By Jessica Cruel, Self
Every
beauty editor has a thing. Some do a full face of makeup for work every
day. Others spend hours at the salon getting fun hair color and
highlights. Me? I’m all about skin-care, and it’s paying off.
Dermatologists, estheticians, and makeup artists have all complimented
my face.
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Now, before you get upset about this not-so-humblebrag, I realize it’s mostly genes and my high supply of melanin
that give me a glowing complexion. Plus, I’m lucky enough to have
access to some of the best beauty products with innovative ingredients.
But my recipe for success is one that is easy to replicate whether you
shop in the drugstore or at Barney’s. Keep in mind, if you have
sensitive or acne-prone skin, you should always check in with your
dermatologist before starting any new regimen.
These are the five skin rules I follow religiously—and the exact products in my bathroom vanity.
1. Double cleansing is the only way I’ve found to get all my makeup off.
If I just use face wash to remove my makeup,
I’ll ruin all my towels with brown and black smudges from leftover
foundation and mascara. “Many makeup brands are smudgeproof or
waterproof, so basic cleansers will not remove them thoroughly,”
explains Rachel Nazarian, M.D., dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology
Group in New York and New Jersey. That’s why I’m devoted to the
pre-cleanse step. At night before bed, I use a cleansing wipe, a
cleansing oil, or eye makeup remover before using my favorite cleanser.
The oil in these products helps attract and remove the oil in resistant
makeup products
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My routine: I start with Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse Balm followed by Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. When I’m feeling super lazy, I use Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes before washing my face.
2. Serums are kind of mysterious things. And they’re usually expensive. But they are worth it.
I think of serum as the customizeable portion of every skin-care routine. A serum
is a highly concentrated treatment that you apply before your
moisturizer. I use two every morning. The primary one is packed with vitamin C.
I’ve had so many dermatologists recommend this specific ingredient for
brighter, healthier skin. “Like all antioxidants, vitamin C can help
fight free radicals from all environmental aggressors, like pollution,
and sun damage,” dermatologist Dennis Gross, M.D., previously told SELF.
Anyone
who ever goes outside should consider using a vitamin C serum. (Yeah,
that’s everyone.) You can use it along with another serum that’s
specific to your skin concerns: a mattifying gel for oily skin, licorice
root for redness, or peptides for wrinkle prevention. My skin tends to
be dry in certain spots so I layer a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid over my vitamin C.
My routine: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum ($165) mixed with Skinceuticals HA Intensifier.
[post_ads_2]3. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. You gotta use that ish every day.
If you stop reading after this, you’re already winning. Sunscreen
is the secret sauce. I admit: It’s only been a year that I’ve been
using a moisturizer with SPF 30 every day. But already I can see how it
keeps my dark spots from getting worse and protects me from getting new
ones.
The hard part about sunscreen is finding
one that’s not greasy or ashy. Personally, I prefer to use a chemical
sunscreen with ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate. These actives
don’t leave my brown skin looking pasty. One other thing: I also make
sure to rub sunscreen on my ears and hands—two places that are exposed
to the sun but are often forgotten.
My routine: I use RoC 5-in-1 MultiCorrexion Chest, Neck, & Face Cream SPF 30 in the morning. Then, I spritz with Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 throughout the day from my desk.
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4. Retinol is the best preventative product out there—and I'm not just talking about wrinkles.
Retinol—a
form of vitamin A—isn’t easy for everyone to tolerate. It can cause
redness and irritation if you have sensitive skin. But if you can find a
retinol that works for you (with the help of a dermatologist), it can
really help clear up acne, brighten dark spots, and smooth fine lines.
“Retinoids cause skin cells to turn over at a faster rate, decrease oil
production, and help skin exfoliate,” explains dermatologist Rita
Linkner, M.D.
Vitamin A is a skin-care
superhero. I layer mine on at night under a thick moisturizer. The
moisturizer helps to minimize the chance of irritation. Any derm will
tell you to use a nightly retinol—and not to expect results in less than
a month. But personally, I can see a difference the next morning, I
swear. It helps to minimize pimples and brighten up my entire face.
My routine: I layer The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion under the Lumene Overnight Bright Sleeping Cream.
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5. Exfoliate twice a week to get a fresh glow fast.
There are many different ways to get rid of dead skin cells, which can make skin look dull and clog pores. I prefer a chemical exfoliant
that contains an alpha hydroxy acid. “Chemical exfoliants remove the
top layers of the skin by weakening the lipids that bond them together,
thus removing dull and dead skin cells and revealing healthy skin
cells,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D. Peels with AHAs like glycolic and
lactic acid immediately make my skin look brighter (what dark spots?).
So, it’s my go-to before a special occasion, and I use them at least
once a week as regular maintenance.
My routine: Once or twice a week I use the Philosophy Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel.
