Here are the products I'm currently using and this has given me the best skin of my life! I exercise 5x days a week so I have a lot of sweat on my face which results in texture or tiny bumps from the bacteria. I also deal with some hyperpigmentation. Otherwise my skin type is normal, no acne and I rarely moisturize, I think it's because I drink a lot of water. Step 1 is the cleanser, then an essence, a spray, a light liquid, 2 serums, eye cream and sunscreen and yes I do all of this everyday. I use a fan in between layers to help my skin dry faster.
I work from home so the sunscreen is only applied if I go outside. The only makeup I wear to my zoom office is under eye concealer and eyeliner which was the opposite of when I worked in an office, then I only wore mascara. But for zoom calls, I feel I'm not in the best lighting and there's shadows on my face and that's why I wear concealer under my eyes even though I don't feel I particularly have dark under eyes. Once you put concealer on, you have to add some life to your face with eyeliner.
When I do a full face makeup on the weekend, I don't do the last two serums because that makes my makeup pill.
Step 1
Image Clear Cell Clarifying Salicylic Gel Cleanser
I ride my peloton first thing in the morning, then I wash my face with this cleanser afterwards. I switched to this cleanser because I started dealing with some stubborn texture on my cheeks and forehead. This is a 2% salicylic acid and BHA cleanser that lathers away excess oil and gently exfoliates dead skin that can clog pores. It has a blend of mint, eucalyptus and tea tree oils in it to create an invigorating cleansing experience. It also has glycerin, a humectant that helps to attract and hold moisture in the skin. A little goes a long way so only pump a small amount into your hand and it is very foamy. When you wash your face, make sure you wash behind your ears. Just slide your ear between two fingers to get that spot.
Then I dry my face with this Face Cloth made with a unique blend of polyamide and polyester, its ultra-soft on the face, super-absorbent, and does not hold on to odors. It's double sided with two different textures, one for removing makeup and one for drying your face. It's machine washable. I find this better than using a regular bath towel, it's a been game changer in my routine! It comes in a pack of 5 in a pretty purple color.
Step 2
Skin Smart Antimicrobial Spray
I started using this in February to use after my sweaty workouts to get rid of the bacteria on my face. This has made the hugest difference for getting rid of my texture. SkinSmart Antimicrobial uses a medical-grade technology called Hypochlorous. This advanced solution tackles stubborn bacteria that gets stuck in pores without the sting of harsh ingredients. The ingredients are 99% water, so it's fine to spray this morning and night before the rest of my routine. I just have to wait for it to dry before continuing on.
A natural brightening essence that is powered by exfoliating glycolic acid and hydrating grape water to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots. It has grape water, a natural prebiotic that is enriched in polysaccharides and minerals, which is shown to moisturize and soothe dry, sensitive skin, and supports the microbiome for healthier-looking skin.
Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Centella Asiatica is found in a lot of Korean beauty products, also known as Tiger Grass. It's super rich in moisturizing properties. In French pharmacies it will be called Cica: (Cicaplast, Cicabio, Cicalfate).
SKIN1004 is the best peptide serum that adds so much anti aging benefits to your routine. It has 9 powerful different peptides including copper peptides that will boost collagen and elastin in your skin and some that fade hyperpigmentation, and things to decongest the skin and hydrate the skin. You have a 50% concentration of Centella Asiatica as well as aloe leaf. Studies have shown that combining Centella along side Vitamin C in your routine quadruples the amount of additional collagen produced. The product is clear, but the container is pink. This is a holy grail product!
Step 3
This has also made a huge difference for getting rid of the texture on my skin. It has 2% Salicylic Acid, 3% Lactic Acid, and Postbiotic Ferment.
Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
A potent serum with Vitamin C and glycolic acid to visibly improve hyperpigmentation and uneven tone for dramatically brighter-looking skin. This is a stabilized derivative of Vitamin C that delivers ascorbic acid in its true form. It has an amazing brightening ingredient Hexyllactone that has been compared to hydroquinone. This was recommended to me by a cosmetic chemist as the best Vitamin C at Sephora.
Step 4
If you're looking to target crows feet, the peptide complex in here is great for boosting collagen and elastin. This is also good for dark circles because of the brightening complex it has. It has a multi-peptide compound, sea vegetal extract and protective molecules. This was recommended to me by a cosmetic chemist.
American sunscreen is held back from using the latest greatest ingredients by the FDA. European sunscreens, which are banned in the USA have the best ingredients. Be sure to buy some from a farmacy next time you're in Europe. The FDA hasn’t approved any new UV filters since 1999. Korean sunscreens use different chemicals as UV filters than Western brands and are classified as functional cosmetics by the FDA which is why they are allowed to be sold in the USA. Korean sunscreens tend to be lighter in consistency since they are not using antiquated thick ingredients.
Beauty of Joseon SPF50 is a fragrance free sunscreen and is moisturizing while still lightweight. The active ingredients are all next generation chemical filters including uvinul, tinosorb and uvasorb. It has a tons of amazing inactive ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, rice ferment, pumpkin ferment and sugarcane extract. This Korean sunscreen is a favorite among skincare youtubers.
Other Products
This is new in my routine, sometimes I only use this at night when I 'm not using tretinoin or I use it during the day and pair down my routine so this is directly on my skin. Formulated without hydroquinone, Meladerm contains over 10 advanced ingredients that brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. I was using multiple products for hyperpigmentation before and when I finished those bottles I switched to this one bottle that does it all. This has Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract, Kojic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Squalane, Alpha Arbutin, Shea Butter, Tranexamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Argan Oil. I saw this recommended by dermatologists and estheticians on social media, not sponsored.
However they don't have good customer service, I emailed them asking if I could use Meladerm with an over the counter acid toner and they told me "Please consult your prescribing physician before adding any products to your routine." They make it hard to find the ingredients on their website and in the FAQ it says vaguely "You may use additional moisturizers, toners and cleansing products in routine with our products." Sorry not every product should go together in a routine. I've seen beauty youtubers email skincare brands for specific interactions to beware of in routines and gotten detail emails from the chemists at the companies.
COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Contains 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate: A snail extract that brightens, hydrates, and supports healthy skin repair. I googled how this was made and the snails are not harmed in collecting their slime. This is not a replacement for a moisturizer but has hydrating ingredients to help give you glass skin.
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