August 2015 - Current Korean-Style Skincare Routine - Dry/Anti-Aging

MY CURRENT SKINCARE ROUTINE

SKIN PROFILE

NC15, lightened through skincare from an NC20
Dry skin
Aging skin, currently 30 years old

PAST SKINCARE ROUTINE(S)

June 2015





RECENT ADJUSTMENTS (in broad strokes)

• Rebalanced moisturizing products: I found that I was moisturizing heavily at night time, and not hydrating enough in the mornings. I started using a heavier moisturizer in the morning, and cooled it on the multiple heavy moisturizers at night. The purpose of this was to make it so that my skin would stay dewy and moist throughout the day. The results of this change was that my skin, which usually flaked by the end of a working day, did not flake any longer.
• Dabbling in physical exfoliation again: I used to use the famed St. Ive's Apricot Scrub back in the day, but in recent years, had abandoned all scrubby physical exfoliators in favor of leave-on chemical exfoliation. I had heard that physical exfoliation could cause micro-tears in the skin, through which bacteria can slip through. However, I decided since my skin isn't prone to breaking out anyway, this was less of a risk. Also, I figured that if I could trust myself to not overdo it, and be gentle with the products, it would be worth investigating. The purpose of this change was to prevent flaky skin, and to reveal newer layers of skin to enhance the penetration of my anti-aging products. The results have been AMAZING. 
• New backup second cleanser: I had been testing out a cleansing line up. It turned out they were both mediocre, and were not getting rid all of the makeup on my face. The purpose of adding another well-reviewed "second cleanser" to the line up was to see if it would help remove the last traces of makeup that the "meh" first cleanser was leaving behind. The results are still out.
• Looked for products for comparison, especially at lower prices: I've fallen in love with some really great, but expensive products in the past. I looked to replicate the results with more budget-friendly options. The purpose of this was to relieve the pressure on my wallet and to be able to do some comparison reviews. The results of this change were favorable.

Full AM Routine:
(1) I cleanse with either the Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser $17.93 (first timers save $5 with code 1019734207) or the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, $24 (first timers save 20% with this link). Reviewed here.
(2) I use a pH-adjusting toner, the CosRX AHA / BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, $12. Reviewed here.
(3) I apply my vitamin C serum, which is currently the Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, $48 (first timers save $10 with this link). Reviewed here.
(4) I wait a few minutes to allow the vitamin C to do it's thing and then I apply a medium-weight moisturizer in the Guerrison 9 Complex Cream $17.90. Reviewed here.
(5) I wait for the moisturizer to absorb, and then I apply my (moisturizing) sunscreen, the Scinic Perfect Daily Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++, $14.95, free shipping. Review pending.


Short AM Routine (2x a week, especially when running late)
(1) I cleanse, tone, physically exfoliate, and lightly moisturize with the Skin Factory 7 Second Morning Sheet 7 in 1 Platinum, currently half off at $14.97 I do this twice a week. Review pending. First impressions here.
(2) I apply my vitamin C serum, which is currently the Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, $48 (first timers save $10 with this link). Reviewed here.
(3) I wait for the C serum to absorb, and then I apply my (moisturizing) sunscreen, the Scinic Perfect Daily Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++, $14.95, free shipping. Review pending.

Full PM Routine:
(1) I balm-cleanse with the Skin Food Honey Black Tea Cleansing Cream, $15.03 (first timers save $5 with code 1019734207). Reviewed here.
(2) I double-cleanse with either the Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser $17.93 (first timers save $5 with code 1019734207) or the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, $24 (first timers save 20% with this link). Reviewed here.
(3) I then apply a few drops of my Missha First Treatment Essence Mist, $28.99. Review pending.
(4) Soon afterwards, I apply my Curology (formerly Pocketderm) Actives Lotion - $20 every month. Reviewed here.

BONUS OCCASIONAL STEPS: I'll sometimes use sheet and hydrogel masks from time to time for added hydration.My current favorite sheet mask is the Mediheal Dress Code Mask in Red, Ginseng, currently $3.00 (first timers save 20% with this link). Reviewed here.

(5) Another light round of moisturizer with either my Scinic Propolis Ampoule, $14.87 or my Banila Co Miss Flower and Mister Honey Essence Oil, $26.48. Scinic review here. Banila Co review here.
(6) I then use the Guerrison 9 Complex Cream $17.90 (medium weight moisturizer based around horse oil). Reviewed here.
(7) I still seal the moisturizers with an oil from time to time. Some days I will use Rose Hip Oil, other days Marula Oil, and still others Camellia Oil $5.00-$15.00. Reviewed here.

Edit - Current press samples and other products in testing:
Cosmedix serious protection SPF 28 Sunscreen
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence* Reviewed here.
CosRX Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser* Reviewed here.
CosRX Silk Fingerballs (hehe) Reviewed here.
Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream
Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water Reviewed here.
Many, many, multitudinous sheet masks Reviewed here and here.
Shara Shara All In One Honey Ampoule. Reviewed here.
Shara Shara Water Girl's Ice Cream. Reviewed here.
Shara Shara Berry Berry Cleansing Sherbert. Reviewed here.
NoTS Aqua Barrier Lotus Essence Mist* Reviewed here.

Thanks for reading! If you'd like to help guide the direction of this blog, please vote in my survey here or send me a note here.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you're curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, see my disclaimer and policies.