It’s so crazy how much knowledge and growth can happen in a year. I had been using the same skincare products since I was 12, I wrote about them in this post. As I entered my mid/late twenties I started researching more into clean products (meaning products without harmful chemicals). I also started to see more and more content creators and plenty of skincare brands pop up in the last year discussing the importance of what you put on your skin. I feared getting old and being wrinkly and feeling like I needed make up to feel confident, so I knew it was time to implement a new routine. Learning about skincare can get daunting. There are a lot of mixed messages put out there. We all have different skin types and will react differently to various products. I am by no means a skincare expert but I do follow and have learned some things from experts. I’m going to provide a very basic overview of what I learned is important when creating a skincare routine. Then I’ll share the products that are in my current rotation.
Skincare Routine Basic Overview
1. Determine your skin type
There are four different skin types, they are dry skin, normal/combination skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin. Growing up I thought I had oily skin so I used a lot of products to dry up the oil. I used to not even moisturize my skin very much because I thought it would just produce its own moisture. I figured if I keep my skin dry, it would keep breakouts away. I’m not sure where the heck that came from. Now I know I have normal/combination skin. I only really experience oily skin and break outs in my t-zone and my cheeks are really the only part of my skin that gets dry. Determining your skin type takes a little bit of research and paying attention to your skin to determine your type. Here’s an article that breaks down all the skin types thoroughly.
2. Acquire the basic needed products
This includes finding a cleanser, toner, serum, scrub, face mask, and daily moisturizer.
3. Consider buying good to have products
These products consist of eye creams, sunscreen, spot treatments, jade face rollers, makeup wipes, facial peels etc. Some people will probably disagree but I don’t believe everyone needs these products all the time. But of course, consult with your dermatologist or just test out different products and see what works best.
My Daytime Routine
Step 1: Cleanse my face with the Acure Brightening Facial Cleaner
This an amazing cleanser that is lightweight and moisturizing. I was used to my skin feeling dry whenever I used my previous cleanser. When I first started using this I was amazed by how soft and moisturized my face felt after.
Step 2: Apply the REN Steady Glow AHA Lotion Tonique
This toner works wonders for those seeking to achieve an even skin tone and remove hyper pigmentation. It exfoliates, brightens, tightens and hydrates your skin.
Step 3: Apply the Acure Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum
This serum smells so good! It also moisturizes, leaves my skin feeling silky and it instantly gives me a glow.
Step 4: Apply ATEM Super Cream Moisturizer
This cream is nourishing and contains peptides and humectants which are important for keeping the moisture barrier strengthened and your skin firm and hydrated. For 15% off all ATEM products, use code “SADEADEM15” Step 5 (optional): Apply a sunscreen. I like to use Black Girl Sunscreen. I’ve heard you should apply sunscreen everyday even if you’re going to be indoors but honestly, I only apply it if I’m going to be out in the sun for a long time. Black Girl Sunscreen is moisturizing, lightweight, and it doesn’t leave a white residue.
My Nighttime Routine
Step 1: Cleanse my face with the Acure Brightening Facial Cleaner OR the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub (I use the scrub twice a week ONLY) Acure’s Brightening Facial Scrub was rated a best of beauty product by Allure. This scrub softens and detoxes your skin.
Step 2: Apply the REN Steady Glow AHA Lotion Tonique OR I use the ATEM First Milk Face Mask once a week (you can use both but I chose to not use toner when I’m using the mask)
The ATEM First Milk Face Mask helps produce a natural and beautiful dewy glow, it’s comprised of natural ingredients and proteins that strengthen and hydrate the skin while also gently exfoliating. It’s been a staple mask for me since last year. For 15% off all ATEM products, use code “SADEADEM15”
Step 3: Apply the Acure Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment
This treatment has helped remove my dark spots, improved my skin texture, and tone.
Step 4: Moisturize with ATEM Super Cream Moisturizer
A little bit goes a long way with this moisturizer and I love it! It has anti-aging ingredients in it that fight against wrinkles. If you’re over the age of 25, you’re definitely going to implement this product into your skincare routine for it’s long term benefits. Clear and glowing skin are the two most important things for me when it comes to skincare. Remember to not only apply your skincare products to your face but also your neck and chest (most people forget this). Your skin is your largest organ, don’t neglect it. Your eating habits, supplements, and water intake also have a lot to do with your skin. Even if you’re using all the best products, don’t forget to prioritize what you put into your body as well. Use products for about 6-8 weeks to start seeing visible differences. If you use any of these products, be sure to tag me on Instagram and let me know what you think! P.S. For those of you who are more conscious about your purchases now, Acure is Latinx-owned, REN is British-owned, Black Girl Sunscreen is Black-owned and ATEM is a Korean-American owned business.