Now that the school year has officially started, it’s time to get focused on what really matters: your skin! Okay, maybe your skin isn’t more important than your classes this fall, but it is good to get into the habit of taking great care of it. Creating a routine for your skin can all depend on what type of skin you have and what you can fit into your schedule. After many trials of different products that worked and didn’t work for me, I feel like I have found the best order for skincare (at least for my skin type). Here is my current nighttime skincare regimen:
Step 1: Remove all makeup
I cannot stress this enough: always remove your makeup prior to going to bed. If you keep makeup on while you sleep, your pores will get clogged and we all know where clogged pores get us (*cough cough* pimples). Try using an oil based makeup remover like the Take the Day Off Balm by Clinique. I put this all over my face and it breaks down the makeup so nicely. Then, I go in with a makeup remover wipe to take the residue off (you could use water, but it may be difficult because water and oil don’t mix). After that, rinse your face with some warm water to remove any excess that might still be on your skin.
~ Helpful Hint: if you don’t have an oil based makeup remover, or only have makeup remover wipes, try using coconut oil to remove your makeup first. It’s messy but will get the job done.
Step 2: Cleanser
Once all of your makeup is removed (so you think), go in with a water based cleanser like Garnier’s Micellar Water on a cotton pad. You’d be surprised how much more makeup comes off onto the pad, especially if you use any heavy foundations or cream concealers. Cleansing before washing helps ensure that ALL makeup is gone and your pores are fresh and ready to be cleaned in the next step.
~ Helpful Hint: If you use waterproof mascara, micellar water is one of the best ways to remove it! Put some onto a cotton pad and hold over your eyelashes for a minute or two. It’ll come right off!
Step 3: Wash your face
This step is self explanatory. Wash your face to cleanse your pores of all the dirt and oils that got into them throughout the day. My favorite scrub to use is the Apricot Scrub by St. Ives.
Step 4: Face Mask
After I wash my face, I love doing a face mask. Choosing a face mask can depend on what skin type you have. I have oily/combination skin so I tend to use a number of different masks throughout the week. Once a week, I use the Indian Healing Clay mask. This mask helps dry up any oil that could be causing acne and also helps get rid of any pimples I may have acquired during the week. Then twice a week, I use the Special Mask for Oily Skin by Mario Badescu. This is another mask that helps clear my skin of excess oils and make it baby soft. If my skin is ever feeling a little drier than usual, then I’ll use a sheet mask to help add moisture back into my face. I don’t prefer any specific brand when it comes to sheet masks (whichever is cheapest lol). Regardless of which mask you decide to add to your nighttime routine, it’ll help you relax and leave your skin super soft before bed.
Step 5: Serum
Now if you’re an internet junkie like me, I’m sure you’ve seen the videos of girls using droppers with oils in them on their face. Well, what they are using is a serum. Depending on what kind you get, it can do a number of things. The one I use is the Vitamin C Serum by Mario Badescu. This helps tighten your pores for more youthful looking skin. Although it can be pricey, a little bit goes a long way and it makes your skin feel amazing so it is definitely worth trying. Use this every other day for smoother skin.
Step 6: Moisturize
It is extremely important to keep your skin hydrated. Putting on a moisturizer or night cream before bed is perfect. If you sleep with the fan on, your skin can dry out at night so in order to keep it nice and moist, don’t forget this step! The one I’m using right now is the St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer.