Navigating the world of skincare can be daunting, especially for those of us managing chronic illness or neurodivergence. Over the years, I’ve curated a routine that not only caters to my skin’s needs but also respects my fluctuating energy levels and cognitive challenges. On days when my ideal routine feels overwhelming, I simplify it. Here’s a peek into my skincare routine, ideally, along with some of my favorite products.
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Monday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Microdermabrasion
- Tone
- Moisturizer
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
Tuesday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Sheet mask
- Moisturizer
- Gua sha
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
Wednesday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Dermaplane
- Tone
- Serum
- Eye Cream
- Moisturizer
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
- Lip oil
Thursday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Moisturizer
- Jade Roller
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
Friday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Clay mask
- Tone
- Facial oil
- Gua sha
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
- Lip mask
Saturday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Serum
- Eye Cream
- Moisturizer
- Jade roller
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
- Lip oil
Sunday’s Skincare Routine
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate
- Lip scrub
- Tone
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Gua sha
- Microcurrent
- Sunscreen
- Lip butter
Rosewater
Throughout the week, I love spritzing my face with rosewater spray for a refreshing and hydrating pick-me-up. It’s especially lovely after a nap!
My Nighttime Skincare Routine
Before bed, I switch gears to a calming routine:
- Cleanse
- Lavender facial mist
- Lash/brow serum
- Overnight face mask
- Lip mask
Products in My Skincare Routine
Cleanser
Of course, I have a daily tried and true facial cleanser, and that’s AOA Skin’s niacinamide + ceramide + green tea foam cleanser. When I need to remove makeup or just feel a deeper cleanse is necessary, I’ll add green tea + vitamin E cleansing balm, also by AOA Skin. You’ll learn pretty quickly that Shop Miss A’s in-house brand makes a lot of my favorite skincare products!
Clay Mask
If you’ve spent time online over the past decade, you’ve probably come across Aztec Secret Indian healing bentonite clay mask. I finally broke down and tried it for myself in 2020, and found that it’s just as great as its avid fans say!
Toner
No surprise—I use AOA Skin toners, too! They have a few different varieties, but I’m currently using their AHA 7% toning solution.
Exfoliant
My go-to exfoliant is (once again) from AOA Skin, but I’ve been waiting for a restock. In the meantime, I’m using e.l.f.’s gentle peeling exfoliant.
Sheet Masks
Wanna guess where I find my sheet masks? Surprise, surprise, it’s Shop Miss A! My favorite is their tea tree mask (currently out of stock) but their wholly green water + ceramide and niacinamide + cica 7 sheet masks are pretty great, too. Plus, my sheet mask sessions wouldn’t be complete without a silicone mask cover.
Facial Oil
Right now, I’m making my way through a very simple facial oil—just a standard, run-of-the-mill vitamin E oil!
Serum
Both AOA Skin’s phyto collagen and wholly green water serums are excellent. Few things feel quite as appropriate for a skincare aesthetic as dropping your favorite serum on your skin!
Moisturizers
My go-to eye cream and moisturizer are, yet again, AOA Skin finds! I prefer their niacinamide moisturizer so, while I wait for a restock, I’m making use of a Biossance rose oil I’ve had waiting patiently for its turn.
Sunscreen
I can’t overemphasize the importance of sunscreen! My go-to is Native’s facial sunscreen (which I pair with their standard SPF for the rest of my body). The only time I let myself skip this step is if I literally won’t be leaving the house.
Lip Products
Unsurprisingly, there are some Shop Miss A items here too! Most notably, I adore their jellijam sleep mask, which I typically use in the rose scent. I got my Beauty Treats lip butter from Miss A as well, along with a coconut lip mask. My favorite lip oil is actually an Ulta Beauty find called Blueberry Bliss, but I haven’t been able to find it on the site for ages!
PM Skincare Essentials
At bedtime, I use my same go-to cleanser, but switch things up with the rest of my routine. My lavender face mist, lash/brow serum, and face mask are from e.l.f. cosmetics, while the lip mask is the jellijam from Shop Miss A I’ve mentioned above.
Skincare Tools
Right now, my number one everyday skincare tool is a microcurrent device—I couldn’t find the exact one I use, but this is a similar option! Both my jade roller and gua sha are Miss A finds, as is my dermaplane razor, while my microdermabrasion tool is made by kitsch!
Key Ingredients
Within my skincare routine, there are a few powerhouse ingredients I swear by!
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that offers numerous benefits for the skin:
- Reduces inflammation: helps soothe irritated skin and reduces redness
- Minimizes pores: helps to visibly reduce the size of pores, leading to a smoother complexion
- Regulates oil: balances oil production, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin types
- Improves skin tone: evens out skin tone and diminishes the appearance of hyperpigmentation
I use niacinamide in my daily cleanser and moisturizer, as well as in an occasional sheet mask.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs the skin:
- Hydrates: provides deep moisture, making it perfect for dry skin
- Heals: assists in the healing process of the skin, reducing scars and improving skin texture
- Protects: shields the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals and UV rays
Vitamin E is a staple in my weekly facial oil and occasional double cleanse!
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is known for its purifying and detoxifying properties:
- Deep cleanses: draws out impurities and toxins from the skin
- Controls oil: absorbs excess oil, making it ideal for acne-prone skin
- Soothes: calms skin irritations and can help reduce the severity of acne breakouts
I incorporate bentonite clay in my Friday skincare routine to deeply cleanse and purify my skin, setting the stage for the rest of my routine.
Tea Tree
Tea tree is a natural antiseptic with numerous skin benefits:
- Fights acne: its antibacterial properties help combat acne-causing bacteria
- Reduces inflammation: helps reduce swelling and inflammation associated with acne
- Clears skin: promotes clear, blemish-free skin by keeping pores unclogged
Tea tree is found primarily in my favorite sheet mask but also in Miss A’s acne patches!
Reality Check
While this routine might seem extensive, I don’t always complete every step. It’s crucial to adapt based on how I’m feeling each day. Some days, a simple cleanse and moisturize is enough. The key is to be kind to yourself and prioritize self-care in whatever form that takes. Remember, your routine should be flexible and tailored to your specific needs.
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