For the first time ever, and I mean ever, my dry skin did not get the best of me when the season/weather changed. In previous years, at the first sign of warm weather breaking I would get severe dry patches. I'm talking about patches on my eyelids. Ouch.
I turned 30 this year so I did kind of an overhaul of my skincare routine. I've always been conscious of taking care of my skin, but I wanted to throw in a few extra things to be safe. I do not know if it's the culmination or just one of the new additions, but this year rather than combating dry skin, I prevented it.
My skin has been glowing which has typically been a privilege only reserved for the summer. It's ironic that I spent my teens and 20 somethings in dry patchy skin hell and that my 30s are when my skin started thriving. Better late than never as they say. Here's my 30-something skincare routine.
Step 1: Cleansing
Micellar water has been a steady part of my skincare routine for the last few years. I've tried to be the girl who can just take off her makeup by washing her face, but I don't feel truly cleansed without having this first step. For dry skin, this is a much better alternative to makeup wipes. It restores moisture as it removes makeup.
Okay so I don't have oily or acne prone skin so I am not sure what drew me to this cleanser. Speaking candidly, the kale probably intrigued me. I love it because it really it leaves my skin feeling clean without being super dried out. Most foaming cleansers don't always deliver on that front for me.
I use this only in the morning. I like to retain as much moisture as possible for my makeup routine so I avoid foaming cleansers at the start of the day. This cleanser feels clean, but leaves your skin feeling almost as if you've applied moisturizer already.
Step 2: Tone/Spray
I am not particularly brand loyal when it comes to toner. Dickinson's is affordable, gets the job done, and can be found at most drug stores so that is usually the brand that's in my arsenal. I will say toner is an essential step in cleansing so you would be remiss not to include. For those who don't know, toning catches what your facial cleanser may have missed.
Immediately after I tone I use a facial spray. This locks in moisture as well as preps my skin for the next step. In the morning, it's a great pick me up if you're a little tired.
Step 4: Serums
I received the product for a brand campaign and instantly fell in love. Technically it's categorized as a lotion, but due to its consistency I put it more in the serum category. Right after facial spray I put this on. It's so effective that it could honestly be the last step in your skincare routine. It leaves your skin feeling super supple and soft.
We have my mom to thank for this find. She asked for me to order it for her a few times using my Amazon Prime account. I decided to see what all the hubbub was about and try it for myself. I'm obsessed. It's a great topper for the Rovectin that gives an instant glow.
Before the serums dry I go over my face with a jade roller. This helps with circulation, eliminating puffiness, and really working serum into skin. I keep mine in the fridge. I have no idea if it does anything, but it feels great!
Step 5: Eye Cream/Gel
The product claim is that this product helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. I had noticed that my smile lines were getting more defined. Having used this eye cream for two months, I've definitely noticed them being less prominent. I'm not expecting a complete reversal, but I am happy to see the reduction. If anything, I will continue to use this as a preventative measure.
This eye gel is very new to my routine, but it works so I thought I'd share. I couldn't tell if I loved it at first, but put it to the test on my first day back to work after an international flight. My eyes were super puffy when I first woke up, but after applying this the puffiness subsided by the time I started my makeup routine.
Unfortunately, I purchased it in the UK and I am having trouble an option to ship to the US. So here is an alternative that should be just as effective!
Step 6: Moisturize
I've been using moisturizer with SPF in it since I was 12. Not even joking. There's a misconception that you only need UV protection in the summer, sunny days, or have a fair complexion. The reality is you should be using it everyday no matter what the cloud cover, time of year, or your skin tone.
What I love about Cel is that it has a rich formula that blends into the skin very nicely. A lot of moisturizers with SPF can be a bit like sunscreen and feel heavy on the skin. Cel is the exact opposite. This product was gifted to me, but I will definitely be replacing it when it runs out.
Okay so important note about anti-aging products - they work best as a preventative measure. At 30, outside out the aforementioned smile lines around my eyes (which you really only see if you're staring me down) I don't have any wrinkles. I still get carded most places and on my last trip was repeatedly asked if I was in college. The goal is to age gracefully and continue to shock people when I say I'm [insert age].
I love this face cream because it has such a thick formula. It feels almost like a balm. I usually only use it night, but have worn it during the day underneath my makeup with no issue. It is super moisturizing and great for preventing dry skin.