clear skin routine
This routine is made of of products layered to keep your face healthy and hydrated, with an emphasis on barrier strengthening.
If you are new to skincare or adjusting your routine, it is best to start with the bare bones version and add products slowly so you can see how each one affects your skin independently (see “Minimal, Bare Bones Routine” at the end).
I started getting cystic acne as a young teenager, so naturally I’ve tried countless routines, products, and professional treatments over the years to keep my acne at bay. I’ve learned that clear skin is less about finding a miracle product and more about consistency and patience. This is the most reliable routine I’ve found for my skin to stay clear and glowing.
In the morning:
Wash your face with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser for a gentle A.M. cleanse. I used to think the face wash was the least important part of the skincare routine, now I know it is the foundation. The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is my favorite face wash and has been for many years. If that ever changes, I’ll update this
Apply a few drops of Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum to face and neck. This helps with brightening overall skin tone by fading old dark spots, especially acne scarring.
Spray face with Avène Thermal Spring Water. This is very soothing for skin prone to redness and it helps add moisture to your skin so your moisturizer isn’t just trapping dry skin
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. This is a great light moisturizer for the morning. Don’t forget to apply it to your neck too.
Protect yourself with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen. I use a liberal amount of sunscreen on my face and neck every morning. I put any excess on the back of my hands. When I am on the go, I bring my Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick so I can re-apply as needed (or just apply if I forgot).
Before bed:
Cleanse #1 with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (or Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser) if wearing makeup. Rinse off with warm water before Cleanse #2.
Cleanse #2 with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. Rinse with colder water this time.
Apply few drops of the Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum. Once or twice a week, I highly recommend replacing this step with a prescription tretinoin. I’ve found that tretinoin speeds up the healing process from a new pimple and tones scarring. If you are new to tretinoin, start once a week and increase slowly to no more than 3x per week.
Spray face with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer or La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream (if your skin is more dry). This is an amazing thick, barrier protecting moisturizer to protect your hydrated skin all night. It comes in paper packaging, bringing less plastic into your life.
Mask up with the LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask. I love using this mask 2-3 times a week as a super-moisturizer. My skin always feels very soft in the morning after using this.
Full Routine Product List:
Minimal, Bare Bones Routine
This is a great place to start. I believe it is best to start with a very minimal routine and adjust it as your skin shows you what is working best.
A.M.
Cleanse with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.
Spray face with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.
Protect yourself with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen.
P.M.
Cleanse twice with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.
Spray face with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.
Minimal Product List
w/ Love,
Anni
