Achieve Youthful, Plump Skin with Every Step
Many people overlook their skin, often too busy to pause and reflect in the mirror. When you take a moment to truly look at yourself, you might notice the marks of time—a testament to a life filled with responsibilities and care for others. But what about caring for yourself?
Treating your face with the same importance as any other part of your body is a powerful act of self-acceptance. Each day, we present ourselves to the world, and while I don’t always feel my best, I make it a priority to appreciate the journey reflected back at me. As I gently massage moisturizer into my forehead, I acknowledge the lines that tell stories of challenges faced and sleepless nights endured. In those moments, I feel a sense of triumph, recognizing that it takes effort to nurture not just my skin, but my spirit as well.
In this post, I share the steps of my skincare routine. Check out the do’s and don’ts section to learn how to combine your products effectively. You’ll also find a complete list of products here!
Five Step Daytime Skincare Routine
- Cleanser
I use CeraVe or Cetaphil, both affordable and effective. Our skin loses elasticity as we age, so gently massage this hydrating cleanser into your face. Treat your skin kindly to help keep those fine lines at bay!
- Exfoliate and Tone
I spot exfoliate, focusing on my nose and chin. I use Dermalogica’s rice or oat-based products, which really help clear up impurities. They both have salicylic acid, which is not recommended during pregnancy.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try Thayers with glycolic and lactic acid, which are said to be okay during pregnancy. Always check with your doctor first!
- Vitamin C Serum
Apply your Vitamin C serum on a clean, dry face and let it absorb before adding your moisturizer. Vitamin C helps support collagen production, which improves skin elasticity. You can read the do’s and don’ts below to learn about vitamin C rules.
- Moisturizing Serum
Hyaluronic acid is a must! I’m almost 40 and have just one fine line! I used to use La Roche-Posay’s HA, but now I’m loving the more affordable of Good Molecules. Seal with a layer of moisturizing cream like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, for long-lasting hydration.
- Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay has great sunscreens, including one with 50 SPF+ and hyaluronic acid. I also like their mineral sunscreen, which I apply with a bit of water for a smoother finish. For a budget-friendly choice, Banana Boat mineral sunscreen is a family favorite!
Mixing Do’s and Don’ts in This Routine
Do’s:
- Pair Vitamin C with SPF: Always apply your Vitamin C serum in the morning, followed by sunscreen. Vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen by providing additional protection against UV damage.
- Layer Hydrating Products: Don’t be afraid to layer your hyaluronic acid serum under your moisturizer. This combination maximizes hydration and helps plump the skin.
- Use Gentle Exfoliants: When exfoliating, opt for gentle formulas that won’t irritate your skin. Spot treating with salicylic acid is effective, but be cautious not to over-exfoliate, especially if you’re using other active ingredients.
- Mix Moisturizers Wisely: If you’re using a thicker cream, consider mixing a few drops of your hyaluronic acid serum for extra hydration without a heavy feel.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Mixing Salicylic Acid with Vitamin C: Using salicylic acid and vitamin C together can reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. If you’re using salicylic acid in your exfoliation step, apply it at a different time than your vitamin C.
- Don’t Combine Multiple Exfoliants: Avoid using multiple exfoliating acids (like glycolic and salicylic) at the same time to prevent irritation. Stick to one exfoliating product in your routine.
- Combining products that contain peptides like The Ordinary Multi-Peptide plus Hyaluronic Acid with vitamin C and salicylic acid is not recommended. Mixing peptides with these products can cause irritation. The general recommendation is to use vitamin C in the morning and apply the peptides at a different time (e.g., in the evening).
- Skip Mixing Retinol with Vitamin C: If you’re using retinol in your evening routine, avoid pairing it with vitamin C in the same session, as they can be too harsh together. Instead, use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
- Be Cautious with Heavy Oils: If you’re using a moisturizing serum, be careful with heavy facial oils. Mixing too many occlusive products can clog pores, especially if you have oily or combination skin.
By following these mixing do’s and don’ts, you can optimize your skincare routine and achieve the best results for your skin!
This daytime routine skips retinoids, which aren’t recommended during pregnancy, but it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, making it safe for moms-to-be. I’m not a doctor, so always talk to your physician for personalized advice. These are just my personal recommendations based on what I use!