Skincare Routine

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A proper skincare routine is something so personal yet requires much discipline. It’s important to remember that achieving healthy skin and maintaining good skin is a marathon, not a sprint. Gentle yet effective products with consistent routine results in happy skin. Skin is the largest organ of the body, and what you feed it will get absorbed into your body, so feed it good things! It is the daily ritual of self-care that helps strengthen your physical, mental, and emotional sense of wellness, which then in time, affects the skin’s health.

Below is an outline of my morning and nighttime routine and a comprehensive list of products I recommend, organized by category. I’ve had the pleasure of trying an incredible amount of products over the years, and here they are narrowed down to a select few. My skincare routine’s products and steps pretty much remain the same year-round, except for adding in a few more hydrating and occlusive products when the temperatures drop. I will continue updating this list as I find more favorites and the latest innovations!

The below can seem like a lot, so just remember the most important steps are cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF. Everyone’s skin is different, so I advise you to try out a product if so inclined, listen to your skin and be observant of how it feels.

For reference, I have sensitive skin, which can be reactive and prone to rosacea and eczema. I also easily get congestion and hormonal breakouts on my chin and jawline area, as well as hyperpigmentation and dark spots as aftermath. In my mid-thirties, fine lines are slowly making their appearance, and I look for ingredients and tools to help with plumping and firming.

Daytime Routine

Cleanser
Toner/Essence
Serum
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
SPF

Nighttime Routine

Oil-based Cleanser
Water-based Cleanser
(Rinse-Off Mask)
Toner/Essence
Serum/Sheet Mask
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
(Face Oil)

CLEANSER

Cleansing the skin is the most important part of your routine, aside from SPF. Morning cleanses can be based on the type and condition of your skin, however, nightly cleanses are absolutely essential. I personally like starting my day with a gentle cleanser to remove oil, sweat, and other microbes on the skin that have accumulated overnight. I go in with a double cleanse every single night.

Eye Makeup Remover

If I’m wearing makeup, I start with removing my eye makeup with a separate makeup remover as I wear budge-proof eyeliner and want to be as gentle as possible.

Micellar Water

Sometimes you may find a sweep over the skin with micellar water and a cotton round is a nice way to refresh in the morning instead of a cleanse. If I leave the apartment, I like to remove my makeup with micellar water immediately after I get home from work before my full nighttime routine several hours later.

Oil Cleanser (Balm)

Even if I am not wearing makeup, I end my night with an oil-based cleanser to help remove sunscreen and grime from the day. I gravitate towards balm types as I love how it feels when it emulsifies with water.

Water Cleanser (Foam)

A non-stripping water cleanser that removes all impurities is essential to maintaining a healthy skin moisture barrier. Foam cleansers are recommended for normal and combination to oily (acne-prone) skin. I developed Superegg’s cleanser to be a foam/cream hybrid with nourishing ingredients so it’s gentle on all skin types; it does not dry out the skin yet effectively removes all impurities from the day with a rich, low-foamy lather.

Water Cleanser (Gel)

Gel cleansers are refreshing and are usually contain milder ingredients. They are recommended for normal, combination, oily skin types. Great for sensitive skin.

Cleansing Milk

Milky cleansers are great for softening as they contain extra moisturizing properties. They are recommended for dry skin types. Great for sensitive skin.

EXFOLIATING CLEANSER (Enzyme)

Gentle enzyme cleansers usually come in powder form and are a great way to incorporate gentle exfoliation into your routine.

EXFOLIATING TONER

Exfoliating toners are effective in sloughing off dead skin, brightening hyperpigmentation, and minimizing the look of pores. It stimulates new cell growth and leaves the skin smooth, soft, and more receptive to the beneficial products applied directly afterward. It enhances nerve stimulation and skin respiration. Depending on the strength of the chemical acids, they should be used with caution. Many products nowadays include mild exfoliants so be extra careful not to over-exfoliate! Use as a part of your nighttime routine as it is essentially sensitizing the skin and leaves it vulnerable to UV rays. There are 3 main types:

  1. AHA is water-soluble, improves skin tone, and resurfaces the skin. Glycolic is the most common type of AHA. It is molecularly smallest and the simplest structure, which means it penetrates the skin easily and provides significant exfoliation for the skin, however, can be possibly irritating. Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid (recommended for PIH-prone skin) are more gentle. Tartaric acid is made from grape extracts and helps alleviate signs of sun damage. Citric acid is made from citrus fruit extracts and helps even out rough patches of skin, however, it can be a bit stingy. Malic is both AHA and BHA, made from apple acids.

2. BHA is oil soluble. It penetrates pore dissolving blackheads, helping to unglue sebum and dirt. It helps to reduce redness, pore build-up and stimulates collagen production. Salicylic Acid, a common BHA, is derived from wintergreen and willow bark.

3. PHA is the newest type and most gentle due to its large molecular size. With hydrating properties, it is great for sensitive skin that is prone to irritation

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