Language key:

(O) = optional step.

@sarafinaparvez

1. Oil Cleanser/Balm

2. Hydrating toner or Essence or Serum

3. Moisturizer

4. Retinol (Retinol/Retinoid/Vitamin A/TRRETINOIN)*

(Eyes)

5. Retinol (Retinol/Retinoid/Vitamin A/TRETINOIN)*

(Face, Neck)

6. Lip Balm

* Cerave baby healing ointment/Lotion/Vaseline etc.

@sarafinaparvez

In the Nighttime :

If wearing eye makeup treat this as Step 1, and remove with ​micellar water first (or product of choice) and cotton pads. Hold ​cotton pad to eye for about 15 seconds minimum and swipe across ​gently back and forth to remove makeup. This avoids harsh tugging ​of the skin which may effect elasticity. I like to take an extra ​cotton pad, fold it in half and drench the “crease fold” to remove ​makeup from the upper and lower lash line diligently. Ignoring this ​area can encourage old makeup to enter your eyes. The reason why ​I prefer having this step in routine, as opposed to just using the ​same cleanser or balm as I would my face to remove eye makeup ​is because it’s more thorough in removal, requires less effort and is ​less messy which makes me more inclined to do my skincare ​routine on time when I need too. (That’s important!) But if you ​don’t tend to wear a lot of heavy eye makeup that requires some ​effort to remove it’s definitely fine skipping this step.

1. Cleanse rest of the face from sunscreen/make up/lotion/daily ​dirt and grime as need be with any making removing oil or balm ​cleanser. Make sure to double/triple cleanse as needed. I will often ​use cotton pads and micellar water to remove my first layer of ​makeup just as I did with my eyes and then follow through will ​the oil/balm cleanser as the second step. If i’m not wearing ​makeup, I don’t use micellar water on my face and just my cleanser ​of choice once or twice.

2. Apply serum/hydrating product all over face, neck and eyes. I ​consider this “the supplementary skin step”, where similar to taking ​a multi vitamin, you can choose to add extra serums, toners, ​essences etc. to aid in extra hydration, or even introduce products ​that may address certain skin textural issues etc. There’s a boat load ​of products you can choose for this step but you will never go ​wrong with a hydrating serum or essence to give your skin a boost ​that makes a visible difference every morning than just using your ​moisturizer alone. Some choose to layer multiple products in this ​step and if you do the thinnest is generally what you would use ​first. Overcomplication of this step is common especially for skin ​care lovers which may lead to various issues such as irritation. I ​left more details on this page in the section below where I touch of ​various products causing irritation if you want more direction or ​tips on how to choose the right type of serum/essence/toner you ​based on the intended outcome you are trying to achieve.

3. Apply a small amount of eye retinol to the under eye area only.

4. Apply moisturizer all over face neck and eyes (lightly dab over ​the eye area too, where you placed the retinol (optional). Dabbing ​is important so you do not move around the eye retinol. ​Alternatively, you can use eye moisturizer first and eye retinol on ​top. I prefer the way around, as eye-retinols are quite gentle on my ​under eye area so I benefit from that direct retinol-to-skin contact.

5. Apply Tretinoin/other related product everywhere *except* the ​eye area that includes both the under eyes and lids. Be careful not ​to bring the tretinoin to close the eye area where you may have ​spread the eye retinol product out so that you are not layering ​multiple retinoids on top of one another. Use cautiously around ​sides of nose, chin and mouth as these area tend to be too ​sensitizing of a location for many people to tolerate the use of this ​product. Any area that has repetitive dryness or flakiness (long-​term) past the initial “purging adjustment” stage is too sensitive to ​tolerate the product. Using tret/other in these areas may be causing ​inflammation of the skin or barrier damage.

*** Optional Step Apply extra layer of any face/body lotion or any ​simple occlusive product over the entire face if you’d like extra ​hydration (optional)- when implementing this step after retinol its ​considered the “sandwich method” (moisturizer, retinol, ​moisturizer) which some claim helps the skin better tolerate ​retinoids but I use just to help to keep the skin’s hydration sealed ​overnight; particularly in the winter season. I’m not sure how ​effective the sandwich method is to tret users but did find it helped ​when I was previously on 0.05 tret (a concentration that I felt was ​a bit too sensitizing for me, before I lowered the concentration back ​to 0.025)

6. Always remember chap stick & Vaseline for the lips. Any ​petroleum jelly product ontop of chap stick of choice can be applied ​for extra protection. Petroleum jelly is optional but the chap stick is ​recommended.

If you find a night in which you are tired before bed just cleanse ​and moisturize. This is the only mandatory step of your nighttime ​routine as the skin regenerates and “builds” itself during sleep and ​simply needs to be kept clean and protected. Just as failure to not ​address adequate sun protection in the morning with lead to ​premature aging and other potential complications- so will not ​sleeping with a clean face at night; so both steps need to be done ​committedly. Even if you chose not to wear sunscreen in the ​daytime (though I doubt someone taking that option is reading this ​page) washing your face at night is a basic hygiene practice if ​anything just as taking a shower is. So don’t be disgusting. 😂

For when you are experiencing skin Irritation from ​products in your routine OR particular sensitivity to ​Retinol :

Sensitivity and irritated skin can happen for any reason- red, itchy, ​stinging, burning, rash, allergy etc. Wash off any product you have ​just applied immediately after such symptoms and dry the skin ​thoroughly afterwards. (Seek professional help if its an allergic ​reaction of course). Since Irritation and sensitivities vary you may ​or may not be able to apply a basic lotion/moisturizer after to ​soothe the skin once washing, but when in doubt, choose to be bare ​until symptoms leave.

For Retinol Irritation- There are some days (at random) where I ​notice my skin in the mirror looking particularly flaky or dry; ​typically because of overusing tretinoin the night before. On these ​days I skip the retinol/tretinoin before bedtime until I feel that my ​skins dryness/irritation subsided. Usually ill just skip that first night ​or at most 2 nights before resuming tretinoin again as I’ve never had ​an extreme reaction or symptom flare from it. I will also take ​advantage of this opportunity (the night where I go retinol free) by ​especially hydrating the skin by applying a healing ointment or ​other occlusive product like Vaseline on top of my moisturizer as a ​final step before sleeping. In general this is nice to soothe an give ​your skin a break to heal from the consistent exfoliation that ​naturally happens when you introduce retinol/tret into your routine.

Irritation from using “too many products”: Having too many ​products in your routine is definitely possible for a variety of ​reasons and if you have a full routine- especially an extensive one ​its important to take certain steps so that when you are experiencing ​an issue it’s easier to decipher what may be causing it. Always ​introduce new products or steps one at time and do said step for ​some time to see how it is interacting with your skin and the rest of ​your routine.

As an extra note for sunscreen irritation, I’m someone who prefers ​chemical filters in my sunscreen as opposed to mineral, (due to ​having olive medium-dark tan skin naturally and wanting to avoid ​the “white cast” that comes with mineral sunscreens). Many ​chemical sunscreens however can be irritating and just recently I ​tried a new one that started irritating my skin out of nowhere after ​using it for a week. Once I started to feel the considerable amount ​of burning/irritation I removed my sunscreen immediately and just ​closed the curtains of my room/home to avoid the exposure of ​sunlight with plans to re try the product in the AM again and re ​purchasing a new SPF if needed.

Lets Discuss!

- Incorporating Actives

- Solutions for Acne Prone Skin (my experience)

- Picking between serums, essences and toners,

- My opinion on Korean Skincare (the only thing watch out for as a consumer)

As of now, any skin product can be sold that contains some form of active, the ones people tend to be most ​familiar with are Vitamin C, Retinols and exfoliating acids such as BHAS/AHAS etc. Its highly important you ​know why each and every active is in your routine, what purpose it serves and which products are or are not ​compatible, or which you may be able to use at different times ex: using Vitamin C in the daytime and retinol ​at night. Actives can be detrimental to the skin when overusing or using multiple in conjunction that are not ​supposed to be; so I advise you to do your own research if you plan on incorporating anything else other than ​my routine above and are unsure. (It is quite easy to find results on google for the actives you have in mind). ​One may also not know the certain issues they are experiencing because of overusing a certain mechanism. ​An example would be having tretinoin (which exfoliates the skin) in combination with AHAS/BHAS (also ​exfoliates the skin). Since both of these products remove dead skin cells and aid in cell renewal it’s often too ​much of this one mechanism which often causes undesirable results. Be wary as well of having different ​skincare products containing actives that may have the potential to overlap one another. Ex: A night ​moisturizer with retinol + using prescription retinol creme on top, or using a Salicylic Acid face and then ​hydrating with a lotion that also includes SA.

When it comes to acne there’s a shit ton of products marketed towards its prevention and maintenance. Some ​people may find that an acne SA face wash as mentioned in the topic above is all they need for very mild ​acne while some may choose prescription tretinoin such as myself or another type of prescription medication. ​When it comes to severe acne it is always best to consult a dermatologist if nothing you have tried is working ​as they may suggest another product. The one thing I would really stress is to inquire before trying to use ​multiple products (though your own research may be enough too). This is to see if the products are compatible ​or if there may be a better option based on previous attempts. As someone who has had severe-moderate acne ​prone skin my whole life I find that all it takes is prescription tretinoin which also benefits my skin in other ​ways such as preventative aging which is why it’s my main active of choice and the only one I really find ​necessary besides sunscreen- which also technically contains active ingredients that make it a sun protective ​product. Avoiding trigger foods like dairy, and good hygiene- (washing off your face after a workout, keeping ​hair products and oils away from the face) are also necessary elements as these have been common acne ​triggers for me regardless of routine skincare management.

When it comes to serums essences and toners there are tons (especially if you are familiar or prefer Korean ​skincare) some are even suggested for acne prevention some contain actives whereas others are formulated just ​for hydration purposes which is what I prefer. The reason I prefer this is because If I have certain skin ​concerns I believe in purchasing products or medication that have the most scientific backing and testing to ​prove the results and also because it makes everything else quite simple. If I struggle with acne and ​incorporate prescription tretinoin to help it I know that I don’t need to spend time flitting from moisturizer to ​moisturizer or toner to essence as all I’m looking for from these products are ingredients that will hydrate and ​solve any textural issues I may have.

A note to those I see that are really into Korean/other skincare or for those that tend to try new products ​quickly,

Because Korean skincare has developed such a cult following there are hundreds of products they come out ​with each year and it’s absolutely OK to enjoy these various Korean skincare brands; However, one of the ​more negative aspects for consumers invested in the market is the ways they tend to go about the marketing in ​order to better benefit themselves over you. An example of this is by simplifying the formulation in certain ​products so that you have to buy a much larger routine and spend more money to compensate and reap the ​same reward. (Example: One brand will sell you a serum and recommended moisturizer to go with it only for ​someone with more knowledge in product formulation to see the ingredients list and be able to point out that ​a different moisturizer from a different brand can serve both purposes of the serum + moisturizer combo based ​on it’s “complete” formulation.) This can be blamed on trends like the “10 or 7 step Korean skin routine” etc. ​In which they use consumer tendency of overconsumption to make you believe you need that many products ​to have a ideal routine and solve all your skin issues. Aside from that the same product or others are often ​made with a specific “natural” or “unique” key ingredient this isn’t in and of itself a problem but for someone ​who likes to try new things and test many products, you can easily be compelled based on both the ​packaging/description and pair that with the mentality that “all Korean skincare products are good” to compile ​a routine containing a lot of these “key unique ingredients” or one of 15+ products blindly which not only ​derails from the whole purpose and benefit of having a daily functional routine but also makes you spend more ​money, waste more time, be unable to pinpoint where irritation may be coming from and eventually you find ​yourself flitting from product to product while failing to develop consistent behaviors. Though trying a new ​product can be fun it will eventually get old when your trying to find something to aid a certain purpose and ​are not having any luck. Now to avoid this, you can still use Korean skincare products (which can be lovely ​and amazing)! but- use discernment. Hold them to the same standards as you would with other ​American/Canadian/French etc. brands and choose to have the most important or foundational elements of ​your routine (moisturizer, cleanser, sunscreen, actives) from a trusted, tested brand (Korean or not) that is not ​trying to sell you something innovative necessarily but functional and/or tested for its purpose. Then, feel free ​to try out an interesting natural ingredient essence or nightly facemask once you have the basics and ​“fundamentals” of your ideal skincare routine down. The implementation then of such unique products one at a ​time will also help you accurately judge its effects on your skin.

All of this can be relevant for anyone from Korean/French skincare lovers to natural skincare lovers who hold ​an idealized opinion on their favourite “type”. The reason why I specifically decided to use Korean products as ​the example is because of how familiar I am with their brands and from my own previous experiences of ​compiling a lot of these products in the past thinking just because their a certain type it will fix all my skin ​problems; prior to having the knowledge of ingredients I do now.

Main takeaway : Don’t be fooled by marketing! A routine consisting of ​Korean/Japanese/French/American/whatever skincare can be amazing or shitty it just depends on your ​knowledge of ingredients, or ability to choose wisely. Choose function and proven testing first to achieve the ​best results your skin has to offer and don’t be blinded by blanket statements such as “Korean/French skincare ​is superior” or even trends when choosing your products.

My favorite brand(s) + products

sharing my current and old routine-

explaining what makes me switch products

when I do!

Why I love La Roche Posay (obviously unaffiliated/unsponsored)

As i’m sure I’ve made it clear by now that consistency is probably the most important thing to me when it ​comes to taking care of the skin. In order to better accomplish consistency you should choose the best ​product/brand you can find that is not only within your budget but also easily accessible for you to purchase ​(this can be a store close to home or a store in your city that you can get too ideally monthly; or even a ​reliable website that can ship to you on time and keeps itself well stocked). I’ve tried many drugstore brands ​that are available near me (I live in Canada) and out of all the ones that have interested me in trying, La ​Roche Posay has remained my favourite. Ingredient wise they tend to fall into the parameters of what I ​expect out of my products; closest to containing the ingredients I prefer that work well with my skin while ​not containing many ingredients that I avoid and consider my call-outs. (more on this below). I’ve also had ​moments where my skin was sensitized/sensitive and have still been able to tolerate and heal the skin with ​different products from their brand and switch products throughout their selection to fit various purposes, or ​throughout the seasons. When it comes to budget, I keep a higher budget as I choose to invest my income ​into my skin regularly. It’s also a brand that’s sold at a drugstore a family member works at so when I ​purchase from them I get 30 percent off at for any skincare item in any brand they carry. So it just makes ​sense!

A look into my routine:

for those viewing this on your phone, the “photo formatting” (order) of the products will show up a bit wonky!

Current Routine

Older Routine

product review + details below

A Couple of Disclaimers:

Why I still recommend both routines despite switching certain products.

I do want to emphasize that even if I’m sharing both my “new routine” and my previous or “old routine” both are made of ​products that I still prefer over many on the market and are my personal favorites (unless written otherwise) in terms of ​ingredients, formulation, price and availability to me. I am choosing to show both so that I can review each product as I believe ​some products in the old routine may be better from some consumers and vice versa; so I am treating this partially as a product ​review expanding on the differences of each, and why I chose to switch out certain products,

Note this is not an effort to “sell you” the products that I prefer in brand

as I think there are plenty of good ones on the market. Rather, I think the product review is helpful as it lets you know what I ​like about the stuff I use so you can get another perspective on what may make a good product for you! Example: Do you like a ​moisturizer that’s leaning rich and occlusive or one that’s absorbent and hydrating? Is it important that your sunscreen is gentle ​enough that it doesn’t sting your eyes? Or that it looks fine upon reapplication?

...

Serum Switch : LRP (La Roche Posay) Hyalu B5 Serum (aqua blue & white) vs “LRP Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum ​(darker blue serum bottle)- The Hyalu B5 Serum is a good product and cheaper. It serves its purpose that I expect out of a ​serum when I add it into my routine, before moisturiser and that purpose is simply extra hydration as I often get ​dehydrated skin when I do not have a serum incorporated. the Dermallergo serum on the other hand also aids in hydration ​but it increases the smoothness/texture of my skin noticeably as well which I obviously really like! It also has a ”tacky” or ​sticky feeling when applied directly onto the skin which I really appreciate as I believe my moisturiser sits really well on ​top of it and so does foundation or makeup (like a sticky primer) those added benefits are the reasons I switched. It is ​more expensive and contains less product so I recommend either based on your budget. As with all LRP products ​mentioned Both are great options for sensitive skin.

Moisturiser Switch : LRP Toleriane Dermallergo Creme (white moisturiser bottle) vs LRP Toleriane Dermallergo Nuit ​(dark blue bottle)

In my “old routine” pictured is a white LRP moisturiser bottle. Now there’s actually 2 versions of this moisturiser that look ​exactly the same and both have LRP Toleriane in the name- but there is a “Fluide” version (pictured above) and a “Creme” ​version. I’ve used both of the versions and the Fluide is essentially a lighter version compared to the Creme. The Fluide is ​better for those who prefer water based, lighter moisturisers and is often recommended by skincare reps at drugstore for ​those who prefer having lighter products in the summertime. The fluide is actually the first LRP moisturiser I used back ​when my skin was considered an oily type and I much appreciated the product and preferred that product then. The creme ​version on the other hand I found myself switching to during the wintertime and when I started introducing ​retinols/tretinoin into my routine, to use underneath. I also only use moisturiser in the nighttime so prefer something more ​occlusive to really lock in hydration from the serums I use underneath the moisturiser. In my new routine, pictured is the ​Nuit version of the LRP moisturisers (this one is dark blue); it actually wasn’t intended that I try out this product but I ​found myself doing so when my creme was out of stock one day. Ever since I tried it I’ve loved it even more then the ​previous 2 moisturisers. “Texturally” it feels closer to the fluide but there’s something very “serum-y” about the formulation ​as well. Not to overemphasise- but dare I say it’s like a serum moisturiser hybrid compared to the other 2. Despite the ​lighter texture I find it just as hydrating as the creme; and that’s what made me switch!

Fav Cleanser : Skinfix Barrier+ foaming oil cleanser -

I like this product because It’s cleansing enough that I can use it even 3-4 times to be sure im removing the heaviest “full ​face” of makeup products without drying out my skin; while also using it daily to remove sunscreen, oil and grime, after I ​wake in the morning or after a workout. Essentially I can use it for everything. It’s really important to me to have a simple ​cleanser that I can use for every purpose as I find incorporating multiple types of face cleansers irritates my skin or ​becomes far too drying. Heavy makeup users, especially those who wear it heavy daily may still prefer a balm or oil ​over/before using this product in a routine (as it would be quicker to remove) but since I typically wear light makeup and ​heavy makeup irregularly I have no complaints. And, for the record it doesn't take 3-4 times to remove makeup with it ​there have just been times where Iv’e chosen too lol

Fav Eye Retinol : LRP Redermic Retinol Eyes

It's very important to only use retinol recommended for the eye area. Some dermatologists have referenced a study that ​may explain the potential risk of getting dry eye disease and/or drying out the meibomian glands of the eyes typically ​when using other products such as tretinoin/other form of strong retinoid in the area. (I would just advise checking with a ​healthcare provider before making the decision of using a strong or unintended product in the eye area as well as doing ​your own research/trying at your own risk). I myself have used the la roche posay retinol eyes without experiencing any ​dryness whatsoever and therefore think retinol formulated eye creams are safe by experience, (and by online dermatologist ​recommendation) However when I used the COSRX retinoid which is marketed for both the face and eyes, I immediately ​did get dry eyes the following day and throughout the couple weeks of using the product so I stopped. I have tried other ​drugstore eye retinols but found this one to give the most noticeable results. If I ever do try tretinoin or other form of ​retinol/retinoid on the eye area I will keep you updated!

Experience with Tretinoin 0.05 vs 0.025

Tretinoin is given by prescription only. 0.025, 0.5 & 1 all eventually lead to the same outcome in terms of efficacy on the ​skin so the lower concentrations of tretinoin will get you to the same place as the highest concentration (1%) with consistent ​use though at a slower rate, however, you do get the benefits of less irritation and dryness on the way to your desired ​outcome. I had initially started with 0.025 and went through about 4 bottles estimated- (I started 1.5-2 years ago) using a ​slightly larger than pea size amount. (pea size is recommended) and had a great experience. After the initial purging stage ​my skin was reacting extremely well towards the medicine. I decided to up the concentration to 0.05 (to see if my skin ​could tolerate it and out of pure curiosity) and after finishing one bottle, I'm deciding not to re-purchase the 0.05 ​concentration. In my personal experience I have not noticed a difference in my skin from the 0.025 but have noticed an ​increase in dryness/dehydration and flakiness; the higher concentration is much more difficult to manage on my skin while ​keeping it well hydrated and the lowest dose of 0.025 was working just fine without any of those adverse side effects. It’s ​important to note that I have never visited a dermatologist to discuss or decide the use of tretinoin- I’m in my 20’s and I ​just decided to start using it by asking for a prescription from my family physician to keep my acne prone skin manageable ​as well as enjoy the benefits of preventative ageing. I mention that because many with mature skin, or other skin ​conditions may be recommended to use higher concentrations and/or find better results with higher doses depending on its ​intended purpose; so speaking to a dermatologist is best to decide if it’s a good product to try for you.

Sunscreen Switch : Sunbum face 50 vs Eucerin Complete Hydration Lotion 50 & Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Tinted Lotion ​35

Sun Bum has some heavy pros and heavy cons

It was my go to for the longest time due to the fact that it’s a strong sunscreen against sun rays (personal experience) and ​will keep your skin protected. There was a noticeable difference in the quality of my skin whenever I used it consistently ​with reapplication compared to many other sunscreens I have tried before. Its fragrance free and does not irritate my skin ​(an issue I often have with chemical sunscreens) however it was quite oily on my skin-especially during reapplication and I ​would find myself blotting the product with Kleenex in order for it to be tolerable for me. It also transfers to the eye area ​very easily and then stings around the eyes like an absolute bitch and this is honestly why I would not recommend it. It ​has no white cast and I think it would be great for all skin tones; though, in my experience It does have a slight ​brightening effect on the skin (brightens the skin slightly but with no gray undertone to it). I stayed with this product for so ​long as at one point it was the best option I had access too; but with other sunscreens out on the market I will give this ​one a pass because I think there are better SPF products that will give you the same results and no irritation around the ​eyes with it. I wont not-not recommended the product due to its “oiliness” however because I have noticed during many ​sunscreen reviews and people I know in real life formulation preferences for people can vary significantly. I would not be ​surprised if someone with dry skin really enjoys the formulation on this one.

Eucerin Complete Hydration Lotion 50

I thought it was time to make the switch so I found another chemical sunscreen that is even more tolerable for me; this ​product feels as though you are really applying a moisturizer onto the skin especially when blending the product out. ​Extremely gentle, Glowy and I actually really like applying it!!!!! Something I have never thought I’d say (or write) about a ​sunscreen before. I literally have nothing bad to say about this product and for now is my everyday staple SPF. In terms of ​the efficacy and sun damage protection it is a new product in my routine so I will give it some time and then come back ​with anything notable in terms of that.

Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Tinted Lotion 35

I picked up this product out of curiosity the same day that I did the other non tinted Eucerin SPF I wrote about above; My ​entire skincare page emphasizes function and purpose over-overconsumption so I do want to be honest when I say that ​only one sunscreen is really necessary in a routine. The exception being if you really do use your SPF tint as makeup or ​keep a separate usually more inexpensive product for the body and such cases. However I have always wanted to have a ​Mineral SPF stored just incase I one day end up having adverse reactions to the chemical sunscreen I’m using as it has ​happened that I use a chemical SPF and all of a sudden it is no longer compatible and something in it will cause redness, ​irritation, burning stinging etc. The solution for darker sensitive skin really is tinted mineral sunscreen. and though I ​disagree this product is made for all skin tones- as I’ve seen through reviews it doesn’t work for pale or deep skin tones as ​a Bengali girl with olive skin It blends seamless into my skin tone and isn’t too far from my foundation shade. (Fenty soft ​matte 290). Once again, you only need one sunscreen; if you’ve had issues with chemical SPF it’s great to try a mineral one ​if your skin tone allows it. Otherwise keep trying until you find a gentle enough product. I’m choosing to keep both in my ​routine as I’m able too and love each product. I chose to share both because I am sharing my entire routine and want to be ​transparent about everything but all that’s necessary is one that you love!

Bioderma Micellar Water vs No Dedicated Eye Makeup Remover

I personally love micellar waters as I find them to be very gentle, you can opt micellar water out for any eye makeup ​remover as they have the same sort of removal method (bottle liquid to cotton pad application). I just urge anyone that uses ​a significant amount of eye makeup around the eyes to implement a product that works this way into their routine. ​Eyeliner and mascara can typically be more difficult to remove and I would argue the eye area is probably the most ​important area to take care of in this regard as one, you have your eyes itself in which you don’t want to damage or cause ​irritation to and two, the skin here is the most delicate; therefor benefits from a gentle application removal. I also want to ​add that I suggest miceallar water as it is dedicated for use on the entire face- not necessarily that you can’t use a regular ​eye makeup remover as well for that purpose, but I find it tends to be less irritating and less likely to cause complications ​in that regard with its usually shorter ingredient list.

In essence, products that will

makeup your routine

include :

No need to use the products I do! Choose any that fit in these parameters for you.

Ingredients to Avoid in Products, “Seasonal Skincare”, Trigger Foods and other notes!

when purchasing skincare I typically look out to avoid these ingredients:

• fragrance and/or parfum,
  
• fragrance/irritating oils - bergamot, lemon peel, orange peel etc. to name a few.
  
• Alcohol (occasionally); I find its non irritating to me in serums but can often be in moisturizers ​(always keep your receipt) lol
• actives in products I don’t want actives to be in (as touched on above)
  
• choosing science/derm based skincare and ingredients vs “natural” or “clean/green” marketed ​products and ingredients. (also touched on above)
  

In the changing seasons:

• wear hats year round (sun, face + scalp protection)
  
• wear sunglasses year round (sun, face + eye protection)
  
• if you live in a cold dry climate- a humidifier at night may help in keeping the skin hydrated.
  
• if you live in a humid environment a dehumidifier may help keeping the skin clear if you struggle ​with excess oil or night sweats
  

• be wary of changing your sheets on time and hair products that may impact your skin (oils on ​hair may transfer on pillow at night).
  

take note of any foods that may trigger or aggravate the skin - common ones include:

• alcohol
• sugar
  
• dairy
  
• refined carbohydrates
• ultra processed foods
• deep fried foods
  
• & whey protein powders!

• It’s much more important to have a skincare routine that your likely to be consistent with in both ​applying and purchasing. (reiterating as this is so important) Choose a sunscreen that has a ​formulation you don’t mind using every single day, multiple times a day and pick a ​routine/products that are not only within your budget, but easily accessible for you to purchase ​when need be.
  

• adding on to the tip above, there is no need to replace a skincare product if it works.
  

Skincare and Makeup at the Gym?

Skincare products and SPF protection is important for maintaining long term skin health; but even more so is having an adequate lifestyle in terms of sleep, diet and exercise.

Because of this I wanted to touch on protecting your skin before and after a workout as well as *how* one may be able to wear makeup whilst working out/at the gym without irritating the skin; or causing breakouts.

It’s always recommended to wash the skin after a workout. In order to avoid washing the skin more than twice as day as that can lead to dryer skin or be problematic for many especially those suffering with very dry/ irritated skin;

simply plan your workout around your “hygiene routine” if possible. I do this by planning my workouts in the mornings so that after waking up I’m able to just rinse the skin with plain water (no cleanser), apply spf, do my workout and finally wash my face with a cleanser afterwards; reapplying my spf as needed. I already touched on above that it is not important to cleanse your skin after waking up so alternatively, if you workout in the evening you can wash your face afterwards, before bedtime if you workout close to then (and this is fine only if you have just sunscreen on your face and not heavy makeup).

If you plan on working out mid-day however, or in the evenings as touched on above, remember to always wash your skin prior to and avoid working out while you are wearing any type of foundation or concealer/heavy makeup product- on the skin. The negative effects of wearing heavy makeup to the gym outweigh the pros of not washing your face more than twice a day so don’t even worry about that if you have a lifestyle in which you wear makeup daily/whenever throughout the day. Fortunately your eyes and lips may be areas in which you are able to wear makeup while working out if you prefer to do so, I say this from my own experience as someone who does wear eye + lip makeup to the gym and I will be sharing my “gym makeup routine” where you’ll see how I personally like to look fresh, awake and pretty while working out and the makeup “style” and products I use so that my skin does not get irritated or feel as though there is heavy makeup on my face. (As I think that’s a gross feeling when you are sweating). So stay tuned if you are interested <3!

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I will be continuing to share this series of my own person self care related advice and the next subject(s) I will be diving into ​will be :

Diet & Sleep for Skin, Beauty & Health

(COMING SOON) .

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