My Summer Skincare Routine

It’s been a bit since I shared what I’m currently using on my skin. As a part of this job (and my favorite perk) I get the opportunity to try a lot of skincare products. Anything new gets tested for at least 3 weeks before I share my thoughts on it. My skin type is dry, I have some dark/sun spots, and I have fine lines and wrinkles so the products I use are mostly to target that. I love taking care of my skin, and skincare is probably what I splurge on the most.

I say this because while my skincare routine is a lot of steps, it doesn’t mean yours has to look the same. And I am also 36, my skincare routine looked nothing like this in my 20s. I used to do monthly facials but haven’t since Covid began. A few weeks ago I had my first hydrafacial in over a year and it was so nice. It’s one of my favorite treatments and my skin felt great afterwards.

For my skincare routine, certain products I stick with the same thing for years, and others I’ll try something new every few months. In terms of the order to apply skincare, I’ve listed the products below in the order I apply them. Sometimes I use an oil as my last step but lately I’ve been skipping it. I have gotten pretty good at knowing what my skin needs. I adjust my skincare routine based on that, and it might change day to day (for example if I’m about to start my cycle I will probably exfoliate and then do a hydrating mask).

Lastly, there is no standard or industry definition of “clean beauty.” The FFDCA was enacted more than 80 years ago and has not been amended since. There is a clear need for more regulation and transparency in the beauty industry. In the meantime I use sources like Follain and the Clean at Sephora standards to help guide my decisions about the products I use. I also stick to products that are cruelty-free. Do what works best for you, your lifestyle and your budget. On that note, here is my current skincare routine.

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Summer Skincare Routine

Morning

Cleanser: I always talk about the Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm, but for summer, it’s really hard to beat Farmaesthetics Fine Herbal Cleanser. It smells amazing and lathers nicely but isn’t drying. It’s great at taking off makeup as well. I use it for Marin’s bath time and Craig loves it too.

Toner: Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner is still my favorite. It’s gentle, refreshing and I like that it gets any leftover makeup after cleansing. It preps my skin for the rest of my skincare without drying. It has hyaluronic acid and aloe vera so it’s soothing and hydrating. Also I use these organic reusable skincare remover pads instead of cotton balls. They are super easy to throw in the wash.

Serum: I’m loving the Follain Vitamin C Brightening Serum. It’s very lightweight and absorbs quickly without being sticky. It has a combination of Vitamin C and Niacinamide for brightening. All you need is one pump, a little goes a long way.

Eye Cream: I really like the Follain Firm + Brighten Eye Cream for daytime because it is good for puffiness and absorbs really well. It has so many great skincare ingredients like Bakuchiol, Caffeine, Vitamin C and Moringa Oil. It makes my under eye area more hydrated and bright and helps my makeup look more flawless.

Moisturizer: I’ve been using the GoopGlow Lotion for a little over a month and I really love it for summer. It’s very lightweight and moisturizing. I’ve noticed it makes my skin look very dewy and hydrated. It also has a citrusy-orange smell I like.

Sunscreen: I use Supergoop Mineral SheerScreen most days. It’s lightweight, absorbs well and looks good under makeup. If I’m not wearing makeup I’ll use Saie Sunvisor instead of Supergoop.

Night

Cleanser: Same Farmaesthetics Fine Herbal Cleanser at night.

Toner: Same Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner.

Serum: I switch up my serums at night. I usually do at least two nights of Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum (retinol alternative), two nights of Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum, two nights of Follain Vitamin C serum, and an overnight mask (usually Sundays). I sprinkle in some treatments/peels as well but not weekly, more on that below.

Eye Cream: This Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream from Biossance is very rich, creamy and hydrating which is why I love it for night time. I think this has softened some of the lines around my eyes and that’s a pretty noticeable change for me.

Moisturizer: I alternate between using GoopGlow and the Follain Hydrating Mask. Both can be used with the above serums, if my skin is feeling dry or I’ve exfoliated I’ll do the Follain Hydrating Mask (this can stay on overnight). If it’s feeling normal I go with GoopGlow lotion.

Masks and Treatments

Overnight Masks: My favorite overnight masks are the Glow Recipe Avocado Retinol Mask (usually once a week on Sundays), Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleep Mask (might do this instead of the Avocado Retinol), and the Follain Hydrating Mask (after I apply serum). My skin always looks amazing the morning after the Glow Recipe Avocado Retinol Mask and I love that it’s not super intense, my skin never feels dry or tight afterwards.

Exfoliating Scrub: I love this Resurfacing and Exfoliating Microdermabrasion Treatment from Youth to the People. It’s pretty intense (for my skin) so I use this every other week typically. I follow with a creamy mask like Follain Hydrating.

Peels: I like both the GoopGlow Overnight Peel and the Dr Dennis Gross Daily Peel. Again these are intense for me and especially in the summer you need to take extra care with sun exposure. I usually will do one every other week. I’ll do a hydrating overnight mask afterwards. They’re both great, I think the Goop one is a little more intense and effective but the Dr Dennis Gross one is a great option and less expensive.

NuFace: I really love my NuFace and notice the biggest difference when I get lazy and don’t use it. I should probably start doing it in the mornings because I’m always too tired at night. I keep it out on my vanity so I don’t forget. It’s the one beauty tool if I use consistently I absolutely see a visible difference. If you don’t mind that you can’t switch attachments the NuFace mini is a great less expensive option.

Summer Skincare Routine