Years ago, my skin was a disaster. Pimples covered my face, and countless products only worsened the condition. This served as a harsh wake-up call, highlighting the importance of skincare. Our skin is more than just an external covering; it’s a reflection of our overall health, a key factor in first impressions, and a significant influence on our confidence and even our career success. As the saying goes, “Skin can change your life.”
This realization made it clear that caring for our skin is crucial for everyone, regardless of gender. It’s not just about vanity; it’s about maintaining healthy and functional skin for a lifetime. My journey from skincare neglect to a dedicated routine has been transformative, not only for my skin but my life. Let me share how I found the nighttime regimen that finally worked wonders.
My skin condition before was alarming: ?
incorporating healthy food ?, lifestyle changes ?, well-being practices ?♀️, exercise ?️♀️, and a consistent skincare routine ?, my skin transformed: ✨
The previous state of my skin was a source of immense insecurity. I constantly overanalyzed every blemish and dreaded seeing my reflection. The outgoing, social person I once was had disappeared, replaced by someone consumed by self-doubt. Questions from others like, “What’s going on with your skin?” and hurtful comments like, “No matter how much you spend, your skin won’t change” only amplified my frustration. ?
The key to achieving healthy, radiant skin is simplicity: less is more, and a basic skincare routine is essential. Recognizing that everyone’s skin is unique, it’s crucial to understand your specific needs and listen to your body before embarking on any skincare journey.
In the next section, I’ll delve into my streamlined morning and night skincare routines, each designed to take less than 15 minutes or be divided into convenient 7.5-minute sessions.
Morning Routine?
After completing my morning rituals, as outlined in my previous blog post “Transform Your Mornings in Just 15 Minutes: A Simple Guide to Life-Changing Habits,” I drink plenty of water ?, take my vitamins ?, make coffee ☕, and then jump into a medium-cold shower ? to fully awaken. Here’s my skincare routine:
- Facial Wash: Cleansing your face before applying any other products is crucial for effective skincare. It allows subsequent products to penetrate the skin and deliver their benefits. I prefer a mild cleanser without harsh sulfates (SLS), which can strip away natural oils that are essential for maintaining youthful skin. ?
- Moisturizer: Regardless of your skin type, moisturizer is a non-negotiable. Finding the right moisturizer is key to whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination. Observing your T-zone upon waking is a simple trick to determine your skin type.
You likely have oily skin if you notice excessive oil in this area. If it feels dry, you may have dry skin. Remember that skin can change due to various factors like weather and climate, so be mindful of these fluctuations.
- Sunscreen (A MUST!!!): The saying “#AsianDon’tAge” has some truth to it. Asians often prioritize sun protection, using sunscreen daily to shield their skin from the damaging effects of UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. This not only protects the skin’s surface but also its deeper layers. The vast array of sunscreens available in Asia, ranging from SPF 15 to SPF 110 and spanning various brands and price points, leaves no excuse for skipping this step. ??️
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical (mineral). Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them to heat, while physical sunscreens act as a barrier, reflecting UV rays away. I personally prefer chemical sunscreen as it doesn’t leave a white cast and applies smoothly, although it may not be ideal for darker skin tones. Consider factors like skin type, activity level, and personal preference when choosing a sunscreen. Feel free to ask for more tips in the comments! ?
This completes my morning ritual, preparing me to face busy day whether at work or school. ??
Nighttime Routine ?
Our skin deserves attention and care after a long day, whether indoors or outdoors. Proper skincare is a long-term investment in our skin’s health and appearance. As the saying goes, Asians often appear ageless due to their dedication to self-care, not inherent genetic superiority. Here’s my nighttime skincare routine:
- Facial Wash: I use the same gentle cleanser as in the morning, ensuring all dirt and excess oil are removed to prepare my skin for the next steps. I often look for cleansers containing salicylic acid, an active ingredient that helps reduce inflammation, control oil, and provide gentle exfoliation. ?
- Serum (Optional): While optional, I enjoy using a serum to prep my skin for absorbing thicker products. Serums replenish moisture lost during cleansing and deliver beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) or niacinamide (depending on your skin concerns).
- Face Oil (Optional): Living in a cold climate, my skin tends to get dry and dull. Face oil helps to deeply moisturize, but I use it sparingly, as it can clog pores and may not suit oily skin. ?
- Retinol or Tretinoin: These are powerful ingredients for addressing acne and signs of aging. As vitamin A derivatives, they increase cell turnover, promote collagen production, and reduce inflammation. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid, while retinol is a milder, over-the-counter option. ?
- Moisturizer (A MUST!!!): As with my morning routine, moisturizer is essential at night to seal in all the previously applied products and provide lasting hydration. ?
Since skin goes into repair mode at night, I find that a more elaborate nighttime routine allows me to maximize this process. As we sleep, our skin works hard to regenerate cells and replenish collagen, which helps to keep our skin looking plump and youthful. By using a multi-step routine that includes products with targeted ingredients, I can provide my skin with the extra support it needs to thrive at night. ??
Ready to feel stronger, fitter, and more confident? Let’s incorporate healthy food recipes ?, morning routine tips ☀️, workouts ?, and skincare routines into your daily life. You don’t need to make big changes to achieve big results—consistency is the key to achieving big goals. Join the #HealthyUnder15 challenge and discover how #HealthyIsNotExpensive! Share your own #HealthyUnder15 Franken meals and 15-minute workout journeys, and let’s inspire each other! ?
Source:
• Mindbodygreen. (2023). What does salicylic acid do? 5 skin care benefits & derm tips. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-does-salicylic-acid-do-benefits
• Kafi, R., Kwak, H. S., Schumacher, W. E., Cho, S., Hanft, V. N., Hamilton, T. A., & Voorhees, J. J. (2007). Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Archives of Dermatology, 143(5), 606-612. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.143.5.606
Wow you have such flawless skin now.
Thank you so much
Your skin is so glowing, I love your video so much.
Hehe, Thank you, I will create more video
I enjoyed your video, please have more!!! you have a calming voice
Thank you Angelo