My Winter 2023 Skincare Routine – Blogmas Day 11

One thing I believe the 2020 pandemic taught us was how self-care is so important.  Ever since then, there has been a major emphasis on skincare and trends like the “clean girl aesthetic” has taken social media by storm. 

This year, I went to a dermatologist for the first time in years. I had a rosacea breakout on my right cheek that just wasn’t going away and after seeing the dermatologist, realized that the perfect skincare routine is a lot of trial and error.  A product that might’ve worked great for you in high school, may not work for your skin in your 20s.  I’ve struggled with breakouts, discoloration, sensitive and combination skin.  So, with that said, I present to you my latest skincare routine as well as some tips and tricks to keep in mind!

Tips to Keep in Mind: 

1. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water
   
   This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s so easy to forget!  I don’t have the perfect diet, but I’ve reduced how often I go out to eat to no more than 2 times a week unless I’m traveling, and at home, I make sure to keep the pantry and fridge stocked with healthy snacks so I’m not reaching for the Nutella jar.  Berries are my favorite to curb that sweet tooth!
   
   Dairy and processed sugar in particular are 2 things that can be breaking you out, as well as the obvious greasy fried foods.  So, try to reduce dairy and processed sugar in your diet if not cut them out completely. 
   
   Also, drinking enough water is very important in not only keeping your skin clear, but your overall health.  Aim for at least 80-100 ounces of water a day, if not more. 
   
2. Some products may not work for you, and that’s OK!
   
   Introduce new products into your routine one at a time.  I’ve found that it can take about a month to see the benefits of a product, but only a week or less to see if it breaks me out or not.  No matter if your favorite influencer or celebrity is using it, if it’s not working for you and your skin, get rid of it!
   
3. Less is more
   
   Although I work as a marketer, influencer marketing in particular works on me all too often. If my favorite influencer at the time had a 30 step skincare routine, I would try to follow it exactly.  The truth is, you don’t need a bunch of serums and five different moisturizers and cleansers to have clear skin.  If you wear makeup, make sure to double cleanse.  Wear SPF in the day and make sure to wash it off at night.  If you have problem areas, invest in a serum or two and/or a spot treatment.  If you feel like it, put on a face mask once or twice throughout the week.  Your skincare routine does not need to take you half an hour and it does not need to be expensive.  There are plenty of tried and true drugstore skincare products out there!

My Skincare Routine from Start to Finish: 

Morning: 

• I typically don’t wash my face in the morning, so I use a face mist that moisturizes my skin.  I use the Fresh Rose Water Mist.  It is simple and does not irritate my skin! 
• SPF.  One of the biggest things that ages your face like no other is the sun.  I go back and forth with different SPFs but the one I’m using currently is the Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen with SPF 30. 

Makeup: 

I don’t wear makeup everyday, but when I do, I try to stick to liquid and cream face products and use minimal powders.  

• Elf Halo Glow foundation is a lifesaver.  It’s lightweight, but not too lightweight that it doesn’t provide coverage.  It’s not full coverage, but provides an even base and covers any redness I may have.  
• For concealers, I use the NYX Bare With Me concealer for under my eyes and Glossier’s Stretch Dewy Buildable Coverage concealer for any red spots I may have.  
• I do not use bronzers or contouring products on my face anymore and have embraced my natural face shape.  However, I do love me some blush and highlighter.  For blush, I’ve been using the classic Benetint by Benefit, and for highlighter, I use Saie’s Glowy Super Gel for that natural glow.  

Evening: 

• If you wear makeup, at least do the bare minimum for your skin and take it off!  Lately I’ve been using Makeup Rewined by KraveBeauty. 
• For cleanser, I’ve been bouncing back and forth with the Then I Met You Tea Cleansing Gel and KraveBeauty’s Matcha Hemp cleanser. (If you’re on a budget, check out Cerave’s cleansers at the drugstore!)
• For serums, I keep it simple with just one (yes, you read that right, just one!) serum.  I’ve been using KraveBeauty’s Great Barrier Relief serum for a couple years now and swear by it.  The main ingredient in the serum is tamanu oil, which has a scent that you’ll have to get used to, but it reduces the redness in my skin and helps with blemishes. 
• For moisturizer, I use Cerave’s Moisturizing Lotion. 
• Eye cream is not necessary, but prevention is key and I have a tendency to rub at my eyes way too often…crows feet are most likely in my future.  I’ve been going back and forth between Biossance’s Marine Algae eye cream and Freck Beauty’s Cactus eye jelly.  

Face masks and spot treatments: 

• I’ve been using Golde’s Clean Greens face mask 1-3 times a week and I’m in love. It doesn’t irritate my skin and my skin feels so refreshed after I wash it off. 
• Florence by Mills Swimming Under the Eyes eye masks are fun to use every now and then and I use them about once a week.  
• Curology Pimple Patches are easy to use and now you can get them at Target! Make sure your skincare has settled in and your skin is dry before you use these or they won’t stick. 
• Hero Post Blemish Recovery balm.  I use this on both active blemishes and ones that are recovering.  Great product! 

That’s All Folks!

A few changes in your lifestyle and skincare routine can make a big difference.  I re-evaluate my skincare every few months and keep my latest skincare routine up on my Shop if you’d like to see what I’m using.  Clean off your makeup and SPF at the end of the day, wear SPF, keep your body hydrated and your clear skin is waiting for you. 

Let’s chat! Leave a comment or find me on Instagram.  

*this post is not sponsored but includes some affiliate links.