Great skin doesn’t just happen, it’s earned. You develop a routine, follow it and reap the benefits. There is so much noise out there demanding a skincare routine with strict rules, and then we’re inundated with trendy innovative products. It’s so easy to get lost in it.
I’m here to tell you that it’s time to silence all of that noise, and finally settle on a successful skin routine for you. So, what exactly makes for a successful skincare routine? It’s not about gathering all of the things and then using them up. A successful skincare routine depends on one thing, you. Just remember that results are NEVER instant when it comes to skincare. It can take weeks or even months to start to see results, but that only occurs with consistency.
Personalize Your Routine
Before committing to an intense 16-step skincare routine, let’s think about what you actually have the time for. What are you ready to commit to for the sake of your skin? It helps me to think about my skincare routine as an extension of my wellness. It makes me feel good to pamper myself and take the time to focus solely on myself and my needs.
My current routine takes me about 5 minutes to complete, not including my more indulgent days when I use a mask, or decide to sit in front of my backlit mirror and degunk my pores. No, you do not have to repeat this, but this is what works for me.
Think about how you can make your routine work best for you. That could mean separating your routine and products for day and night, or maybe it will feel better if you carve out a sacred beauty space in the corner of your room. What will actually help you create and stick with this routine? It’s helped me to remember my daily skincare routine by displaying all of my products in one area of my bathroom. That way, once I get out of the shower, I see it, and instinctively think to go there and start my routine before getting dressed.
Your Concerns
Trying to figure out how to build your skincare arsenal? You don’t have to go out and buy all of the latest launched formulas to achieve a successful routine. I am lucky enough to always be surrounded by beauty and skincare products for work, so I always shop my own hauls when I need to add or change something a product out in my routine.
Concentrate on products made for your current skin type, and targeted solutions to repair and fix any skin issues you’re facing. Something I always stress is also to ensure that the products you choose can be used together. Some common ingredients like retinol can irritate your skin when mixed.
It’s important to also think about how you plan on committing. Unfortunately, skincare doesn’t work instantly. You only start to see results after consistently using products for weeks, even months. That means you need to think of skincare as a long-term commitment and find a way to make it part of your daily routine. I use a paper planner to keep my life together, so I’ve included my skincare routine in my weekly habit trackers to help remind me.
High and Low
I promise you that you don’t need a $500+ routine to get the best skin of your life. It’s fine if all of your skincare products come from the drugstore. I personally like to blend some high and low. But I have had success with plenty of budget options as well.
It really isn’t about the cost. It’s about the ingredients, ritual and dedication. Your routine doesn’t even have to be very involved. Every culture and trend plays by some kind of rules, you just need to find the products and routines that work for you. Even the most basic routine works, so long as you commit to it.
Very Basic Routine:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Moisturizer with SPF
Korean 10-Step Routine:
- Oil cleanser
- Water cleanser
- Exfoliator
- Hydrating toner
- Essence
- Face oil, serum or ampoule
- Face mask
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- SPF
My Routine:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Exfoliator
- Serum
- Spot treatment
- Eye cream
- SPF
- Face oil and/or mist (only on my extra-dry days)
Try These GG-Approved Formulas:
