by Bella Cot
Summertime means flawless and dewy skin! Skincare has taken off this past year as more skincare routines have been shared than makeup throughout COVID-19. TikTok has taken the skincare game up far beyond the imaginable and truly sparked global interest in products, trends and knowledge, creating a competitive market. Skincare is applicable to every single person on the planet, and it has made its niche in society since it carries no stereotypes or boundaries.
Prior to COVID-19, my personal skincare routine was minimal-to-nonexistent, yet I complained daily of my dry forehead and overly rosy cheeks. I am fortunate to say I have never truly struggled with consistent acne or breakouts, but I did battle flaky skin, persistent rosacea and the occasional breakout on my face. I was often in search of a quick fix to my problems. I would use Vaseline, any moisturizer, alcohol swab and, on occasion, proper face wash. I was never able to sustain a daily routine, but I would still run to my mirror first thing in the morning in hope that my skin would be flawless. As one can imagine, this was never the case. In fact, many times I felt it looked worse, but my habits never improved. The moral of the story is that quick fixes never last and may not even work, no matter how much you search for answers on Google or YouTube. It is all about consistency, routine and knowledge of products.
So here I am, March 2020, home from SCAD and bored with bathroom cabinets filled to the brim with various skincare products. Not only did I become more interested in skincare, but I also started to truly notice how badly my skin was begging to be properly taken care of. I was so used to wearing foundation, concealer and mascara every single day, then all of that came to a screeching halt. I stopped wearing makeup and made the decision to dedicate the next four months to my skin and learn about different skincare brands. Skincare can get expensive, so I started in my bathroom. I pulled out every last product and picked the ones that highlighted areas I wanted to improve. I should also mention that I had no clue what order to perform my routine, so I Googled every question related to skincare. This is where Tik Tok became helpful and impactful to me because I would scroll through thousands of skincare routines from hundreds of content creators. This gave me guidance that I used to tailor to my needs.
As I took in new knowledge on ingredients and how each works within products, I started to narrow down the ones I wanted to incorporate into a set routine. Nobody mentions how overwhelming multi-step skincare routines can get, especially if it changes between morning and night. I started slow and just focused on creating a nighttime routine that was quick and easy but effective. I started with three products: a face wash, a serum and a moisturizer, which I applied every night after my shower. I followed this for a month straight before I started to incorporate my morning routine, which, again, consisted of a serum, moisturizer and an SPF cream. By the time July rolled around, my skin was the healthiest it had ever been, even though it was the middle of summer and I was constantly exposed to insane heat and sunlight. As I saw improvements, I desired to wear makeup less often, and even as I started to go out in public, I did not have this itch to immediately throw on makeup before stepping out. Not only did this free my skin, but it helped with my self-confidence since I did not want to show my face without makeup before.
This all leads to the top five products that I have found work best for my skin type while greatly improving my trouble areas.
The first product is one I have used since the first day of my journey: Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser mousse. It has transformed my dry skin. The second is The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc. This serum works excellently as a face toner while reducing blemishes. The third is Tula Get Toned, a resurfacing face toner that works to reduce redness and unevenness. The fourth is Tula 24-7 Moisture. It is multi-functional hydrating day cream and a great night cream. And finally, the fifth is The Ordinary Peeling Solution, which allows for deep exfoliation and reduces pores, especially around the nose area.
1. Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser Mousse
This face wash is lightweight, velvety, fragrance-free, gentle and made with multi-vitamin ingredients. I was in search of a face wash that wasn’t harsh and didn’t leave my face red after I rinsed it off, and this wash checks all the boxes. You simply take a small amount and massage it onto your damp face after getting out of the shower so it has a chance to lather. Then I let the cleanser sit on my face and dry out a bit to ensure all the ingredients can seep into my skin, and then I wash off with a slightly damp cloth and rinse with water until removed. My face is always left feeling refreshed as well as toned instead of raw and red which, I have experienced in past products.
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc
This face serum works to reduce blemishes and unevenness in skin tones throughout one’s face. I only use three to four drops a night and I have seen vast improvements on my rosacea and overall face tone as well as the pores around my nose. I always had a lot of white and blackheads around my nose, but this serum has reduced those dramatically and dried the excess oil that collects throughout the day since I wear masks over seven hours a day at work.
This was the first product I bought from Tula, and I fell in love with the brand. I found it has simple ingredients and works well for my skin. It feels effortless on my skin and does not leave a sting, burning sensation or residue on my face the next morning. It is alcohol-free, which is perfect for my skin, but it does not leave my face oily. It dries instantly while soaking into the skin. It leaves my face feeling protected and sealed while still soft and hydrated.
I use this moisturizer religiously. I use it morning, night and even in between. A small amount in your fingers goes a long way, but it is creamy and buttery texture while hydrating and soft on your skin. I wanted a moisturizer that was unscented and natural while still giving my face a glowy and dewy look no matter the time of day, and this is that moisturizer!
5. The Ordinary Peeling Solution
This is the ultimate exfoliant for your skin and almost acts as a reset. I only use this product every 3-4 days because it is a deeper exfoliant. For my skin, I do not want to strip too many natural oils on a daily basis. However, with summer approaching, I will be laying out in the sun a lot more, which means I will be using every sunscreen. I may use this exfoliant more to ensure I am washing away the excess oils that may clog my pores. This is a peel that you apply, let it sit for around ten minutes and rinse off. I have found my face feels extremely new after the peel is done, and I feel as if all the dead skin has completely come off. I have noticed that this peel helps with scarring and generally reduces redness if I use it while I have a pimple that is on the mend.
Skincare has become such a major part of my personal care routine and something I really enjoy doing on a daily basis. Now, a little over a year later, I have become quite accustomed to my routine and continue to see my skin improving. But it is a learning process, and it takes time to find the right products for you. I have learned consistency, knowledge and willingness to try new routines are key to success! I look forward to a summer of glowing natural skin, and I hope you do too!
