I shot another skincare routine video on Instagram and, as always, I wanted to make sure I share all of the education, details and product information here, too!
After posting about my morning skincare routine here, it seemed fitting to add my current nighttime routine too! The original post has some great basic tips about skincare regimens and product application so this one will focus more on clean products for combination / acne prone skin! In the coming weeks, I’ll do a deep dive into my skin journey and how to holistically heal breakouts.
What my evening routine looks like right now:
STEP 1 | CLEANSE: REMOVE MAKE UP This is probably the most important skincare step, at least for those of us who wear make up (albeit infrequently as of late!). I used to assume that when I washed my face, I was removing my make up too. The thing is, even though a lot of cleansers can be used that way, I don’t believe they should be. Leftover makeup residue can create serious skin issues – it acts as a barrier so the rest of the routine can’t properly absorb and can result in congested skin. And – bonus – even if you use a traditional make up remover first, tugging on your skin with harsh removers accelerates the aging process. No thanks! To avoid all of that I always do a two step cleanse process: I use an oil to remove my make up (I’ve been using this one but also like this one or this balm) and then a cleanser to revive my skin. Oil cleansers dissolve into the skin, thoroughly loosen dirt, sunscreen, and stubborn makeup and leave skin feeling soft and supple. And YES they work well for acne prone skin! PRO TIP: I apply the oil cleanser gently with my hands – first on my face, then my lips and then my eyes. Then I wipe it off with this soft microfiber cloth. For me, adding that extra step is totally worth it if it means better results!
STEP 2 | CLEANSE I’ve been using this cleanser by Indie Lee for months and am a huge fan. It’s great for balancing, is not super drying and works into quite the lather (something you don’t always get from clean products). It’s rich in antioxidants and promotes a clear complexion, which ya girl needs! For other skin types there’s the Brightening Cleanser (all skin types) and Rosehip Cleanser (sensitive). PRO TIP: After cleansing, I pat my face dry with a washcloth – I keep a plethora of white organic washcloths on hand and swap them out daily. You don’t want yesterday’s bacteria wiped all over your face!
HONORABLE MENTION: Beautycounter Counter+ Charcoal Mask – When I incorporate this detoxing mask 2x a week and it makes a huge difference in my pore size, oil production and breakouts. You can LITERALLY see it working and pulling out all of the junk and gunk as it dries. I love how it leaves my skin hydrated, not tight, and can be used as a spot treatment!
STEP 3 | PREP When my skin is slightly damp, I apply the Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence. An essence is like a toner, but more beneficial – it instantly delivers targeted nutrients and this one boosts moisture and radiance. I adore this product and it’s the only one I use religiously both morning and night! All of the Countertime products contain Beautycounter’s Retinatural Complex, a safe alternative to retinol. I weaned off my retinol over a year ago and was thrilled to incorporate a safer option!
STEP 4 | TREAT This is where I mix things up depending on how my skin is doing and feeling. When my skin is really struggling, I often skip a serum and go straight to an acne-focused treatment – more on why next week! Lately, my skin has been healing a bit and because of that, I’m using the Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum after my friend, Blair, raved about it helping with balance, blackheads and pores. PRO TIP: Make sure you wait a few minutes between each step so your products properly absorb! If you apply one after the other you’re basically just mixing them together and not getting any of the benefits.
HONORABLE MENTION: Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel – this might be my favorite product of all time and it DEFINITELY deserves its own post (which it will definitely get!). The peel is a game changer for things like discoloration, redness, inflammation and breakouts. It helps promote cell turnover for a smoother complexion, boosts overall clarity and radiance and leaves skin softer, smoother, and brighter.
STEP 5 | TREAT: TARGETED After my serum dries I apply this treatment from The Ordinary to help with breakouts and potential breakouts – it’s a super clean, reasonably priced and an effective alternative to a prescription topical acne treatment. Another great targeted acne treatment is Tea Tree Oil! It helps with redness, inflammation and even scarring. PRO TIP: Always bring your skincare down your jaw, neck and chest! Anything that goes on your face should go on those areas too – especially acne, anti-aging and hydration products!
HONORABLE MENTION: Pimple patches are another great spot treatment to have on hand! Hydrocolloid patches help speed up the healing process and are better for whiteheads or picked spots (I like this brand and this brand). There are also micro-dart patches that help with bigger, deeper pimples that haven’t come to a head yet (I like this brand and this brand).
STEP 6 | PROTECT: EYES I’ve been using the Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream since it was released last year and am so impressed with the results! Ya gotta be consistent, but the combo of BC’s Retinatural Complex plus Persian silk tree extract have reduced the appearance of my under-eye shadows, are doing work on my baby chick feet and overall give my under eyes a smooth, firmed look.
STEP 7 | PROTECT: FACE As far as hydration goes, I use oils at night and moisturizers in the morning because that works best for my skin, but it can take some trial and error to find a good balance. My favorite oil is squalane and here’s why: our body naturally produces it’s own version but it decreases as we age (starting in our 20s!). Squalane is hydrating without being greasy, does not clog pores and works well with all skin types especially combo / oily / sensitive. I’ve been using one from Biossance but Indie Lee makes a great one too!
That’s all folks! So remember, when it comes to acne, there are a few things routine wise that help: remove that make up, cleanse your face, use a toner, be smart about targeted treatments, use add ons like masks and patches when needed and last but not least, make sure you are getting adequate hydration.
If you have questions about incorporating a new product, need help tweaking your skincare routine or want some ideas for safer swaps, I am here to help! Just click here to fill out a Skincare Questionnaire – it only takes a minute and will give me some insight into how to best support you!
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On days you use the Beautycounter overnight resurfacing peel, do you stop there or still follow up with eye cream and oils/moisturizers afterwards? Basically, is it wrong to put product over top the peel?
Hi there! When I use the peel I still follow up with eye cream and my face oil! You should use the peel as a treat step and do the rest of your routine accordingly. Just make sure you wait a few minutes so it properly absorbs! If you have other questions about order of application, check out this post too!