I recently posted a pic of the skin care products I used that evening and I received a DM asking if I switch up my routine often. To which I responded, “That’s a good question”.
Let me elaborate here. I do keep it pretty simple when I clean my face and do my AM and PM routines. They are not always the same and it really does depend on how my skin is that day. Also, certain products aren’t supposed to be used every day and used only a few times a week.
AM Routine
Cleanse> serum> moisturize> protect
Antioxidant and peptide serums
For my AM routine I cleanse with a gentle cleanser, serum, moisturize, and SPF. I rarely change up my cleanser and stick to a gentle non acid cleanse for the AM because all you need is a quick cleanse from the products you used the night before. The serum I choose to use is always a vitamin C one, as you see pictured, because vitamin C is best used during day time. You can incorporate other serums to your AM routine as well like a hydration serum but like I said previously, I like to keep it simple and quick and my skin type allows this. Instead of using a hydrating serum I choose to use a hydration toner. Toners are liquid and can be put on with a cotton round or a spray. The one I use is the Cucumber Hydration Toner because it sprays on, which makes it quick, and it helps my serum go on evenly. Oh yeah, toner, then serum. But make sure the toner has dried just a bit and then a few pumps of serum on damp skin. So I get some antioxidant protection from the vitamin C serum and hydration from the toner.
I recently started to use this eye serum as well, I didn’t use it before because the pump would waste too much product but since the company is so great they fixed the pump and now it dispenses a perfect eye sized amount.
Okay, so we’ve reached the moisturizer. I use the same moisturizer for AM and PM. This could be different for others and their type of skin but this works for me. A lot of people also have different moisturizers because their AM moisturizers contain SPF. SPF in moisturizers is good BUT I do recommend you still use a SPF only product on face. Which is why I choose to have just one moisturizer and then use SPF over it in the morning. One might also like a different moisturizer during the day because it works better with their makeup. Once all that dries, the last and most important step is SPF. Periodt.
PM Routine
Cleanse> exfoliate> moisturize.
Unlike my AM routine, I like to change up my PM routine. I do this because I change the types of exfoliation I use. When it comes to exfoliation, how often you do it can vary on a couple of things. Skin type, and level of exfoliation.
Gentle cleanser and exfoliating cleanser
*Before I proceed I would like to mention that I have a perioral dermatitis. Which in short is a type of dermatitis that shows up around the nose and mouth usually due to over exfoliation and/or use of oils. There really is no known cause of this but with trial and error I have come to find out mine shows up when I over exfoliate and use heavy oils on my face. So with that being said, I take it easy on exfoliating and oilier type products.
Types Of Exfoliation
Exfoliation acids can be used in almost every skin care product. All of the following can be formulated to have exfoliation properties.
Cleansers
Toners
Serums
Lotions
Masks
Brushes
Levels of exfoliation I use are serum, toner, and toner pads.
If I wear makeup that day I will do a double cleanse. Sometimes twice with the same Quiet Wash gentle cleanser or sometimes once with Quiet Wash and once with an exfoliating cleanser like the Glycolic Wash from Skin Script. This cleanser is also a form of exfoliation. Then, depending on how my skin is that day and how bad my perioral dermatitis is, depends on what type of exfoliation I use after I cleanse. I have three options to use right now. The mild form of exfoliation is the beta-carotene serum. A step up from that is an AHA toner, and followed by the strongest form which is the glycolic and retinol pads. You see, I have exfoliation available to me as a serum, as a toner, and as pads (which is essentially a toner soaked textured cotton round) I go back and forth with what I use and how often I use these. Always end with a moisturizer and eye cream. Eye gels. Cold roll. You can add on whatever feels right that night. Laying in bed with some eye gel pads on is a great way to start a nice slumber.
So can I switch up my routine?
Okay, answering the title question of should you switch up your skin routine?
-Sure! But I would always try a product and use it for a while to make sure you like it. I am able to switch my products because I know I like them and I know they work for me and my skin.
If you are on my Face Reality acne program however, there is already a set homecare routine to follow but that still allows switching. Sometimes you can use the hydrabalance gel in the morning AND the evening if you’re feeling a little dry . You will also eventually increase the amount of days you use your serum too. You might also be introduced to a new serum depending on the type of acne you have.
It all spends on the type of skin you have and how many steps you’re willing to give yourself in the morning and evening .
xoxo
HD