my affordable skincare routine

My affordable and realistic skincare routine!

I never used to need to be into skincare because I would wash my face and put sunscreen on and I was good. As I am getting older, there is more pollution, humidity, and hormonal changes I realize I need to have more of a skincare routine.

I need to know what I am putting on my face, the benefits of the products I am using, and what I can combine them with and can not combine them with.

I did not realize how complex skincare can be until I started to really research everything and every product for my needs.

When I say affordable I mean: Products that are of great quality and at a reasonable price point. The Ordinary is so affordable and they have some great products! Paula's Choice is a little more pricy but they have so many great products that actually work- so it is worth the splurge.

When I say realistic: I see some crazy skincare routines, especially from celebrities. When Vogue's youtube features celebrities doing their skincare and its 10 sets...I do not have the time or patience for that. I am keeping it simple, beneficial, and realistic.

My Area's of Concern:

I have always had cystic acne - this is hormonal based, and can also be caused by diet. If you are eating soy, peanuts, or even something you may be allergic to or have an intolerance to.

Lately, I have had such bad acne on my forehead. Little bumps, which are actually not acne or zits. - basically, I need to exfoliate way more. When I am at home it is fine but as soon as I step out they flare-up. This makes me think it is environmentally based.

Patience is Key

It takes a while for skincare to start to work. You can not give up just because you do not see results asap.

Add One New Product at a Time

This way if you have an allergic reaction, or something is not working for you it is easy to tell what product is causing this. Then you can stop using it.

My Skincare:

My Morning and Night Routine - it is basically the same

- I find keeping it consistent helps my skin

1. I wash my face - Tip - for 2 min to really get it clean

Double cleanse - using an oil-based cleanser and then your normal cleanser. You do not have to double cleanse all the time but definitely when you have makeup on it is a good idea.

2. Toner - I use one with witch hazel. I have used this one for years, if it works I stick to it! Mario Badescu witch hazel toner with rose water. I have used witch hazel on my skin for years- since middle school- it is antibacterial but also gentle on your skin! Way more gentle than tea tree oil.

3.Exfoliate - I just started using this a month ago and I am sold on it. It has helped to manage the bumps, texture on my forehead. I have only heard great things about Paula's Choice skin perfecting 2% bha liquid exfoliant.

4.Serum

Morning/ some Nights - The Ordinary niacinamide and zinc- life-changing you can use this also after Saylic Acid - I use U.F.O salicylic acid. You can also use it before your retinol serum. This is something I use every day.

The Ordinary Niacinamide and zinc-Reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and signs of congestion visibly brightens skin tone. - those bumps on my forehead.

Only at Night - The Ordinary retinol 2 in squalane- You need to build up use of this into your routine. Start one day once a week, up to 3-4 times a week. It has helped so much! It

softens fine lines, improves pigmentation problems and revitalizes skin, causing it to look fresher and more youthful. - it helps cells turn over

Do not mix with - U.F.O salicylic acid

5. Creams

Morning - Sunscreen

I used to use Aveeno sunscreen for years and they changed the formula so I was on the hunt for a great sunscreen. I bought so many ...wasted my money.

Supergoop Sunscreen - this one is clear, with no white cast and a primer - I love it so much. I do not have to rub it into my face. It applies so smoothly.

Night- The Ordinary ha moisturizer - Ha is great to lock in that moisture.

If needed I will use these pimple patches! They work so well and are way more affordable than the other ones on the market - this was a company a Sephora associate actually recommended to me when I was picking up my Supergoop Sunscreen and The OrdinaryNiacinamide and zinc.

Once a Week -

Paula's Choice aha bha exfoliant - resurfaces skin to visibly smooth wrinkles, refine rough, bumpy texture, brighten tone & unclog pores. It has helped that bump situation to go down drastically!

Clay mask - Alya Pink Clay

Tip - Oily skin does not mean it needs to be dried out! I have made this mistake.

That is all! I feel that now I finally know the benefits of all these products and have tried them out, I feel confident in sharing them with you. I try to keep it simple, which actually makes me enjoy doing my skincare routine!