Creating a Skincare Routine You Will Stick With!

Building a skincare routine feels like it should be a simple task, but when you actually start looking at products, you can feel daunted by choices.

Do I put on moisturizer or serum first? When do I exfoliate?

Every person has started their skincare journey exactly where you are! While you may already know some basics, such as cleanser before moisturizer, adding anything new can be hard, and learning new products can be challenging. I have always been overwhelmed with finding a skincare routine and it wasn't until I was in my 40s when someone told me what I should be doing that I found any success in creating a routine. My goal is to age gracefully. I'm not afraid of wrinkles and lines, but I don't want to speed up that process either. With the right skincare routine, you can do just that! And I'm going to help show you what worked for me.

Creating a Skincare Routine You Will Stick With!

Skincare Routine: Stick to the basics

To keep your skin looking its best, you don’t need a 10-step system with about eight different products to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. Start small with your skincare routine, but before you add makeup, hit on the basics.

Full disclosure: For years I held no allegiance to any particular brand. I have tried a few different brands and there have been a few I've loved. Once I even found a moisturizer I swore by...and then it got discontinued.

I started using Hydropeptide and while I still don't understand the big fancy words they use to describe the scientific thingies they talk about, I do know that it's clean science typically used in professional skincare, but easy for normal people like myself to use. And because the products are so high quality {luxury as they say!}, they are expensive, but they last forever. 

You can use this link to buy and code RACHELT20 for 20% off. It's the best deal out there!

Step 1: Cleanse

This step in your skincare routine is what will help your skin start off with a clean slate. Cleansing helps to clean any gunk from the night before or to help prepare your skin for nighttime products by removing any dirt from the day that might have built up.

Full confession: I'm still not very good at a nighttime routine. I cleanse my skin in the morning. These are four cleansers. My FAVORITE is the exfoliating cleanser. It smells great and lasts forever. I can usually buy one bottle and it lasts for about 5-6 months. 

All that to say, not all cleansers are "clean" and they can actually make your skin worse. So it's worth a splurge on a good cleanser as you age. That is unless you want adult acne and dry spots. 

If you absolutely cannot make yourself buy luxury cleaners, this drugstore one gets great reviews time and time again. 

 

●     Exfoliating Cleanser

●     Cleansing Gel

●     Cashmere Cleanse

●     Purifying Facial Cleanser

Step 2: *Optional* Tone

Toner is used to prepare your skin for the rest of the products by opening up your pores. Toners can be made out of a variety of different materials, such as alcohol. Those can dry out your skin, so look for an alcohol-free toner with active ingredients to help balance your pH levels. You only need to use a toner in the morning.

I use the pre-treatment toner every single morning after I cleanse my skin. If you are looking for a more affordable toner option, try this. 

●     Pre-Treatment Toner

●     Clarifying Toner Pads

Step 3: *Optional* Serum

Serums can be a powerful tool in your skincare routine. Serums are lightweight and absorb quickly into the skin. They can offer anti-aging benefits and fight damage to the skin. From brightening skin to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, there are serums for just about anything you can think of.

I use a few different serums. I love the Nimni Face Cream to help with fine lines and wrinkles. If you only buy one thing, buy the Nimni cream. It's a workhorse!

I also love the Power Serum and LumaPro-C because one of my skin complaints is dark spots {hello lack of skin protection for decades!}

I also combine one of the above serums with a few drops of the Firma-Bright and love how it makes my skin glow like a teenager!

●     Serums & Treatments

 

Step 4: Moisturize

Cleansers and toners strip your skin of fatty acids. This is why using a moisturizer is so important, even if you have oily skin. Grab a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin, as these won’t clog pores. If you have dry skin, opt for a thicker cream.

The Face Lift Moisturizer is my favorite! 

 

●     Moisture Reset

●     HydroPeptide Power Luxe

●     HydroPeptide Face Lift Moisturizer

●     HydroPeptide AquaBoost Moisturizer

Step 5: Protect

SPF is an essential part of any skincare routine. Using a sunscreen that is made to shield your skin from UV rays is a must with any morning skincare routine. UV rays can lead to skin cancer, burning, and wrinkles. For everyday wear, stick to SPF 15 or 30 and use about a nickel-sized drop on your face.

The Solar Defense tinted SPF is magic. It really does give off a healthy glow making your skin look immediately younger!

 

●     HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

●     Solar Defense Mineral

●     HydroPeptide Solar Defense Non-Tinted SPF 50

Looking for something easier?

I have thrown a lot of products and recommendations your way. Shopping for skincare can be overwhelming, which is why I love HydroPeptide’s helpful search-by-need feature.

This tool can help you  find skincare that fits what solutions you’re looking to solve, such as:

 

●     Healthy Aging

●     Dry Skin

●     Brightening

●     Oily Skin

●     Acne

●     And Sensitive Skin

If you want to really get personalized care, sign up for the online skin consultation. You'll have a licensed esthetician helping you to select the right skincare for you! 

Don't forget to use my link and my code (rachelt20) to save 20% off!

disclaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Rachel Teodoro. Thank you!