Nightly skin routine

So here I am, I officially hit 30 years old and found my very first sun spot on my face.

To be completely honest, before now I haven’t really given skin care much of an effort or thought. I went to cosmetology school and loved trying new skin product, but I never fell in love with anything or stuck to one product or another and definitely didn’t find a routine.

But after this sun spot incident, I became obsessed and began researching any and all skin care routines.  I came across Korean skin care because I have a handful of favorite beauty and makeup products from K-Beauty, and learned a lot.

You guys, a Korean  skin care regimen contains ten, yes TEN, steps. So of course going from basically having a skin care routine of nothing to ten steps seemed perfectly logical! Not entirely.

But I did it. I splurged and bought all the things, and two of some.

I now have a full-on BASKET of skin care products, and I really, really love them.

I am on week 4 of my newly adopted skin care routine and I have seen results that I am proud of. Random people have commented on my skin, and I get compliments regularly. I look forward to washing my face every night and get excited to do my morning routine. I changed my attitude from it being a chore to it being a therapeutic and relaxing moment.

Now, now, this is a BIG investment, of not just time, but money. So maybe collect your routine over time.  I’ve had people asking what I have been doing so I decided to make a post out of it. I have linked the products I use so if you are interested and want to give them a try, you can.

Also…this is my own take on the Korean skin care regimen and I have added/subtracted a few  things to make it more ideal for me. I have VERY dry, sensitive skin, I don’t usually have breakouts but I do have redness and fine lines. This is what works for me!

Oh and just when you thought this was A LOT… I should mention that I have a whole morning routine too. Not as long or as many product. I just thought I would let you know, because you know, we are besties like that. I will post that whole morning routine soon.

This post contains affiliate links, but you know I got your back and only share products I love and stand behind. I paid my own hard earned money on the products I mention, and want to share what I love.

First things first, before I even start my whole routine I use these hair bands to keep my hair back so the hair at my hairline doesn’t get greasy…you probably don’t need this if you wash your hair more than I do, but I am on the wash my hair once a week schedule right now. Don’t judge!

Officially the first step is this oil cleanser. This is one of my favorite steps! It works really well to get off all my makeup (even mascara!). I use 2 pumps on a dry face and gently rub it around, making sure to focus on my eyes if I have makeup on. After a good second of letting the product work to dissolve the makeup I get my hands wet and emulsify the oil and rub it all over again. Then rinse. like I said this is one of my favorite steps, it leaves my face super soft and hydrated.

Second step- Foam Cleanser. To be honest, I don’t really know what this does…. I am not completely in love with it, but am committed to the Korean way! I do like that it hasn’t affected my sensitive skin and that it is mild. I use a half pump of this and then rinse. Once a week, I use this with this step to help exfoliate my skin. Since I have super sensitive skin, I don’t exfoliate more than that, but maybe your skin can tolerate it more regularly.

Step three- I then use these cloths to dry my face and get off any left-over mascara or makeup. I have tried a few different kinds of these cloths and these are for sure my favorite ones. They are really soft and wash well.

Step four- I use this toner and these cotton pads. This product regulates the pH of your skin so that it is ready to absorb and maximize the next few products in your routine. I like that it is a lot more mild than any other toner I have tried. You can also use this to get off mascara and make up. The cotton pads are also really soft, and the hippie in me loves that they aren’t bleached.

Step five- While researching, Korean skin care “essence” was one product that I kept reading about. Everything that I read said that it was an essential part of your skin care routine. Sooooo I got some, and have no.idea.what.it.is! It honestly seems identical to the toner, but apparently it isn’t, and has some magical power?! Just go with it, because I am. I am to the point that I don’t want to cut out ANYTHING in fear that it is the one piece that is really making a difference for me. So I am sticking with this stuff. I use this beauty essence with the same cotton pads. I don’t hate it, I don’t love it. I clearly don’t even know what it is, but I am committed to it people.

Step six- I use a small dab of Clindamycin gel, which is a prescription from my Dr. for any pimples or break outs. I usually don’t have any, but this stuff works WONDERS and by the morning, the pimple is usually pretty much gone. I obviously don’t have a link for you on this one. Sorry pals!

Step seven- I use my ring finger and a small pump of this and gently pat it around my eyes. The skin by my eyes is definitely where I have the most fine lines and I am going to add this next and alternate every other night. I haven’t noticed a huge difference in the fine lines, but the bags under my eyes have totally shrunk and the texture of my skin has softened.

Step eight- Serum stage! I alternate every other night between this and this. I decided it was time to dive right into anti-aging product and just embrace it. I think the first product took my skin a few days to get used to (totally had some stinging!) but now I am fine. These both do different things, one is a chemical exfoliant that uses a concoction of acids to help resurface the skin (sounds scary, I know!) and the other has anti-oxidants, peptides, and hydrators to soothe the skin. I am looking to also add this to the rotation. It has a powerful dose of vitamin C and will help attack anti-aging from every side….and because why the heck not!? I use a pea-sized amount of both of these (alternating nights) and rub the excess over my neck and hands. Those are the very first places that most people show signs of aging!

Step nine- Moisturize! This is my favorite part of the whole thing and what I think my skin REALLY needs. I use this oil and use a full dropper dispensed in the palm of my hands and then push/blot it onto my skin. It is my number one favorite product that I use and I will definitely keep using it until I die. After the oil, I layer this over everything and call it good. I have more than loved this combination and even though I am using aggressive chemical and anti-aging products, my skin has been so moist and soft.

That’s it (47 steps later!) as far as my skin care goes but I will let you in on this lip mask too. After I brush my teeth, I use a thick layer and……lovvvvve it. I can tell this little jar is going to last a long time.

Happy face washing to you are yours, dumb age spots!