Skincare is in right now in a really big way! There is a ton of information out there and it seems like there’s a new skincare boutique popping up every month, not to mention the amount of products available now seems endless. It can actually be very overwhelming when you google anyone’s skincare routine to try and figure out what all of these products are for. When I was growing up there was a three-step method: cleanse, tone, moisturize. That was it; three easy steps. We now have the Korean 10-step routine and have you seen Liv Tyler’s 25-step morning routine? 25 steps!!
I’ve always known that taking care of your skin is very important. It was a lesson I learned from my mom, who at any age, astounded people because they always thought she was much younger. As a woman in my mid-30s, I know it’s time for me to start focusing on things like fine line and wrinkles… it’s inevitable. The three-step method from my younger years just won’t cut it anymore.
I’m not exaggerating when I say it took me months to curate this skincare regiment. It was a lot of product researching and brand testing to find products that I liked and that worked for me and my needs/concerns. So here it is, my morning and evening skincare routines:
MORNINGS:
My mornings are broken down into two parts: Pre- and Post-gym.
Pre-Gym:
- After I wake up, I’m out the door within 20 minutes to head to the gym so I don’t have time for an elaborate skincare routine. I splash my face with lukewarm water and then use a face mist for hydration.
Post-Gym:
- Foam cleanser – I use this to get all the sweat off because I’ve just worked out (if I don’t make it to the gym in the morning I won’t wash my face)
- Toner – I use witch hazel and I love it. Toners help balance out the pH of your skin
- Hyaluronic Acid – this stuff is hydration in a bottle! It helps attract moisture to your skin cells. Your cells naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid, but as it goes, production decreases as we age and dehydration can lead to fine line and wrinkles.
- Treatment – I use a Vitamin C serum/treatment. Vitamin C helps balance out your skin tone and it is also good for fine lines. Vitamin C should only be used during the day, as it can interact negatively with retinols (or any products you use containing retinols) and I read that retinols should be used at night.
- Eye cream – I learned long ago that the skin under and around our eyes is thin and delicate and I’ve been using an eye cream for years now.
- Moisturizer – they can change throughout the year depending on the seasons. I use a more hydrating cream in the winter, as our Canadian winters can be cold and dry!
- Sunscreen – the final step in my morning routine. Hallelujah!! Suncreen is super important, even in the winter months! I read and heard from various sources/podcasts that a separate sunscreen should be used even if your daytime moisturizer contains an SPF because the amount of product you’d need to use to get that amount of SPF is way more than you’d use normally.
**I let each product sit for about a minute before applying the next one.
EVENINGS:
- Oil cleanser – the first step in a double cleanse. I use an oil cleanser to remove most of my makeup (#mascaraproblems). I really like using the oil as it keeps my skin soft. I also use this oil to give myself a quick facial massage
- Foam cleanser – the second step in a double cleanse. With your makeup gone, the foam has a chance to really get into your pores and gives you a really deep clean. (My foam cleanser also removes the rest of my mascara!)
- Exfoliator – I do this 2-3 times a week. You really don’t want to exfoliate any more, as it can dry out your skin. Depending on what exfoliator you use, it might be a bit too abrasive for everyday use. I like to switch up my exfoliators.
- Toner – after cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to balance out that pH
- Hyaluronic Acid – I’ll repeat what I said above…. this stuff is hydration in a bottle! And keeping your skin hydrated is key. Dehydration is what can cause sagging and fine lines.
- Treatment – I use an anti-aging serum to help combat those fine lines!
- Masks – I use a mask 2-3 times a week and I always switch them up. In the winter I won’t use a clay mask, as I find they can dry out my skin too much.
- Eye cream – forever applying eye cream!
- Night cream – the final step! I found a cream that keeps my skin hydrated all night. Overnight dehydration is something I struggle with all year.
**Just like in the mornings, I let each product sit for about a minute before applying the next one.
Things to keep in mind: no amount of skincare products can make up for things like dehydration or a poor diet. I make sure to drink at least 2L of water a day, I stick to a whole foods diet (cheat meals allowed every now and then!), I get enough sleep and I exercise regularly. I also try to limit my caffeine intake and use supplements like collagen for an extra boost.
