Skincare is a saturated industry with new products, skincare lines, and tools coming out daily. With a vast variety of options, it's easy to become overwhelmed and confused when adopting a skincare routine. Social media influencers, celebrities, and skincare lines make it seem as if you need a multitude of products to have healthy skin. This is not true. A few products that work well and suit your skin type will make more of a difference than a myriad of mismatched but "fancier" products that seemingly do nothing. I've dabbled in skincare over the years and have found that typically the products that work well tend to be lowkey and straight to the point, no fancy packaging or gimmicks. I have dry skin and this is what works for me.
My main night creams are the Olay Anti-Wrinkle night cream (retinol based) and the Olay Firm & Lift night cream (niacinamide based). I alternate between the two, one night I use the anti-wrinkle cream and one night I use the firm & lift cream. Both creams are lightweight and refreshing. They tighten the skin and pores, clear the complexion, create even tone, and prevent breakouts or blemishes, all while delivering anti-aging properties.
I usually mix these creams with Cetaphil moisturizer to have a hydrating base. Some nights, I'll mix in the Inkey List's Retinol serum to have an extra firming and anti-aging kick. I'll start off with a dab of Cetaphil on the back of my hand, mix in a dab of either Olay night cream, and a dab of the Inkey List retinol if needed. I'll apply the mixture to my face.
After this, I use a variety of topical ointments based on my current need. If there is a breakout I simply top it with clinagel. For dry patches and under eye I use a slight swipe of betnovet ointment. For eczema, redness, dryness, and blemishes, I use hydrocortisone ointment. If I suspect the formation of a breakout or for smaller breakouts like whiteheads, I use the Inkey List's niacin serum. I do not use all of these at once, usually a light dot of either topical ointment when needed.
Next, I top off my face with the Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid serum. Just a few drops goes a long way. This oily serum helps trap all the skincare and creates a barrier of moisture that locks everything in for best results.
Finally, I dab some Vaseline on my lips and on the edges of my nose where dryness typically occurs. This is the last step of my skincare routine. After this point, the face is entirely done.
At the end, I apply lotion to my arms, hands, and feet. Usually, I use a very hydrating lotion such as Equate's Hydrating Lotion or a Vaseline Lotion. However, recently I was gifted a Bath & Body Works gift set. I am currently using the body lotion from that set. So far, I am loving it!
At the end, I apply lotion to my arms, hands, and feet. Usually, I use a very hydrating lotion such as Equate's Hydrating Lotion or a Vaseline Lotion. However, recently I was gifted a Bath & Body Works gift set. I am currently using the body lotion from that set. So far, I am loving it!
While curating my skincare routine, I tried to incorporate every essential element, such as hydration, moisture, retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. The best form of preventative skincare involves these elements, especially hydration and moisture. Proper hydration and moisture builds up the skin's barrier which then protects the skin from fine wrinkles, breakouts, and blemishes. Working on the skin's barrier is an idea heavily prescribed to in Asian cultures, and as many know, Asian skincare techniques are dominating the beauty industry right now.
In addition to all of this, a proper and suitable SPF is a must. A well suited SPF cream helps maintain an even complexion and wards off aging. I use Olay's SPF during the daytime, especially if I am going out. As you can tell, I use a lot of Olay products. That is simply because the brands products suit my skin type and usually give me good results.
Skincare can be a lot of trial and error to find the products and brands that work for you. My suggestion would be the start off with gentle products and work your way up. Starting off with a very potent night cream or serum from the get go can have aversive effects on the skin. So start off mild and slowly build up. Try to stick to routine and do not change up products or techniques rapidly. Ease in and ease out of various skincare routines, giving the skin time to adapt and react accordingly.
Aside from skincare products, I routinely use a Gua Sha (crystal face massage stone) and crystal face roller. These tools stem from ancient Chinese skincare practices. It is believed that massaging the face with these tools helps lift and firm the skin, sculpt the cheekbones and jawline, and ward off aging. Some people avidly subscribe to this while others do not. Personally, I have been doing face massages for over a year now and I have noticed a visible difference in my photos now versus before. My face is now tighter, more sculpted, and the overall skin quality is improved. Face massages help drain out the excess water retention and fluid buildup in the face, leading to a sleek and more toned face overall.
When it comes to face wash, I use the gentle face cleanser by Cetaphil. Harsh cleansers tend to dry out my skin and make it dull over time. I have found that this cleanser is currently the best for me. Every couple of days I'll exfoliate with a scrub cleanser or with a homemade scrub mask made from rice powder and milk.
This in its entirety is my skincare routine. It has taken years of trial and error to learn about my skin and figure out what works for me. Hopefully, this post has given you ideas for your own skincare routine. If you have dry skin like me, feel free to try out these products and techniques. It takes some dabbling, some mixing, some remixing, some fails, and some wins, to truly curate a routine that works. But once that routine is set, the results are worth the consistency.
Thank You For Reading,
- ISBAH XOXO
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