If you're a fan of 10-step skincare routines, I’m afraid this post may leave you feeling disappointed. While a to-the-max skincare session may be fun to watch on social media (I love skincare ASMR), few experts would recommend something similar in real life. Minimalism in skincare is having a moment, and for those who have always believed that less is more, it is a very welcome trend.
I can’t remember when my skincare regimen wasn’t a quick three (possibly four) steps. Anything beyond that risks overwhelming your skin with too many ingredients. While it’s understandable to feel pressure from the beauty industry to throw everything but the kitchen sink at your face (ouch), it’s worth remembering that more doesn’t necessarily mean better.
With that in mind, here’s a look at my simple skincare routine.
Morning:
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: I’ve been a fan of CeraVe for a while now, and their products make up a decent percentage of my skincare routine. I like to stick to gentle, fuss-free skincare whenever possible, and CeraVe offers enough products in their range to allow me to do that. One of my favorites is their Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which I use twice daily, morning and evening. It contains CeraVe’s standard combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid and leaves my skin feeling clean and not overly dry. $14
Glo Skin Beauty Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub: On the two or three days each week when I want a little physical exfoliation, I reach for Glo Skin Beauty’s Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub. Although it's a chemical and physical exfoliator, this scrub is gentle and never leaves my skin feeling dry or overexposed. $48
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA: Even when I use a scrub, I always use The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA. It provides the perfect base for my moisturizer and helps keep my skin clear and hydrated throughout the day. $8
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: If I had my way, every skincare brand across the globe would be compelled to create a daytime moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen is a must, and I love that I can get sun protection and moisturize my skin with just one product. Note: This product does tend to leave a white cast. Because I’m fair-skinned, I don’t find this a problem, especially since it blends well with my serum. If you have darker skin, you may want to give this product a miss and find something more suitable for your needs. $15
Evening:
Tree To Tub Peptides & Niacinamide Serum: After cleansing (again using CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser), I use Tree to Tub’s Peptide and Niacinamide Serum. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, this botanical-based serum does it all. From moisturizing to brightening to fighting redness and environmental stress, this product is an anti-aging wonder. Fortified with neuropeptides and natural ingredients like green tea, chamomile, and ginseng, this serum gives my skin the nighttime nourishment it needs without causing irritation. $33
Tree To Tub Ginseng Green Tea Retinol Night Cream: If I’m using a product that contains retinol, it has to be gentle. Having shied away from retinol products for many years, I finally found the right concentrations and formulations that work for me. Made with hyaluronic acid and soothing botanicals like rose, cucumber, and aloe, this gentle cream pairs perfectly with my serum and leaves my skin feeling healthy and moisturized. $28
And that's my skincare routine. Like I've said before on this blog, not every regimen will work for every person, so it would be great to hear what your current skincare routine looks like. Let me know in the comments! Need some guidance starting your own skincare routine? Click here.