If you haven't read my updated morning routine yet, let me tell you a little about my recent skincare issues. (If you have already read that post, you can just skip to below the first photo.) In March 2018, my dermatologist gave me a diagnosis of rosacea, subtype 2. (If you want to read more about that, check out my post: Five Important Things I've Learned About Rosacea or All About My Skin.) That meant I had to stop my skincare routine except for a prescription cleanser, First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum, and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion - until the rosacea was controlled. I suffered some anxiety when I realized I wasn't going to be able to use my anti-aging products - being most upset about losing all of the progress I had made with tretinoin.
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1) I've always been a two-step gal, so if I have makeup on in the evening, I remove that before I cleanse my face. If I'm wearing a full face of makeup, I use Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for waterproof makeup (the blue cap) and an exfoliating cotton pad to remove it. If I only have on tinted moisturizer, I will use a makeup removing towelette like Garnier SkinActive Micellar Remover Wipes (pink) or Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes.
Pure & Pretty Clarifying Cleanser from I Feel Pretty Products
2) Cleansing is next, and I switch up my cleansers in the evening. Every third night I use the prescription sulfacetamide face wash prescribed by my dermatologist. That's the "schedule" that allows it to work without drying out my skin too much. On the other nights, I have three cleansers I choose from: Pure & Pretty Clarifying Cleanser, Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser (now called Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream), or the La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. I apply with a konjac sponge, and remove with a soft washcloth and warm water.
3) While my skin is still slightly damp, I spritz Lexli Tone & Balance Aloe Vera Face Toner over my face, neck, and décolleté. This is a new product for me, and I like it a lot. I feel like it has helped keep the rosacea calm, and it doesn't dry out my skin. (There will be a review coming soon!)
Argireline 10% Solution from The Ordinary
4) Next I apply the Argireline 10% Solution from The Ordinary. As in the morning, I don't really measure this, I just drop some on my fingertip and apply to my forehead, the lines between my eyes (near the bridge of my nose), crow's feet, and nasolabial folds.
4a) Every third night, I apply tretinoin to my face, neck, and décolleté. I'm moving very slowly with this, keeping an eye out for any irritation/rosacea flare-ups. After about 6-8 weeks at this schedule (which is soon), I will increase to every second night.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% from The Ordinary
5) After about 30 minutes, I apply Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum from The Ordinary. I use about 5-6 drops, applied with damp hands to my face, neck, and décolleté.
A-Firm-Ative Anti-Aging Peptide Serum from Lexli Skincare
6) Now I apply Lexli A-Firm-Ative Anti-Aging Peptide Serum. I place two pumps of serum into damp palms and apply to my face, neck, and décolleté. Other options would be The Ordinary's plain Buffet Serum or their Matrixyl 10% + HA.
I usually start my evening skincare routine fairly early in the evening - several hours before I go to bed. I take advantage of this and apply more than one moisturizer.
Pretty Pearlfection Cream from I Feel Pretty Products
7) The first moisturizer I apply is the Pretty Pearlfection Cream. I use a pea-sized amount with damp hands to my face, neck, and décolleté. I've been using this product for many years, and not only does it moisturize, but it also keeps breakouts at bay. When I do get a breakout, it definitely shortens the healing time.
8) Next I spot treat any red areas with First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum. This contains colloidal sulfur, which is great for rosacea. If you don't have rosacea or other redness, you wouldn't need this product.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
9) After an hour or so, I apply CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. I use about two pumps and apply to my face, neck, and décolleté. This is another long-time product for me. I love that it is lightweight, but yet provides a good amount of hydration.
Revital-Eyes Rejuvenating Cream from Lexli Skincare
10) Just as in the morning, I apply Lexli Revital-Eyes Rejuvenating Cream under my eyes at night. I don't think it's always necessary to have a special product for the undereye area, but I seem to need a little extra "something" for moisture. If I don't use the Rejuvenating Cream, I apply watermelon or rosehip seed oil.
11) Right before I go to bed I apply the last moisturizer - Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (I prefer the fragrance-free). I can definitely still feel this on my skin in the morning, so it's great at hydration as well as plumping fine lines.
Clinique Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask
12) And let's not forget the lips! I use two products on my lips to help with plumping as well as keeping them hydrated. The first is GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper (in clear). I usually apply that one near the beginning of my skincare routine to give it a chance to absorb. Then right before I go to bed, I apply Clinique Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask. It's so hydrating it lasts until morning!
The Lexli products I mentioned are new to my routine, and they are formulated with a base of pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera for it's anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties as well as it's ability to penetrate the skin. So they're great for someone with sensitive skin or rosacea. I'll be doing a review soon!
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