Let’s talk summer skincare! Before we dive into my summer skincare routine, it’s important to remember that this is my routine, not yours! What works for me may or may not work for you. And skincare can often be such a fickle thing, often requiring months of testing products. With that being said, I like to use a mix of very affordable products and mid-range products, so hopefully budget isn’t too much of an issue here.
All Target beauty products are currently 25% off!
Top Row: Squalane Cleanser, SPF Setting Powder, Lip Balm with SPF, Lip Sleeping Mask, Cerave in the Tub
Bottom Row: Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Supergoop Matte Screen, AHA 30% & BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Niacinamide + Zinc
Acne has been one of my biggest skincare struggles for as long as I can remember. Like, since the moment I started puberty, I had acne. Yeah, not great for a middle schooler! I’ve spent countless hours in dermatologist offices and a ton of money (well, my parents money) on prescriptions ranging from antibiotics and topical creams to forms of birth control and even two rounds of Accutane (you can read more about that here!). Finally, in the last year, I’ve really gotten my skin under control! This is what works for me for now.
MY AM SUMMER SKINCARE ROUTINE
SUNSCREEN // If I’m working out in the morning, I don’t always wash my face right away. Maybe that’s gross but what’s the point? I might splash my face with some cold water to wake up and rinse off “the sleep.” Otherwise, I’ll apply a gentle face sunscreen and head out to the lakefront trail for my run. I’ve become a big fan of Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop but for a more budget friendly option, I love Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen.
CLEANSE // If I’m working out first thing, I’ll do my first cleanse with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser after my workout. I do this to remove any general ick from sweat and sunscreen. Then, I follow up with CeraVe moisturizing cleanser.
SERUMS // I really only use CeraVe Vitamin C Brightening Serum at this time. It does a nice job moisturizing my skin and doesn’t leave a weird film on top!
MOISTURIZER & SUNSCREEN // Once my vitamin c serum has dried, I’ll apply a moisturizer with SPF in it. I’m a huge fan of Supergoop Matte Screen or Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer! I like to kill two birds with one stone, you know?
MY PM SUMMER SKINCARE ROUTINE
CLEANSE // I double cleanse with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser every night.
BHA+AHA // Once a week, I follow-up my cleanse with this AHA 30%/BHA 2% Peeling Solution. I apply to dry skin and let sit for 5-7 minutes, rinse and reveal glowing skin. Since the addition of AHA + BHA, I have noticed a marked difference in the texture of my skin and it has significantly reduced the amount of time a pimple is visible.
GLYCOLIC ACID // 2 nights a week, I use Glow Peel Pads from Sephora to remove gunk and brighten up my skin. On the nights I use these pads, I do not use my niacinamide or retinol and simply follow up with a thick moisturizer.
SERUMS // On a damp face (blot dry), I’ll drop some Niacinamide to my fingertips and apply all over my face. I’ve found this does a great job locking in moisture without clogging pores. I do this 5 nights a week (every night except the nights I use the glow peel pads)!
RETINOL // 2 nights a week, I use a prescription Retin-A from my doctor (it’s cheaper for me this way). Prior to that, though, I really liked Differin gel! It’s prescription strength OTC, affordable, and did a great job on my skin.
MOISTURIZER: I lay it on thick and use my holy grail CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or, affectionately known as “CeraVe in the tub”
SAMPLE PM ROUTINE:
- Sunday: Cleanse, AHA/BHA, Niacinamide, Moisturizer
- Monday: Cleanse, Niacinamide, Moisturizer
- Tuesday: Cleanse, Niacinamide, Retinol, Moisturizer
- Wednesday: Cleanse, Glow Peel Pad, Moisturizer
- Thursday: Cleanse, Niacinamide, Retinol, Moisturizer
- Friday: Cleanse, Glow Peel Pad, Moisturizer
- Saturday: Cleanse, Niacinamide, Moisturizer
This is just an example of my nightly routine! If my skin is feeling dry, I’ll skip a night of retinol/glow peel pads/bha+aha. Whatever.
OTHER SKINCARE
Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask // It’s pricey but I promise it’s worth every penny! I got a sample size from a Sephora order and, after a few nights of use, ordered a full size. Apply it nightly or when your lips need a li’l extra somethin’ somethin’.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen // I’m loyal to Neutrogena, what can I say?! It’s the perfect lightweight sunscreen that comes in a cream or a spray.
Frank Body Coffee Scrub // I discovered this online a loooong time ago. Back when I was really into ~Australian beauty~ (tbh, I still am) and frank only sold this product. I love to use it on my legs pre-shave or all over if my skin is just looking blah.
WATER! // Water all day, every day. Drinking a bunch of water is one of the easiest and most affordable ways you can keep your skin hydrated!
What’s in your skincare routine? What questions do you have for me?
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