My Current Morning and Night Skin Care Routine

acne, skinceuticals, aging skin, before and after, skin discoloration, aging skin, fine lines, oily skin, beauty, skincare, morning and night routineJanuary  29,  2020  to  February  29,  2020… just 4 weeks!

Alright guys, this is embarrassing but I have oily, acne prone, aging skin with some fine lines and skin discoloration from the sun and acne. My current morning and night routine target those skin concerns. Skin concerns don’t go away, pandemic or not,  unfortunately.

I’ve been getting acne for over 15 years. In high school I was willing to take oral medications such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, but they didn’t work 100% and who knows what kind of damage you do when you take antibiotics long term. By the time I was 21 I tried Accutane and I did have very  smooth, beautiful skin but my lips felt like hard leather and I would never do that again either. I tried home masks, detox diets, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc. I no longer believe that taking antibiotics or something that dries out your body is healthy in any way. Eat healthy, get a good skincare routine, and stick to it. In addition to that, everyone is different and needs to understand that. At this point in my life, I mostly know what triggers it and how to control it.  I recall having a really bad break out in July of last year and in fact, my skin looked even more irritated in December but I didn’t get a photo of it. So when I went to the Duncan Dermatology x Skinceuticals Skinlab in January of this year for  a light chemical peel, I was not expecting to also be given a personalized morning and night routine, but boy am I glad I was!!!

My skin is THE SMOOTHEST and happiest it’s ever been… right now! Even eating foods that normally trigger acne for me, like chocolate and dairy, aren’t making me break out while I am using these products!! It’s crazy haha! My sister keeps saying WHO ARE YOU??? Every time I make chocolate chip cookies or order pizza haha! I continue to eat my salads and drink green smoothies everyday, but now I feel like I can finally live a little!!

So here is my morning routine:

acne, skinceuticals, aging skin, before and after, skin discoloration, aging skin, fine lines, oily skin, beauty, skincare, morning and night routine

Skinceuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser – This helps brighten and refine skin thanks to 8% Glycolic Acid and 1% Phytic Acid. You only need a pea drop amount for your full face, so it lasts quite a while. This cleanser powerfully cleanses your skin removing impurities, dirt, oil, and long-wearing makeup without stripping the skin of moisture. Formulated with glycolic and phytic acids, this gel cleanser gently dissolves dead skin cells resulting in a brighter, smoother and clearer complexion. Refreshing aloe barbadensis leaf extract moisturizes and soothes the skin.

Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Gel – This is a Vitamin C serum that is better for oily skin. If you have normal/dry skin, you should use their CE Ferulic Acid.  This product provides powerful antioxidant protection to normal, oily and combination skin types. Designed for daytime use, this antioxidant serum neutralizes free radicals to prevent signs of accelerated skin aging. The blend of phloretin, pure vitamin C and Ferulic acid improve the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and uneven skin tone. Phloretin neutralizes damaging free radicals, improves cell turnover and lightens signs of discoloration. L-ascorbic acid protects your skin from oxidative stress while providing visible anti-aging benefits, while ferulic acid enhances the antioxidant benefits of phloretin and vitamin C. (P.S Not all Vitamin C serums are created equal… so it’s best to get a Vitamin C serum from an authentic quality skincare brand, such as Skinceuticals!)

Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense -This is an advanced solution that helps eliminate adult acne while addressing fine lines and uneven skin tone. A combination of 2% dioic acid (helps control sebum production) with alpha and beta hydroxy acids prevent blemishes while diminishing hyperpigmentation and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. This targeted treatment also inhibits excess of sebum production, unclogs pores and helps prevent skin darkening from UV exposure. I probably need more than 2% dioic acid since my face still gets pretty oily, but I’m glad to know this ingredient is out there now!!

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense –  Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration on the face. Powered by kojic acid, tranexamic acid and vitamin B3, this advanced formula is a hydroquinone-free skin brightening serum. Click the link to check out their professional photo of discoloration results after 12 weeks. I have only been using these products now for 8 weeks and the photos above show a 4 week difference. This product is so cool!

Ole Henriksen Balance Oil Control Moisturizer – This is a lightweight moisturizer which claims to help control oil production. I don’t know if it does, but I like it anyways. The official  description is: A lightweight, mattifying hydrator with potent active botanicals and powerful AHAs to reduce oil and minimize the appearance of pores, and improve the wear of foundation.

And here is my night routine:

acne, skinceuticals, aging skin, before and after, skin discoloration, aging skin, fine lines, oily skin, beauty, skincare, morning and night routine

Skinceuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser – This is the same cleanser I use in the morning. However, on days I wear makeup, I was recommended by my aesthetician to wash off my makeup with a foam cleanser first.

Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense – The same product I use in the morning.

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense – The same product I use in the morning.

Alternate between Skinceuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight – Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, SkinCeuticals’ Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is clinically proven* to promote a brighter, clearer-looking complexion. This powerful face cream is complete with two-percent phytic acid, natural oils and botanicals that promote skin clarity and deep hydration.

and Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3 –  Everyone should start using a retinol by the age of 25, I’ve been told. I tried a few retinol products in the past and they always made me break out, so I’m guessing they were too strong for my skin. I was told by different professionals that I just had to deal with it if I wanted the results, but there is really no good time in my life to allow myself to have continuous painful breakouts (perhaps now during a shelter-in-place it is). Recommended for first-time retinol users, Retinol 0.3 from SkinCeuticals (this product) corrects past damage on your skin while you sleep, penetrating more deeply to give it a youthful-looking glow. Powered by encapsulated retinol and botanical extracts, this nighttime formula exfoliates skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes while also alleviating irritation and inflammation. Once skin is tolerated, use it at least three times a week for optimal results.

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel – Formulated with a rich dose of hyaluronic acid and tissue-repairing vitamin B5, Hydrating B5 Gel restores and binds moisture to the skin for enhanced radiance, suppleness and comfort. Ideal for use with vitamin C treatments, this SkinCeuticals’ formula maximizes the effects of your daily moisturizer, resulting in optimized results. Fine lines and signs of dehydration are reduced, and the skin takes on a smooth, bright and youthful appearance.

Each Skinceuticals product came with an insert that says:

“Born from decades  of skin cancer research that led to pivotal breakthroughs in antioxidants,  our high-potency formulas are concentrated in pure actives  and  proven to penetrate optimally into skin. Made in the USA, our clinical skincare is used by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medi-spas for daily homecare and to complement aesthetic procedures.  We formulate to correct signs of  aging, protect healthy skin, and prevent future damage.”

I had no idea Skinceuticals was developed based off of skin cancer research so I think that is super cool. What’s also interesting is that you cannot buy Skinceuticals just anywhere, you specifically can only buy it at authorized retailers. So if you see any of their products on Amazon, Ebay, etc, it’s very likely counterfeit.

If you have similar skin concerns to mine, perhaps these products will help you as well as they have helped me. If you want a personalized recommendation, I suggest going here: http://doctors.skinceuticals.com/ and entering a zip to find a flagship Skinceuticals near you, and making an appointment. Of course, you will probably have to wait a few months to get an appointment due to the coronavirus!

I would like to add that I  usually sleep with a silk  pillowcase, put my hair in a bun with a scrunchie while I sleep (hair oil is bad for skin), never sleep in makeup and do monthly clay masks. Though I should do them weekly.  It is also recommended to wash your face towel, (and body towels at that) every 3 uses. I haven’t gotten good at that either but I’m working on it!

Stay safe everyone!

XOXO

12 Comments

    • Hapa Time
      Author
      March 29, 2020 / 10:19 am

      Thanks Charmaine!! You too!!

  1. March 29, 2020 / 12:10 pm

    Nice result! 🙂

    • Hapa Time
      Author
      March 29, 2020 / 12:43 pm

      Thanks!!

  2. Camille
    March 29, 2020 / 8:46 pm

    And how much is this regime?

    • Hapa Time
      Author
      March 30, 2020 / 7:35 pm

      Each product can be bought individually, I doubt your skin is just like mine, like you might need only one product for discoloration, for example.

  3. Jessica
    April 23, 2020 / 6:50 pm

    These products may be really great but for the average person this is unrealistic and super expensive. Maybe you could offer a more affordable approach that gets good reviews too.

    • Hapa Time
      Author
      May 2, 2020 / 3:28 pm

      I also love Ole Henriksen products which are much more affordable!

  4. Tamara
    May 17, 2020 / 9:09 am

    Love this! Btw what lashes do you use?? They’re so pretty!

    • Hapa Time
      Author
      August 7, 2020 / 12:43 am

      Thanks!! Those are lash extensions! I don’t have any now and I miss them 🙁

  5. Rebecca
    June 22, 2020 / 4:46 am

    I struggle with red post acne marks like in your “before picture.” Which product do you think helped best?

    • Hapa Time
      Author
      August 7, 2020 / 12:42 am

      Hey Rebecca, the redness means it’s still active! So the way the redness cleared up for me was when my skin stopped being irritated. The combination of everything, since they all have different roles worked to kill bacteria, brighten and soothe my skin. I haven’t really been using these products the last month or two however because I think long term use of those products actually began to be too strong for me. I have really clear skin now and I think it’s due to low stress, lots of vegetables, lots of water, working out and moisturizing face masks, hydrating spray and gentle face wash.

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