An Esthetician's nightly skin care routine!

My PM skincare routine has been fine-tuned over the past few years, and it continues to evolve as my needs change. I am currently using nine products nightly! That may seem like a ton but each product has been carefully researched.  As a busy woman, I need skincare that is effective and doesn’t put me in the poorhouse. I change products based on the season and what my skin needs. For instance, my routine changes in the summer when I’m typically in the sun more often. My hormones can even influence what products I currently use.  

1. Bosica Charcoal Make-up melter: Cleansing oil balm.  This is one of my favorite steps because I am able to cleanse my skin, give myself a facial massage (more on that soon!) and start my nightly skincare routine. *LIfe hack: I typically cleanse my skin after my little ones are in bed around 7:30pm if I know I will be in for the night.  I spend a good 3-6 minutes getting a really through cleanse.

2. Soap & Glory: vitamin C facial wash:  When I picked up this foaming wash, I needed one that both my husband and I could use that was for both of our skin types.  I especially love the effectiveness even a little bit of this wash provides! We have had one bottle for well over a year and still have almost half a bottle left.I use with my facial cleansing brush for this second cleanse, and it typically takes about 2-3 minutes.  

3. Facial gauze: I don’t wipe my skin off with a regular facial towel. Instead,I use facial gauze. It has been in my routine for almost a year now, and I love the results.  I use it to wipe off the cleanser and then flip the gauze inside out and reach for my Micellar water…

4. Garnier Micellar water: Mattifying.  This is my go-to toner/eye make-up remover!  I love that I can use it all over to wipe and swipe!  I love that I can use this to get off any of the gunk my cleanse didn’t catch. It can even substitute for a cleanse once in a while, if I am extraordinarily rushed.

5. May coop raw sauce:  In Korean beauty, they use many essences.  Essences are neither a serum nor an oil, they feel like an in-between.  It is much lighter than oil and absorbs quickly. I chose this one because maple water is being touted as the latest product in wrinkle and fine-line products. I apply a dime-sized amount in  my palm and pat onto my face, neck and chest. This product really hydrates my skin, which helps my skin to better absorb any other products I apply.

6. The ordinary. Buffet:  This serum reduces the signs of aging..  It is a water based serum,so after my raw sauce, this absorbs pretty quickly into my skin.  I apply this directly to the skin, about a drop per area of face. I have noticed fewer spots, fewer fine lines, and a better tone and texture to my skin.

7. The ordinary. Granactive Retinoid 2%:  This is my all-star product. I love this retinoid and how awesome it had made my skin look and feel.  I use this product every night. If you have never used a retinoid or retinol its best to start s-l-o-w.  I recommend once per week to start.. I have been using a retinoid for the past three years and only this year have I been able to use this weekly!

Now for my hormonal acne spots.  I suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis, which are associated with hormonal acne.  My acne has flared a little bit since quitting synthetic hormones, so these products are currently in my routine and are what work for my skin type.

Hormonal acne spots

8. De la cruz sulfur ointment:  My skin responds really well to sulfur to treat my acne.  It has since I was a teenager. I typically would get a prescription from a dermatologist for sulfacetamide but once I found this little gem, it works wonders.  I apply a teeny tiny amount to the area before applying my pimple patch.

9. Simple pimple patch: I LOVE LOVE these patches.  I have found that in combination with my sulfur, I can clear up a pesky zit almost over night.

I hope that I have answered your questions about what I use and why.  Every skin is different and I love to help my clients find what works best for their skin type!  Even if your skin is “ok” we can get it to an even better level of your glowing beautiful skin!