It’s been a few months since I shared my updated skincare routine and if it’s even possible (because that routine was simple), my regimen has gotten EVEN EASIER. A combination of just being SO TIRED and the IVF hormones taking their toll on my skin, I don’t have the luxury of making things complicated. So, if you also struggle with hyper sensitive, dehydrated and acne prone skin… this routine may be for you! Let’s get into my super easy clean skincare routine…
As someone who struggles with infertility and autoimmune disease, I like to stick to mostly clean brands for my personal care. Sometimes, if I cannot find a product that’s clean that works the way I need it to, I’ll swap in something more traditional, but for the most part, the brands I use for skincare and makeup are on the cleaner side.
After removing makeup, I have been pretty faithful to Beautycounter’s Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser. It’s a clear, gel based formula with exfoliating beads that doesn’t strip my skin or leave it super dry. It also has a wintergreen scent that feels refreshing.
Another oldie but goodie, I stick to an alcohol free witch hazel as my toner step. I wear makeup MOST days, so using a toner even after double cleansing is important to remove any last bits of makeup – on the neck, forehead/hair line and on/around the ears are key places to use your toner on a cotton round (I use these reusable/washable cotton rounds). Removing all that extra hidden makeup will prevent breakouts.
Once you’re over the age of, probably 30, I’d say serums become super helpful. Over 35? Serums are nearly necessary to target specific skin issues you wish to improve. For me, it’s hydration and tone (acne scarring). I stick with a hyaluronic acid serum – usually, I get the Balance serum from my aesthetician’s office (SO GOOD… I’ll have a discount code soon), and the Discoloration Defense serum in the evenings from SkinCeuticals.
For moisture over the last two years, I’ve stuck to a Squalane Oil. It’s the ONLY facial oil that has not broken me out, clogged my pores or irritated my skin. In fact, I think it’s balanced it and helped improve my skin’s hydration overall. I’ve tried many – from my aesthetician’s blend, Calm (also EXCELLENT for acne prone skin), to The Ordinary. But currently, I’m using Biossance’s Squalane Rose Oil with Vitamin C. It’s a great brightening and firming moisturizer I use AM and PM. In the mornings, I also religiously use SPF. You’ll find me reaching for Colorescience SPF 50 FLEX in Medium on days I want a little tinted coverage, or SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 on days I know I’ll be wearing more makeup and foundation.
I recently re-tried a few eye creams I used to love… but after a few weeks, noticed a difference in my eye are and had to immediately go back to my tried and true – Beautycounter’s Countertime Eye Cream. This eye cream is incredible at helping with dark, sunken under eyes as well as, containing Bakuchiol for anti aging (it’s a plant based, safer alternative to retinol). I only use this at night.
SO SO important in a routine for those over 35… I do two treatments weekly. Once a week, I’ll use the Beautycounter Charcoal Mask to draw out excess impurities and keep breakouts at bay. This clay based mask is incredible as a spot treatment, too. I love using it along my jawline specifically during that time of the month. It’s essential in my routine. Additionally, not a week has gone by in the last three years that I have not used the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel. It’s a gentle yet powerful exfoliating serum with 15 botanically derived acids to improve skin’s texture and minimize pores. So easy to slap on and go to sleep… no rinsing required!
I also added in a liquid collagen/hyaluronic acid supplement I take daily. This has made a HUGE difference in the hydration levels of my skin and is what probably keeps this routine more simple… what you put IN your body often makes a difference in how your skin looks. Two tablespoons a day of this strawberry/pear flavored juice is all I do. 10/10 recommend! Even my aesthetician’s mentioned how much more balanced my skin appeared after just two weeks of adding the Biocell SKIN into my routine. BONUS! My link is a referral link, so you get $10 off your first order 🙂
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That’s it! This routine keeps my skin happy, balanced, and breakouts (mostly) at bay when I stick to it and don’t add in anything extra LOL.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these or any other of your favorite cleaner skincare products. Always down to try something new!
-Steffanie
