2020 Winter Skin Care Routine
Skin care is my favorite thing to talk about! I truly believe in investing your time into building a skin care routine that works for you. Sometimes it can get a little frustrating testing out products, because your skin isn’t going to like everything, but once you find the perfect product combo that works for you, I promise it will all be worth it!
Here is my 2020 skin care routine! It actually hasn’t changed that much from last year, but I did swap a few products. This year, I’m keeping it even more simple which has proven to be successful for my skin. I don’t use a ton of products on an everyday basis, and I can get through my routine in about 10 minutes.
Also, please keep in mind that this is any every day routine, so masks and other treatments aren’t included in this post. Don’t worry though, a whole post on my current favorite masks is coming soon!
My Skin Type
One thing I didn’t include in my last skin care routine post was my actual skin type. I think this can be helpful in determining whether a product I use may or may not work for your skin.
Combination (normal/oily with some dry patches)
Sensitive (skin barrier easily irritated - becomes dry and inflamed)
Major Issues: Hyperpigmentation/Dark Spots, Dullness, Sensitivity
Minor Issues: Breakouts, Texture, & Large Pores
Morning Routine
1. KRAVE BEAUTY | MATCHA HEMP HYDRATING CLEANSER
I always kick my day off with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. I love Krave Beauty’s Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser because it cleans my face without stripping it of its natural oils. I find a lot of cleansers to be too harsh for my skin, and I can’t stand the feeling of dry, dehydrated skin after cleansing.
I put a dime-sized amount on my fingertips (a little goes a long way), mix it with water, lather it up, and wash my face in circular motions for about 30 seconds. I wash my face for a short amount of time, because over-cleasing the skin can actually cause irritation and pre-mature wrinkles. I like to keep it short and sweet! Whatever I miss, my toner will catch!
I do like to switch up the cleansers I use every now and then (I just get bored)…here are some other cleansers that I love & highly recommend:
2. LANCÔME | TONIQUE CONFORT RE-HYDRATING COMFORTING TONER
I’ve been using this toner for a while now. It’s actually the same one I listed in my 2019 skin care routine post. I’m very loyal to this toner lol. I love it because it hydrates my skin after cleansing, and does a great job of getting rid of any debris that my cleanser didn’t get to.
After cleansing, I pour a nickle-sized amount of the toner on a cotton pad, and apply it to my face in a downward swiping motion. I allow it to soak into my skin for about 30 seconds before moving on to the next step in my routine.
3. OLENHENRIKSEN | TRUTH SERUM
I’ve bought this vitamin-c serum time and time again, and I will likely continue purchasing it. Fun fact: I hate the smell of citrus…especially oranges. This product is orange-scented, and I absolutely hate it lol, butttttt I choose to fight through the pain because I think the product itself is great. That says a lot lol.
One of my major skin issues is hyperpigmentation. Anytime I get any form of texture on my skin, it leaves an ugly looking dark mark on my face. Hyperpigmentation is something I’ll likely always have to deal with, and this product is great at brightening my skin and helping lighten those spots.
I apply this product on my face and neck after the Lancome toner sinks into my skin. I use a dime-sized amount and just press it into my skin.
4. BELIF | MOISTURIZING EYE BOMB
I recently got into the Belif brand a few months ago, and omg…why hasn’t anyone told me how great this brand is?! I honestly don’t look for much in an eye cream. I’m not really looking for something to get rid of bags or dark circles. I more-so use eye cream to hydrate the skin under my eyes because I tend to get dry patches in that area, which is not cute when applying makeup lol. This eye gel works well for that purpose; it leaves the area under my eyes feeling cool and hydrated.
I tap a pea-sized amount of this eye gel under my eyes, and let it sink in before applying my moisturizer.
5. BELIF | THE TRUE CREAM AQUA BOMB
I switched up my moisturizer, and I’m so glad that I did! This is the one…I found my match! Y’all probably already know how much I love gel-based moisturizers, and this is another one of them. It’s lightweight and provides instant moisture and hydration that lasts throughout the day. I love how it is able to moisturize the dry areas of my face, while not being too greasy for the oily areas.
I apply this moisturizer on my face and neck after my serum has had a minute to sink into my skin.
6. NEUTROGENA | HYDRO BOOST WATER GEL LOTION SUNSCREEN (SPF 50)
Sunscreen is an absolute must for me, and it should be an absolute must for you too! The sun can damage the hell out of your skin, so you should always try to protect it no matter what season it is. I usually use tinted moisturizers or foundations that already contain sunscreen, but on days that I don’t, I reach for this sunscreen by Neutrogena. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave me looking ashy, and is surprisingly moisturizing. The price point is also on the lower end, which i appreciate.
I apply this sunscreen right after I moisturize my skin in the morning.
Nighttime Routine
1. SIMPLE | MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER
I like to double cleanse at night to ensure that I wash away all makeup and dirt/sweat that may have built up on my skin throughout the day. I’m not too picky when it comes to micellar water (most of them do a relatively good job), but Simple is probably the brand that I reach for the most.
I just pour some of the micellar water on a cotton pad and wipe away all of my makeup. I use Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover to remove any stubborn eyeliner and/or mascara if needed.
2. KRAVE BEAUTY | MATCHA HEMP HYDRATING CLEANSER
I use the same cleanser and cleansing technique that I use in the morning, at night. Last year, I would use my electronic brush almost every night to cleanse my skin. I now only use my hands. I started to realize that I using my Soniclear every night was a bit excessive for my skin.
3. LANCÔME | TONIQUE CONFORT RE-HYDRATING COMFORTING TONER
I use the same toner and application technique that I use in the morning, at night.
4. URBAN SKIN RX | EVEN TONE NIGHT TREATMENT
It took me a while to purchase this product because of the intense ingredients, but I’m ultimately glad that I did. My dark spots were starting to get out of control. Vitamin-C does lighten them a bit, but the older, darker spots are tougher to get rid of. I’ve been using this every night on my dark spots for the past 2 months and have noticed that there has been major progress. My spots are starting to lighten which makes me sooo happy. I plan to discontinue use of this product once they’re gone, but this product will be included in my routine on and off until then. I’m using it on and off throughout the year because the skin can buildup a tolerance to hydroquinone if used consistently long term. It’s good to take month-long breaks every 3 months to avoid building that tolerance.
Note: The directions say to use the product on your entire face, but I prefer to only spot treat due to the product containing lightening agents. I’m not trying to lighten my whole face…just my dark marks. I love my melanin!
5. BELIF | THE TRUE CREAM AQUA BOMB
I use the same moisturizer that I use in the morning, at night. I hate having to purchase two different moisturizers, so I’m glad that this one works well in both the morning and night. It keeps my skin well moisturized during the night, and works even better when mixed/topped with an oil.
6. FIRST AID BEAUTY | ULTRA REPAIR OAT & HEMP SEED DRY OIL
I originally starting using this oil last spring in an effort to combat my allergies which were irritating my skin. I was actually surprised at how great of a job it did. It calmed my itchiness, helped get rid of dry patches, and also helped tone down redness. I’ve been using it to lock in moisture ever since.
I switch-up how I apply this product. Some days I mix it with my moisturizer, and other days I apply it on top of my moisturizer. Either way, I wake up with super smooth skin.
And that is my current skin care routine folks! I like to keep in relatively short and simple. Honestly, using a smaller amount of products works for my skin. Too many products throw my skin out of whack and tend to cause dreaded irritation.
What products are you including in your 2020 skin care routine? 👀