currently not using a vitamin C serum, but if you have aging or dull skin, I would highly encourage you to begin using one!

I’m then ready for my next serum – niacinamide. Niacinamide is great for reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dry skin. I either apply the niacinamide directly to my face by dripping it on and rubbing it in (it’s a watery consistency), or I add it to my moisturizer in the palm of my hand. It’s gentle, and I can definitely tell when I’m using it, and when I’ve forgotten to use it for a little while. Now to the last step….

Moisturizing

Last but not least, I seal everything in with moisturizer for my face and lips, and if I can remember, eye cream. I’ve linked two gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers above, as well as my favorite lip mask! This may seem like a few steps, but considering I alternate many products every other night, and I’ve gotten in the routine of it, it really feels nice to have your face be so nice and clean! Especially right now with all of our mask wearing, you might be noticing a few face changes! If you’re adding new products to your routine, add slowly. Start with one implement, and give it two weeks to see how your skin adjusts before adding in any more.

You might have also noticed I didn’t add any retinoid-type products above. I’m not currently using any, but I have previously used Differin Gel and it is fantastic. Not only for treating and preventing acne, but since it is a retinoid, it also helps with cell turnover and can be beneficial at fighting the signs of aging!

If you have questions about any of the things I’ve mentioned above, leave a comment below and I’m happy to answer! Hopefully you’ve learned some helpful information, and I encourage you to do more research into your skincare routine! I’m not a dermatologist, and these are all simply products that work well for me!

xo, Chelsea