What is your skin care routine?

[mommyoffive]

What is your skin care routine and what do you use? 

I need to do something different, because I am not happy with how my skin looks.

 

[RootAnn]

I usually do absolutely nothing except put on sunscreen when I'm going to the pool or going to be in the sun a lot. 

Not what you were looking for, but I couldn't resist chiming in a contrarian perspective. 

[Pawz4me]

Wash at night (or late afternoon--whenever I get in the shower) with Cetaphil or CeraVe moisturizing wash.

Apply CeraVe cream (big tub) when I get out of the shower. 

Wash with plain water in the a.m.

Apply CeraVe cream (big tub) after.

If for some awful reason I have to be out in the sun for awhile I'll use some sunscreen, and then wash/moisturize as soon as I get back in.

Edited August 4, 2021 by Pawz4me
clarity

[MEmama]

Morning: wash with Paulas Choice, moisturize with CeraVe daytime lotion (except in the summer), apply sunscreen (everyday, all year, whether going outside or not). I use CeraVe ultra light lotion SPF 30, or Glossier if it’s humid and I don’t want the moisturizer.

Evening: wash with Paulas Choice and use PC anti redness exfoliating serum. Moisturize with CeraVe nighttime lotion (not in summer).

[Spryte]

Listening in.

I need to make some changes.

FWIW, I have just finished up a sample size of a Murad combo pack, and liked it a lot. It was a pack of the green products, maybe called Skin Renewal?  I love the peel. I ordered full size, which will be here on the 9th.  So the results remain to be seen.

Once upon a time, pre-kids, I loved loved loved Obagi products.  I think they are too pricey and fussy for me now, but I was recently tempted while at the dermatologist office.  My skin has never looked so good as it did when I used that stuff. 🤣

[elegantlion]

I drink a lot of water, wash with soap in the shower, use an ocassional mask or toner, and do a quick gua sha massage about two or three times a week. I do use some moisturizer once in a while but most are too thick. 


 

[Lady Florida.]

My skin is very, very dry and one of the things I use at night exacerbates the dryness so you'll see I use a lot of moisturizers. Except for a brief period in my teens when I had oily skin, my skin always was normal to dry. As I got older it became less normal and more dry. 

Morning:

Wash with CeraVe hydrating cleanser. 
Eye cream - it differs but currently I use Sephora's brightening eye cream
CeraVe Vitamin C serum
Neutrogena Hydrating Water Gel as a humectant
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion as an occlusive.
Sunscreen - brand varies but I try to use a lightweight face sunscreen that won't pill/bead when I apply makeup

Evening/Night:

If I'm wearing makeup I start with Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm
CeraVe hydrating cleanser - If I didn't wear makeup that day I start with this
Estee Lauder Night Repair Eye Serum
a trentinoin compound from my dermatologist that also has hyaluronic acid and niacinimides -the retinoid is what makes my dry skin dryer
a peptide/collagen cream - brand varies but currently it's Olay
CeraVe PM facial moisturizer

I also apply Aquaphor lip protectant with sunscreen throughout the day. At night I use one without sunscreen. I could just use the same one but it's not cheap so I'd rather not waste the kind with sunscreen at night when I don't need it. Both last longer this way.

When I started this routine it seemed like a lot and took me a while to remember what order to use each item but I now have it down to a pretty quick routine. I do let each layer dry before adding the next one but it still doesn't take more than about 15 minutes including washing my face.

Edited August 4, 2021 by Lady Florida.

[LuvToRead]

I recently discovered Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer https://www.vanicream.com/product/vanicream-daily-facial-moisturizer and I love it.  I have oily, sensitive skin.

AM
CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Sunscreen (I can't find one I love.  Today I used the CeraVe tinted mineral.  I am sensitive to chemical sunscreens)

PM
Oil cleanser or cleansing balm (currently just using mineral oil but I love the Clinique Take the Day Off)
CeraVe Foaming Face Wash
Physicians Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner
CosRx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask - When I run out of this I think I may just use the Vanicream both day and night.  I do like CeraVe PM, but I think my skin prefers the Vanicream.

I don't use a dedicated eye cream, but in the winter I will use whatever I am using on my body under my eyes. I stick to fragrance free products so it may be Aveeno or Eucerin or even CeraVe from the tub.  If my cheeks are extra dry I will also use on them as well.

 

 

[Lady Florida.]

1 hour ago, Pawz4me said:

 

Apply CeraVe cream (big tub) when I get out of the shower. 

 

My dermatologist loves CeraVe and recommended it for my dry skin. I put in on my lower legs after a shower where the dryness is obvious. It looks like a lot of us so far also like it. It's relatively inexpensive and effective. 

I drink a lot of water although studies are mixed on whether that actually makes a difference. Also, as much as I love a hot, hot shower I know it dries your skin so I try not to make my showers too hot.

[alisoncooks]

I've recently switched up my whole skincare regimen. 

Previously (AM/PM): Cerave SA wash, Paula's Choice toner, Cerave moisturizer. Occasional use of Cerave retinol or The Ordinary Azelaic acid. 

Current:  I've found some Mad Hippie products that I really like. They smell weird but I can get over it. The Hydrating Nutrient Mist is my new toner. I also sometimes use the honey/witch hazel spray from Eczema Honey. I'm in the process of trying out MH's night cream. 

Edited August 4, 2021 by alisoncooks

[Indigo Blue]

AM

Oil cleanse (organic grape seed oil)

Vanicream daily moisturizer (humectant based)

When Vanicream dries in fully, I apply sunscreen  (doubles as occlusive moisturizer)—Thinksport mineral sunscreen stick. Reapply as needed during the day. 

PM

Oil cleanse.

Apply niacinamide serum to whole face and Paulas Choice BHA to pores —-only on nose for tightening pores and oiliness.

Let the above dry, then apply moisturizer.

 

I have dry cheeks but oily forehead and nose. I’m 57, so I basically use a routine that benefits dry skin and spot treat problem areas.

I use medical grade lanolin on my lips (only thing that works) and lip spf if outside. 

Edited August 4, 2021 by Indigo Blue

[wathe]

1 hour ago, RootAnn said:

I usually do absolutely nothing except put on sunscreen when I'm going to the pool or going to be in the sun a lot. 

Not what you were looking for, but I couldn't resist chiming in a contrarian perspective. 

I'm on team do pretty much nothing:  Wash in the morning while showering with whatever bar of soap is in the shower (usually a no name version of Ivory or Dove).  Sunscreen on days that I will be out in the sun, especially early in the season - but I am not consistent, especially later in the season.  Weeks that I'm camping I do even less - just wipe with a wet wash cloth at the end of the day, skip the soap.

[SKL]

Since perimenopause, I pretty much stopped getting acne, which is great.  However, I still use Aveeno Clear Complexion foaming face wash and moisturizer, when I wash my face.  And I will be honest and say I don't actually wash my face every day.

https://smile.amazon.com/Aveeno-Naturals-Complexion-Foaming-Cleanser/dp/B00E4MKVP4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=aveeno+clear+complexion+foaming+face+wash&qid=1628100748&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNVpNQzc3M0NVSEo3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzA5OTkzMUJESDZRV0dQWDRDUSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTMwOTY0MUJWUUFRTERHM09WUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

https://smile.amazon.com/Aveeno-Acne-Fighting-Moisturizer-Breakout-Prone-Hypoallergenic/dp/B00006FRW7/ref=sxts_rp_s1_0?cv_ct_cx=aveeno+clear+complexion+moisturizer&dchild=1&keywords=aveeno+clear+complexion+moisturizer&pd_rd_i=B00006FRW7&pd_rd_r=356157bc-7ab8-4bfc-96a1-8c1d97c7020b&pd_rd_w=9RCKE&pd_rd_wg=jAv9j&pf_rd_p=c6bde456-f877-4246-800f-44405f638777&pf_rd_r=YT2XRC27ZAEJ7DJRE2J3&psc=1&qid=1628100807&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6

[Indigo Blue]

I just want to preach about sunscreen. You need it every day. Outside or not. It’s the best defense against wrinkles, but more importantly, against skin cancer. 😊

[Selkie]

I wash my face with water and use Andalou Naturals moisturizers (one for day and another for night). I eat tons of veggies and fruits (antioxidants are very important for healthy skin).

[mommyoffive]

2 hours ago, RootAnn said:

I usually do absolutely nothing except put on sunscreen when I'm going to the pool or going to be in the sun a lot. 

Not what you were looking for, but I couldn't resist chiming in a contrarian perspective. 

That was what I used to do.  My skin has really changed in the last 5 years and I have just put on the back burner.  I need to fine something that makes it look better.

[Pawz4me]

27 minutes ago, Indigo Blue said:

I just want to preach about sunscreen. You need it every day. Outside or not. It’s the best defense against wrinkles, but more importantly, against skin cancer. 😊

Not that I want to discourage anyone from wearing sunscreen, but -- I only wear it when I'm out in the sun for an extended period of time, which is something that I avoid like the plague because heat/humidity makes me feel horribly ill in a very short period of time. So far this year I haven't used a single dot of sunscreen. My PA does a skin check every year. Last time she commented that "You have the best skin of any of my patients your age." And I immediately replied "I bet none of your other patients hate the sun nearly as much as I do." LOL

FWIW--my skin isn't great. I have lots of acne damage from when I was a teen. But I don't have many wrinkles, sun spots, growths or anything else caused by sun damage.

[Sneezyone]

AM: wash with warm water and zinc soap then apply Nivea lotion.

PM: wash with warm water and zinc soap, apply Rx cream on scars, then Nivea lotion.

I generally stay out of the sun (due to heatstroke propensity) and don’t use sunscreen unless I cannot avoid a sunny outing.

That’s it.

Edited August 4, 2021 by Sneezyone

[lynn]

A.m. vitamin c, Neutrogena hydra boost gel around the eyes and tinted sunscreen

P.m. clinique take off the day, Neutrogena hydra boost face wash, retinol and hydra boost gel

[Indigo Blue]

20 minutes ago, Pawz4me said:

Not that I want to discourage anyone from wearing sunscreen, but -- I only wear it when I'm out in the sun for an extended period of time, which is something that I avoid like the plague because heat/humidity makes me feel horribly ill in a very short period of time. So far this year I haven't used a single dot of sunscreen. My PA does a skin check every year. Last time she commented that "You have the best skin of any of my patients your age." And I immediately replied "I bet none of your other patients hate the sun nearly as much as I do." LOL

FWIW--my skin isn't great. I have lots of acne damage from when I was a teen. But I don't have many wrinkles, sun spots, growths or anything else caused by sun damage.

I only recently started doing it every day.  I’m not outside a lot, either, and I wasn’t good to my skin when I was young. The thing that made me start is learning the difference in how the UVA / UVB rays affect the skin. I really didn’t understand just how bad the UVA alone is even though you don’t know damage is occurring.  It’s good that your skin is healthy. I hope it stays like that. The heat and humidity make me feel ill, too, and I actually dislike the feel of sunscreen. But the one I use is tolerable and I’m really wanting to make it a habit. I just use it over a light moisturizer because it can be a moisturizer in and of itself. 
 

Dh is out in it every day and often has spots frozen off at the dermatologist. He’s stubborn about wearing sunscreen, though. 

[Indigo Blue]

Okay, this thread was flowing along just fine. I hope I didn’t ruin it with my sunscreen lecture. I’m so self conscious that I’ve done it again, lol. I mean well. I’m enjoying hearing about the skincare routines. I hope there’s more!

[regentrude]

Shower body with whatever soap is on hand. Wash face with cool water. I use no cosmetic products, other than sunscreen for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Edited August 4, 2021 by regentrude

[AmandaVT]

Since DS hit teen acne phase, we started getting neutrogena grapefruit acne wash that I use too. I use either Cerave daily moisturizing lotion or Olay Regenerist, depending on how lazy I'm being. I like the Australian Gold sunscreen + tint.  

[prairiewindmomma]

I have a more detailed routine. It’s aimed at the redness and unevenness my skin has. 

[Terabith]

I wash my face at night with Dr. Bronner's soap in the shower.  I put on sunscreen if I'm going to be out for a long time in the sun.  That's pretty much all I do tho.

[JFSinIL]

4 hours ago, Lady Florida. said:

Neutrogena Hydrating Water Gel

This is what I dab on my face and neck (don't want the turkey gobbler skin my mom had, but then she tried to get a deep tan each summer but iIdigress) each morning after washing my face with cool water and Dove sensitive skin bar soap.  I do not wear any make-up, so periodically during the day I splash cool water on my face and blot dry when I feel sweaty or greasy.  That is all I do.

 

[historically accurate]

I wash with Walmart's generic gentle face cleanser in the shower. In the summer, I apply sunscreen and chapstick. In the winter, I put a dab of Neutrogena on my cheeks and apply sunscreen and chapstick. That's about it. 

[mmasc]

AM: Rinse with water if needed. Apply CeraVe in the tub if needed. Either way, next I put on my sunscreen, which is Elta MD UV Elements. 
 

PM: Use Clinique Take the Day Off to remove sunscreen. Wash with LaRoche Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Apply CeraVe in the tub. Apply Curology (tretinoin).

I moisturize my lips too, and really like Blistex Simple & Gentle Lip Moisturizer.  

My skin is dry so even if I didn’t do anything at all to my skin, I’d have to apply moisturizer or it would crack. 

[Clarita]

Typically I only wash my face when I shower so at best once a day with Cetaphil face wash. Unless I put on full make-up then I always wash off my makeup after I'm done. 

I apply Cetaphil lotion before applying Coola mineral BBcream sunscreen. 

I had issues with my skin when I was about 20. I actually had a huge routine between the ages of 12-24 face wash, mask, toner, lotion etc. At around 24 I tried a new face cream and I got hives and went to see the dermatologist. Because of the incident my dermatologist suggested I cut everything out for a few weeks, except for medication that would take care of the hives. Then he also suggested Cetaphil as a more gentle lotion w/o a lot of bells and whistles. That's when I switched to my much simpler routine and my skin has been great ever since.

Prior to my switch I tried  La Prairie, Shishido, Lancome, and Neutrogena. I also discovered I am super allergic to Oxybenzoate or avenobenzene (like anything with benz in the middle of it). If that stuff is in the sunscreen I put on my kids, if I don't wash my hands with soap and water afterwards I will break out.   

[dirty ethel rackham]

4 hours ago, Indigo Blue said:

I just want to preach about sunscreen. You need it every day. Outside or not. It’s the best defense against wrinkles, but more importantly, against skin cancer. 😊

I'll preach with you.  I had 2 basal cell lesions removed from my upper lip/lip edge 2 years ago.  Now I have an ugly scar (despite the best efforts of a good plastic surgeon who tried to hide it in the smile lines as much as possible.)  I have to draw on part of my lip so my smile doesn't look too lopsided.  And, I had a dysplastic nevi (pre-melanoma) removed from my leg, which entered me into the "skin checks every 6 months" club. .  

I do avoid the sun as much as possible as I just can't handle the heat.  But I lived outside as a kid (from the "come home when the street lights come on" generation.)  I miss beach vacations and relaxing by the pool.

My skin care routine is pretty much all Paula's Choice:

Morning: Wash with Resist cleanser. Eye Gel with hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid boost.  Moisturizer with sunscreen.

Bedtime: Wash with Resist cleanser.  Anti-Aging Eye cream with shea butter and peptides. Alternate between Wrinkle Repair retinol serum and skin smoothing exfoliant.  And a  moisturizer.  

[Moonhawk]

I wish this discussion was last night! I should have thought to ask.

I've been a Mary Kay user all my life (mom has sold it since before I was born, my sister is a senior director). In June I bought Obaji 50spf tinted sunscreen and have been using it as basically my foundation. This has been a great product for me.

Then I thought...why not try some other products too? But Obaji is generally out of the realm of what I'm able to pay, at least not without trying it first. 

So last night at 2am I put in an order with Glossier. Idk what exactly convinced me to go with them, it's much more trendy than I'd expect myself to go with, but I think the simple packaging and the fairly straightforward plan the customer service rep gave me made it seem not a scary thing to do (their customer service was really helpful demystifying a new brand for me). I'm going to do

• Milky Jelly (to take off makeup),
• Cleanser Concentrate (to clean face),
• then the Super Pure serum with niacinamide and zinc for "visibly smoother texture and improved clarity" which I hope works because I've been breaking out randomly,
• Priming Moisturizer for combo to oily skin

I'm not trying to sell you on this, because I haven't used it, lol, but just to share that I'm on a similar journey. I'm hopeful this works because I've kinda ignored my skin for the past 4 years and hope I can reverse some of it. 

Fingers crossed for both of us!

Edited August 5, 2021 by Moonhawk

[MercyA]

I have combination skin, so I'm dealing with both mild acne (at 47!) and large pores AND some age spots, crows' feet, and eyebrow / forehead wrinkles. I've been very pleased with the change in my skin since starting this regimen and sticking to it consistently. 

Morning: cleanse with acne.org cleanser (super gentle), moisturize under eyes and on upper part of face with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. Wait a bit before putting on makeup. Instead of foundation, I use Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Airbrushing Powder. Fabulous stuff. Doesn't make me oily, doesn't break me out, blurs imperfections, stops shine, SPF 30.

Night: Remove eye makeup with whatever gentle makeup remover I have on hand or just acne.org cleanser. Cleanse with acne.org cleanser. Moisture top half of face with either Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream or (at least twice a week) with Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max (I buy the eye cream version but also use it on my forehead). I had to start off slow with the retinol and build up. Use Dr. Song's benzoyl peroxide (from Amazon) on bottom half of face.

Also: be careful with this, but I've been SO PLEASED that I was able to remove my two worst brown spots (sebborheic keratosis; the slightly raised kind that look "pasted on") using Compound W (salicylic acid treatment made for warts). I was looking into those electric mole removers someone mentioned here on the forum, and in the Amazon reviews someone said they used salicylic acid. After doing a little googling, I followed the instructions I found and it worked great. Before bed, protect the skin around the spot with petroleum jelly. Put a dot of Compound W on the spot. If it scabs the next day, just leave it alone until the scab comes off. If it doesn't, repeat the treatment for a few more nights until you get a little scab. Some or all of the spot will usually come off with the scab. Repeat if necessary. The mark from the scab will fade. Cheaper than the dermatologist and I'm so happy with the results. Obligatory warning that you shouldn't do this unless you're SURE you're not dealing with pre-cancerous lesions and of course always be careful and go slow on your face so you don't create scars.

Edited August 5, 2021 by MercyA

[Lady Florida.]

9 hours ago, Indigo Blue said:

I just want to preach about sunscreen. You need it every day. Outside or not. It’s the best defense against wrinkles, but more importantly, against skin cancer. 😊

I live in in Florida so 365 days a year, indoors or out, I wear sunscreen. I spent my teen years actively trying to attract the sun with baby oil and iodine. That was back before we knew better. 

Edited August 5, 2021 by Lady Florida.

[theelfqueen]

I use sunscreen and I wash the sunscreen off but otherwise I avoid putting products including cleansers on my skin. I use body wash in the shower. 

[happi duck]

My "routine" is too sporadic to qualify as a routine but when I use more than water I use products by Evan Healy.

[Tap]

I rinse my face at night, but don't wash. 

I rinse my face in the shower in the morning, and use moisturizer.

I only use face wash, if I have used sunscreen, on the rare occasion I wore make up that day, or if my face is sweaty/dirty. 

Edited August 5, 2021 by Tap

[J-rap]

I always wash my face in the mornings, generally with a gentle not-too-expensive face cleaner (which changes), or sometimes just regular hand soap (if I'm in the shower).  I have a day cream I've been using now for two years that I love (Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream):

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/kiehls-since-1851-ultra-facial-cream/5151632

It's maybe a little heavy?  But my skin soaks it right up.

At night, I wash it half the time and half the time I don't... My skin doesn't produce a lot of oil and acne, and I don't wear much makeup.

I DO generally put on a night cream though (also changes -- I like experimenting with different ones!), or rub on a little blue tansy oil.  About once/week I use a cream that has retinol A.