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There's a reason I've never posted about skincare in the past 10 years of owning this blog: I've never had a real routine! All of the complicated and expensive regimens always felt intimidating, so I opted out entirely beyond using my daily Cetaphil gentle face wash and occasionally some moisturizer.
As I have gotten older, I've noticed some pretty big changes with my skin. My previously super oily skin has turned combination, and even at times dry. Fine lines are getting deeper, there is more redness, and the skin tone looks a lot rougher than when I was in my 20s, or even early 30s.
Growing older doesn't generally phase me, but I also think that I probably should have started a slightly more regimented approach to skincare and damage prevention about 10 years ago (I'm 39 now.) But have you browsed the skincare options at Sephora? Holy overwhelm! And I see YouTubers or people on Instagram Stories sharing their 10+ step routines and I'm just not that dedicated!
In March, I started a skincare routine in earnest. My friend Lindsay of Bourbon & Lipstick always swears by some SkinCeuticals products, and her skin is always smooth and glowing, so I started researching those options. I also heard a lot of people talking about Biossance, so I checked them out as well.
This is the regimen I've been following:
AM:
- Water rinse
- After shower: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- 10 minutes after C E Ferulic and before makeup: SkinCeuticals H A Intensifier
PM:
- Wash with Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
- Every other night: Treat with SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining Night Treatment
- 10+ minutes after Retinol – Moisturize with Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Before you all come at me with sticker shock, I know it's expensive! That being said, at the time I'm writing this post, I've used it for over 4 months and still have a lot left, especially of the pricier SkinCeuticals items. I'd anticipate the serums to last 5-6 months with the amount that I've been using them. The face wash and moisturizer should last about 4 months with this usage.
Results:
I am pleasantly surprised by how well this is working! My redness has gone down significantly, pores are smaller, and the texture looks a lot smoother. You'll notice in the photo of the products, I have some Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Serum. I've only used it a few times, so I don't have an opinion on how well it works.
I plan on using the retinol every night moving forward, as long as there's no irritation. There are much stronger retinols, but I'm trying to minimize any extra dryness or reaction.
SkinStore has the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and H A Intensifier duo on sale for 15% off right now (7/15/20). This brand rarely goes on sale, so I'm grabbing my next set now.
Let me know if you have any questions about this. Again, I'm not a skincare expert or guru by any means. What are your favorite products?