The skincare routine you should already be doing
If there is one thing I am obsessive about it is my skincare routine. I have tested and tweaked it over the years and now in my late 40’s, I have finally found a good mix of products that work for me.
I must say a big thank you to my mom for her role in this - she has always encouraged me from a young age to look after my skin and be proactive about the products I use as well as getting the right treatments at the right time, etc. She introduced me to skincare when I was about 13 with the Clinique 3 step program (anyone remember this!? It was considered very cool back then and a nice gentle intro to a 3 step routine - I feel like young girls are using harsh products on their skin way too young now).
Last week I shared my hardest working makeup products for summer and received some lovely messages saying you discovered something new or that you were going to try a few of the things I recommended which makes me so happy! This is the reason I do these round ups and it brings me joy that you are finding Erin’s Edits helpful! Please please share the results with me, I love introducing people to new things and hope you love them as much as I do. In case you missed it, story is below:
Hard working beauty heroes for summer
I haven’t written a beauty newsletter in awhile and since it has started to really heat up for the summer, I thought June would be a good time to share with you my top picks for an easy breezy summer of glossy hair & glowing skin (a girl can dream)!
Continuing on the beauty and self-care theme for the month of June, this week I am sharing my skincare routine with you. If you are in your late 30’s or 40’s then you should really be doing most of these steps already, but if not it’s never too late to start or to add new products to your current routine.
My only advice when adding new products is to add them one at a time so you can measure the results and also whether they cause you irritation or not. I recently had this issue with a ‘brightening’ product that contained tranexamic acid (which I had never used before) and after about a week of regular use it left me red, irritated and broken out. I quickly realized it was a certain product I had recently introduced and as soon as I stopped using it my skin cleared up.
Step 1 - Cleanse, then cleanse again
Cleansing is one of the most important steps and I am always shocked that many women are using a cleanser that isn’t right for their skin. Cleanser shouldn’t leave you feeling dry and flaky, it should leave your skin bright and soft afterwards. And if you think one cleanse is enough, think again! I first read about the importance of the double cleanse in Caroline Hirons best-selling book Skincare back in 2020 during COVID (she has recently updated it and re-released it, if you haven’t read it you should it’s like a skincare bible with super handy pictures of how to apply every single product, when to apply them and in what order).
She introduced me to the idea that we should start first with a oil-based cleanser like a cream or balm to remove impurities (this is especially important if you were makeup, waterproof mascara or sunscreen every day). Then you follow with a water-based or gel cleanser that foams to really get the rest of the sweat, dirt and bacteria off properly. I actually prefer a cream cleanser for the second step as foaming cleansers tend to dry my skin out.
I also love this set of books from British wellness guru Liz Earle called A Better Second Half in which she looks at a holistic approach to beauty starting with diet and lifestyle. Liz Earle has been one of the leaders in the clean beauty industry for 30+ years and has a much loved best selling beauty brand called Liz Earle which is a staple for British women and is available on Amazon now. Her best selling and most famous product is the Cleanse and Polish cream cleanser with hot cloth but all of her products are fabulous.
I admit I mostly double cleanse in the evening and in the morning I just do a quick one because I am just washing off the night creams and not makeup. Here are the products I love and would recommend for cleansing:
Best for Double Cleanse:
Hydrating Cleansing Duo from Oak Essentials
Best Cleansing Balm for PM
Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Balm
Gentle Cleansing Milk for AM
Nourishing Cleansing Milk from Oak Essentials
Best Active Cleanser for PM
Dermologica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser with Lactic Acid
Best affordable Cleanser for AM & PM
CereVe Hydrating Cream Cleanser (the green one)
Step 2 - Apply Eye Cream (essential) & Toner (optional)
I am forever looking for new eye creams. I have to say this is one spot in my routine that I am taking recommendations - please comment or share below if you have found an amazing eye cream that works and doesn’t cost a fortune!
The only things that have ever worked for me are gentle creams (not gels, I find them drying, and oils are too rich for me). I have a VERY sensitive eye area so I also avoid retinol or any kind of acid around the eye area.
I love things that brighten my under eye area and de-puff my dark circles. Ingredients like Vitamin C, Caffeine, Licorice Root, Niacinamide and Peptides tend to work best for me. I dab on my eye cream right after cleansing and before putting on my face serums.
Eye creams in my current rotation + creams that I would like to try:
Best for Brightening (with Vitamin C)
Tatcha Brightening Eye Cream with Vitamin C (love this, might re-purchase)
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright + Vitamin C Eye Cream (very gentle and has a brightening effect - using it now)
Best for Dark Circles
Sunday Riley Auto-Correct with caffeine (I always come back to this one - it is very effective and does what it says, smooths fine lines and de-puffs / gets rid of dark circles)
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Ageing Eye Cream (have not tried but highly recommended)
Best Hydrating eye cream for sensitive skin (on a budget)
Best for Hydrating and plumping (expensive but worth it)
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate (with peptides and Hyaluronic Acid)
Natura Bisse Diamond Cocoon Camouflage Eye Cream (a serum & tinted cover up in one step, recently discovered and will be buying again)
One Skin OS-01 Topical Eye treatment with peptides (have not tried but highly recommended to me)
Toners
I am not a die-hard toner user - some people are and it works for them - but I feel like if you double cleanse you don’t need to use a toner. If I have a bit of extra time I might use a rose water toner but mostly I use glycolic toners that actively do something to your skin. Otherwise I find it a waste of time especially in the mornings when I am in a rush.
The only toners I swear by are from Mario Badescu:
Glycolic Toner (exfoliates nicely)
Trio of mini toners (these are great for calming irritated skin or refreshing your face during the day - I carry one in my hand bag)
Step 3 - Apply Serums
Ok this is where it gets tricky - which serum to use at what time of day in what order!? This is when Caroline’s book comes in handy. According to Caroline:
‘serums are generally applied after cleansing and toning (if used), and before moisturizing and sunscreen. They should be applied to dry skin, and if using multiple serums, the thinnest should go on first.’
Every woman in her 30’s onwards should be using a combination of the following serums:
Hyaluronic Acid - this is water based and usually the first thing I put on in the morning and evenings. Absorbs more quickly if used on already damp skin. Must wait for it to dry before putting something else on top or it can start to pill on your face. I like to pat this in rather than rubbing it.
I usually don’t spend a lot on HA serum as I use it twice daily - this one works better than most and is the most affordable on the market:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 serum
Vitamin C - this goes on in the morning without fail, either before or after the Hyaluronic - I prefer to put mine on before. Protects from future sun damage and corrects hyper pigmentation, brightens skin. There are so many on the market now at varying price points that it can be hard to work out how much to spend but again, I find that because I use this daily I go for the more affordable options here and they do the job just fine.
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF ($182 - the holy grail of vitamin c formulas, also very expensive so use sparingly)
DRMTLGY’s Vitamin C, E & F ($69 or $55.20 with subscription - same ingredients as above at a much lower price)
Paula’s Choice C15 Booster Serum ($55 - one of my favorites, works well)
YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($85, $77 with monthly subscription - love this one, really brightens after a few uses, comes in pretty bottle but not great for travel)
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum ($89, $80 with subscription - this has come highly recommended by several friends and is at the top of my serum wish list right now).
Niacinamide - Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient with a wide range of benefits for the skin. For me, I find it reduces redness and irritation, protects my skin barrier, reduces pores and acts as an additional layer to protect my skin against pollution and UV rays. My sunscreen has niacinamide in it already so I don’t usually need to add it as a stand alone serum unless my skin is feeling super sensitive.
Again, the Ordinary has a great formula and you can’t beat this price!
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($10)
AHA / BHA Acids - I like to alternate these, but I mainly use AHA’s now (glycolic and lactid acids which are good for surface exfoliation and concerns like fine lines and wrinkles) rather than BHA’s (Salicylic acid for example, which is better for deep exfoliation, acne and clogged pores).
So if I use my Glycolic exfoliating cleanser in the evening for a deep cleanse I will skip this step and use the glycolic exfoliating pads in the morning instead. Mainly though I use these acids at night so they can resurface my skin before I put my evening creams and oils on as it allows them to absorb better. AHA’s are so important as we get older as they slough off the dead skin which gives you a brighter, glowing complexion and enables your makeup to go on more smoothly.
Glycolic toner from Mario Badescu (as above)
YSE Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads (my new favorite product - I use them every other day in the evening after cleansing).
REN Radiance Ready Steady Glow (another great toner with AHA & BHA together - really brightens)
Peptides - I have only recently started adding peptides to my daily routine. Peptides are great for boosting collagen and strengthening the skin’s barrier, both of which are crucial for ageing skin. I find they leave my skin looking a bit more youthful with regular use. I have added peptides to my morning routine and apply them after the Vitamin C step. Sometimes I will use them AM & PM if I am feeling a bit tired and need an extra boost. Peptides are important ingredient in eye cream now as well.
Oak Essentials Firming Plant Peptide Serum - this is a relatively new product from Oak Essentials but I am on my third bottle now! I combine this with their plant based retinol and I am on a subscription service with OE now so I have tried nearly all of their products and this one is becoming a favorite. Hydrates and plumps my skin using natural organic plant based ingredients.
Another great option is from Skinceuticals is the P-TIOX ($148 but worth every penny). This review from a Skinceuticals expert is making me want to try this next:
"P-TIOX is ideal for anyone looking to visibly smooth expression lines and achieve that glass skin look. This advanced peptide serum is inspired by the effects of neurotoxin injections and is clinically proved to improve the appearance of 9 types of wrinkles. I love how lightweight and layerable it is too, it fits easily into any skincare routine."
And a more affordable option again from the Ordinary: the Multi-Peptide and Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($19.90)
Vitamin A (Retinoids) - I have always had a love/hate relationship with retinoids. When I first started using them in my late 30’s I went straight in and the dose was too high for my skin. I got flaky and dry and started peeling and it completely put me off using them for years. My amazing dermatologist kept on at me (thank god!) - telling me it was the single most important thing I could do to prevent visible signs of ageing and she was right as always! I wish I had started with retinoids sooner but it’s never too late!
She prescribed me Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) which is one of the most potent form of retinoids and is available by prescription only. It is already in the active form and can directly interact with skin receptors, leading to significant skin cell turnover and efficacy for wrinkles and acne. She recommended that I use a tiny pea size amount and mix it with my night cream. I started once or twice a week and now I am up to every other night. I can confirm it is the most powerful tool in my ageing war chest and my skin has never looked better since I started using it.
In addition to my prescription Tretinoin Cream I use a more gentle plant-based retinol serum from Oak Essentials once or twice a week (alternating with the Tretinoin depending on how dry my skin is).
If you are looking to combine a few of the serums above into one quick step, then I would try U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound cream. I have just started with this and it is a game changer. It combines all your antioxidant, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and brightening products in one. Because it is expensive, I started off with the smallest size (15ml for $88) and I am using it once or twice a week as needed in the evenings instead of my retinol.
Step 4 - Moisturize
I have several different types of facial moisturizers in my arsenal at all times. I also change my moisturizers from winter to summer as the humidity levels change.
AM Creams
For morning, I use this super hydrating barrier cream that locks in moisture all day:
Dermologica Skin Smoothing Cream (leaves me looking fresh and dewy all day)
U Beauty The Super Hydrator (same as above, but with even more moisture - leaves you looking like you have glass skin)
Mother Science Molecular Genesis Hydrating Cream (packed with hydrating ingredients like Malassezin, growth factors, peptides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid)
PM Creams
I am currently using 3 different night creams - all of them have different benefits and I alternate them depending on whether my skin needs more or less hydration.
Clarins Hydra-Essential Night Cream - this is an old school cream that my mom got me hooked on and now I can’t be without it. There is a noticeable difference in the hydration of my skin when I am using it regularly.
Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Facial Balm - this is their best selling product and one of the first they created. It’s also the reason I started trying their amazing clean products. I am on my third jar of this and will continue to re-order it until they discontinue it (please don’t!!) Packed with seed oils, it helps restore the skin’s barrier and aids in collagen production.
Tallow & Honey Balm from Based Supplies - I swear by this for high moisture on nights that I am dry from retinol and need a break I slather this on and wake up looking like I am 10 years younger. All clean and organic ingredients and no chemicals. For this price ($30) it doesn’t get much better or more natural.
Summer Fridays Jet lag Mask - more of a hydrating treatment than a cream. I take this on long haul flights with me but I also put it on in the evenings as a mini treatment for extra moisture.
NAD+ Treatments
I am also very curious about this new generation of creams coming out that contain NAD+ like Aramore NAD+ Cell Energizing Treatment Cream. I am seeing this all over social media as NAD+ is a real buzz word right now and could be a game changer for ageing skin and cell longevity. The brand was developed by Harvard scientists and claims the cream is:
‘designed to restore skin's vitality at the cellular level while you sleep. Infused with a proprietary NAD+ complex, this cream enhances cellular metabolism, combats visible signs of aging and defends against environmental stressors. You’ll wake up to deeply hydrated, firmer and more radiant skin.’
Drop me a message if you have tried this product as I am dying to know if it works as well as the reviews say it does!!
Facial Oils
Last but not least, facial oil…my favorite step before bed and something that not only soothes my skin but also helps me reset and feels like a real spa treat after a long day. Sometimes I use them alone, sometimes on top of my hydrating night cream once it has absorbed into my skin.
As I get older I have noticed that my skin is drier and I need something more than just a night cream. I find that using oils (for face and body) have dramatically helped my skin look more hydrated and ‘bouncier’ and have now incorporated oil into my nightly routine.
I have used all of these oils personally over the last year and would highly recommend them (they have also won various awards):
Oak Essentials Blue Tansy Ritual Oil (packed with vitamins, all natural & super hydrating).
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (a combination of essential fatty acids and seed oils makes this award-winning oil a great investment - skin is hydrated and glowing, fights fine lines and wrinkles).
Le Prunier Plum Facial Oil (smells delicious, full of anti-oxidants & superfoods, also brightens skin and helps restore skin barrier overnight - this is quite rich so a little goes a long way. I bought my first bottle over 6 months ago and it’s still going strong).
Step 5 - SPF SPF SPF
I said this in my email last week and it is worth repeating over and over because I WISH I had listened to my mum and done this from a younger age. I am now suffering from horrible melasma from my last 2 pregnancies and am vigilant with the facial sunscreen sometimes applying every 2 hours or at least every time I go outside.
You should pay extra attention to sunscreen in the mornings after you use any retinol or resurfacing products the night before.
Here are my top 3 tinted suncreams from last week, repeated for you again !!
I hope you found that helpful in some way - it has even made me want to purchase a few new things as I was researching (this always happens!!) Wishing you a restful week ahead. Next week is all about haircare and I will round out June (our ‘self care month’) with the body products I am loving including body scrubs, self tanners, lotions and perfumes. As always, drop me a message if there is something more specific you would like me to find or focus on for you - I love a product deep dive!
I will be away for the first 2 weeks of July and when I get back I am going to TRY moving to a subscription service for some of my larger, more time consuming newsletters. If you are enjoying Erin’s Edits consider upgrading to a paid subscription now to avoid the paywall next month. You can also support my work by purchasing products through the affiliate links in each newsletter. I appreciate you support, thank you for reading and being part of this community!