This MULTI-LAYERED SKINCARE ROUTINE is suggested for those over 35 and those who are concerned about aging skin.

Skincare just seems to be a big topic in general during this whole quarantine situation. We all ned something else to focus on besides the fact we are in a pandemic! So, I am here to break it all down, to tell you what I use and why I use it.

We’ve now been in pandemic for about 7 months now.  We went from Spring to Summer, to Fall, which sometimes feels like winter.  Since we’re in the house much more these days, and the weather starts to get cooler, our skin may feel a bit more dehydrated than usual.  Here’s a nightly routine that has worked for me, and hopefully will work for you.

I have a definite method and order that I layer all my skincare products in that I am excited to share with you. This is just my NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE. My morning one is simpler.

Along the way, I will share some of the products that I use for each step. I need t say that I am over 50 with good skin, but, a bit dehydrated (like just about everyone in the Midwest) these days.  So, take my product suggestions that I use personally, for what that is worth.

Here is an example of the order in which I apply all my skincare. You can omit any that do not apply to you, but this is exactly how you should do the bedtime routine.

First off take off your eye makeup

Using the correct eye makeup remover is key.  If you use waterproof makeup, you would use an oil base.  If not, you have the option of using a water base.  I like to use Serge Luten eye makeup remover wipes or Neutrogena Moisturizing eye makeup remover pads.  The Serge Luten has just a hint of oil added into the eye makeup remover cloth, that can be cut in half.  Use one half one night, and the other half the other night.  You end up doubling your wipes.  Otherwise, if I wanted a water-based remover, I like using the Ardell or Neutrogena nonmoisturizing eye makeup remover pads.  Whatever you use, always rinse off the residue of the cleanser to prevent any kind of reactions from leftover product left on your eye.

Next, double cleanse

What does that mean? It is the method Korean women use for clearer skin. It involves washing your face in two steps: 1st by using an oil-based cleanser, followed by 2nd a water-based cleanser.

My products: My oil-based cleanser is Moira Makeup Melting Milky Cleanser.  I like this product because it lathers leaving your skin silky clean. The water-based ones I tend to use are Moira Moisture Capture Whipping Cleanser and the Skin Medica facial cleanser.  Both lathers very well and leaves no residue, but also doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry. I love using the Clairsonic brush to cleanse with and the massage head to use for serums and moisturizers. It’s like exercise for your face, neck, and decollate.

Eye Cream

The eye area deserves to get a lot of specialized care.  Eye creams are formulated to be extra mild since the area around our eyes can be sensitive to irritation.

I use Micro Eye by Lumiere.  I can use this day and night.  I love the product because it tightens the skin around the area.

Serums are next

Serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to your skin. Many times, they are clear, gel-based, or liquid, and they tend to be less thick than a moisturizer. They are always applied before moisturizers to help the skin be treated effectively.

My products: The are only three serums I have in my routine right now.  From Skin Medica, TNS, Lumivive Night Revitalizing Repair Complex, and HA5 Rejuvenation Hydration.

The first is TNS.  It is kind of amazing and very skin-plumping…I have used this for over 5 years and you will see the reviews are stellar. If you would like to use retinol (highly advised for diminishing wrinkles), I would recommend Retinol Complex 0.1to use right after TNS.

I also use the Lumivive for collagen for skin plumping. HA 5 is the final serum before moisturizer for major hydration.  Your skin will drink it up!

*Bonus Tool* I want to get the most out of my serums, and we all know that typically, these creams and formulas can only go so far. But by adding the Clairsonic massage head to your skin right before or after you apply your serums, you will get the max out of them.  And by adding my serums, they go a bit deeper to give more glowing skin! There are many facial tools out there that can help in the aid of the face products.  Pick one suitable for you.

Moisturizing

I use a different day cream and a different night cream.  This is only for bedtime.

My favorite product (I have tried many) is Skin Medica Replenish Hydrating Cream.  It’s lightweight and hydrating without feeling greasy.  I think it’s perfect after all the serums applied before.

If I am super tired, I will still remove my makeup.  It’s just not worth using all these fine products and not be taking my makeup off.  To obtain the best skin possible, keep dehydration to a minimum, and slow down aging skin, wash your face properly.  Take care of your eye, neck, and face.  Use your skincare…this is the best you can do for your skin daily.

Closing summary and suggested first steps.

I would say that a large percentage of people that have sensitivity with their eyes is because they do not take off their eye makeup correctly.  A cleanser that is made to remove face makeup should not also be used around the eye area, nor should face moisturizers and serums.  Nothing should be used around the eye area unless it is designed for the eyes.  Face cleansers may take off eye makeup, and, wipes can, as well.  This does not mean that it won’t make your eyes sensitive.  Repetitive use certainly can and not rinsing off properly can, too.

Always use eye makeup remover and rinse well followed by the eye cream.  You will see a different ad probably will have less sensitive eyes because of that.