My Skincare Regimen

I don't often make posts here that are only personal, but once in a while, I feel like sharing something that could be relevant - like my skincare regimen. I've seen several others do something similar, so why not?

I'd like to briefly run through the steps of my daily and nightly "program," for those who are curious about what I actually use. Of course, it changes frequently, but it should remain the same for a while. :)

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Day

1. Wash with a gentle exfoliating scrub, Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.
This is my daily scrub. It removes all the product I applied at night, while lightly exfoliating and awakening my skin for the day to give it a "fresh" look. Read my full review here.

2. Pat face lightly with clean hand towel.
Never rub!

3. Apply Aveeno Positively Ageless Eye Cream to entire eye area with fingers, patting lightly until blended completely.
I bought this eye cream a while ago, and am trying to use it up before buying a new one. I probably won't be repurchasing, and my future review will explain why, but it's better than not using any cream at all.

4. While face is about 75% dry, apply moisturizer, Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion with SPF 15 to face and neck.
My new favorite moisturizer! I always, always wear an SPF of 15+, no matter how much time I'm spending outside during the day.

5. Apply make-up, if necessary.
I usually go without for a couple days of the week to allow my skin to "breathe."


Night

1. Use a facial cleansing cloth and ALMAY Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid to thoroughly remove all make-up.
I've never relied on my facial cleanser to remove all my make-up, so this extra step ensures it all comes off my skin.

2. Wash with Olay Definity Pore Refining Scrub.
This is less of a scrub and more of a wash, so it's extra-gentle for nighttime.

3. Pat face lightly with clean hand towel.

4. Apply Aveeno Positively Ageless Eye Cream to entire eye area.

5. Apply a generous amount of Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment to face and neck.
I love this night cream because it applies thickly, but absorbs fast. I always wake up with soft, hydrated skin. Another full review that should be on its way soon!

6. If any blemishes are present, dab on a small amount of an acne spot treatment, like Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment.

7. Get plenty of beauty sleep!


Every Other Night

After washing and before applying creams, I'll apply a small amount of .01% Tretinoin all over my face. I have a hard time putting on my creams after, though, because the Tretinoin seems to flake off when I touch my skin. Sometimes I'll just leave the Tretinoin on by itself instead, but I'd like to figure out the trick to applying product over it!

In addition to the above, once or twice a week, I'll use a heavier exfoliant to really smooth my skin and get a deep cleaning. I'm still searching for the perfect product, though!

All these products, except the Tretinoin (which must be obtained through a doctor or dermatologist), can be purchased at your local drugstore.

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That's all there is to it, really - no super-expensive products or complex rituals here, and many say I have beautiful skin! Contrary to popular belief, it really can be done without $300 creams and fancy cleansers... I believe the keys are prevention, protection, moisture, cleansing, and treatment. Once in a while, I may also get a facial or try an at-home mask to mix up my routine a bit and try new things.

Good luck with your own skincare programs, and if you'd like, let me know about it!