The Skincare Routine That Has Changed My Skin

Reading Time: 11 minutesToday, I am really excited to be partnering with Nature Collection to share with you my updated anti-aging skincare routine. This routine has really changed my skin and I am so thrilled with the results I’ve been seeing. This post is sponsored, however, everything expressed is 100% my own experience.    Last year, I decided to go off of hormonal birth control – and you guys, it had a MAJOR impact on my skin. Suddenly the days of blemish-free skin felt like a distant memory. My skin had officially become problematic: acne-prone, dry, irritable, and uncomfortable. I wasn’t loving it.  Then, during our amazing honeymoon in Greece (read more about our time in Rhodes and Symi!) I got my very first (and very unwelcome) sunspot. I had been using sunscreen religiously like I always do, but it still happened. Between the constant sun and the heatwave going on, my skin really didn’t stand a chance.  Since then, I’ve been trying different products and experimenting to find what works best for my new and more challenging skin type. While there are a ton of great products out there, it can be difficult to find what works best for your skin – especially when it changes so drastically in such a short amount of time. Over the last 6 weeks though, I have been testing a few new Dr. Belmeur products and I am happy to report that my skin has been better than ever. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself – but I think I may be near saying goodbye to breakouts and severely dry skin – hallelujah!   

The Skincare Routine That Has Changed My Skin!

So first of all, let’s check out these before photos:

  As you can see, my skin was somewhat bumpy, dry, flaky, and I was experiencing a mild breakout on my cheeks and chin. It wasn’t terrible, but it did feel pretty uncomfortable and I felt like I was always dealing with multiple blemishes as well as random dry patches and redness.   

 

Here is my skin now!

Now, my skin is much smoother, less bumpy, and I don’t have as much redness overall. It’s no longer dry or uncomfortable, and I am pretty much blemish-free.     

So… What have I changed in my skincare routine?

I’ve added 3 new Dr. Belmeur products into my skincare line. Years ago, I tried out the Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Skincare Collection and I loved that line as well (I swear, Dr. Belmeur just has great products!) and so when the Nature Collection team reached out for my to try these new products out I was really excited. First of all, I love mists. Second, I love Dr. Belmeur’s moisturizers. And third, I have been on the hunt for a super gentle exfoliant like the Dr.Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum for a while.       

Let’s Talk About the New Additions to My Skincare Routine! 

 

Dr. Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum

The Dr.Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum is an exfoliating serum that aims to brighten up dull-looking skin while also hydrating it so that your skin will have a smoother and healthier appearance.  This serum is made with an amino acid known as “serine” which is derived from vitamin C and is known to moisturize the skin while also improving the texture of the skin. In addition, this serum has hyaluronic acid which also helps your skin achieve a more plump and youthful appearance.  This serum has a very light citrus scent which disappears as it’s blended into the skin.     

Dr.Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum Ingredients: 

water/eau. dipropylene glycol, glycerin, niacinamide*, 1,2-hexanediol, panthenol*, butylene glycol, methyl gluceth-20, propanediol, serine, hydrogenated lecithin, ceramide np, cholesterol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane, glucose, sodium hyaluronate, cetaryl alcohol, steric aicd, sclerotium gum, ascorbyl glucoside*, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, arachidyl glucoside, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, phytosteryl/isostearyl/cetyl/stearyl/behenyl dimer dilnoleate, butyrospermum parkii(shea)butter, carbomer, xantan gum, cinnamomum camphora(camphor)bark oil, listea cubeba friut oil, oiganum majorana leaf oil, cymbopogon martini oil, citrus aurantium dulcis(orange) flower oil, citurs aurantium bergamia(bergamot) fruit oil, dimethicone, cylopentasiloxane, triethylhexanoin, tromethamine, trisodium edta      

Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream

The next product I’ve added into my routine is the Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream! This cream is a very gentle moisturizer which is great for sensitive skin types. It aims to soothe sensitive skin and moisturize it so that you can be free of the discomfort of dry irritated skin.  The moisturizer itself is a gel-cream formula that makes it really lightweight yet moisturizing on the skin. Its light citrus scent is bright and refreshing without being overpowering.   

 

Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream Ingredients: 

water/eau,glycerin, cyclohexasiloxane, propanedior, polyglyceryl-4 carprate, 1,2-hexanediol, hydrogenated polydecene, cetyl palmitate, hydrogenated olive oil stearyl esters, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sorbitan stearate, panthenol, madecassoside*, sodium hyalurovate, hydrolyzed acid, centella asisatica leaf extranct*, beta-glucan, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, isohexadecane, squalane, tridecyl stearate, butylene glycol, tridecyl trimellitate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, jojoba esters, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, tromethamine, dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate, hydrogenated oilve oil unsaponifiables, trisodium edta, tocopherol, cinnamomum camphora(camphor)bark oil, litsea cubeba fruit oil, citurs aurantium, bergamia(bergamot)fruit oil, origanum majorana leaf oil, cymbopogon marini oil, citrus auratium dulcis(orange) flower oil, citral, limonene, linalool    

Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist

The final new product in my skincare routine is the Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist. This mist is so beautifully fine that it really is just like a soft veil when its sprayed over the face. It’s light and refreshing and super soothing on dry skin.  While I tend to use this product mainly in the morning, you can really use it whenever – during your morning or evening skincare routine, or simply for a midday refresh.   

Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist Ingredients:

water/eau, propandediol, butylene glycol, glycerin, betaine, trehalose, cyclomethicone, panthenol, 1,2hexanediol, alanyl glutamine, hydrogenated lecithin, centella asiatica leaf extract, madecassoside, ethylhexylglycerin, sodiumcitrate, citric acide, caprylyl glycol, acethyl hexapeptide-8*, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, thrisodium edta, alcohol             

My Skincare Routine: The Best Skincare Routine for Your Late 20s

Now that we’ve talked about the products a bit, let’s get into my actual skincare routine – start to finish!  My skincare routine is really all about targetting those pesky signs of aging while also balancing some of the newer challenges (ugh, blemishes) that my skin has experienced over the last year. While I’m not really someone who is scared of getting older or having wrinkles (in fact, I think some wrinkles are really beautiful – like the smile lines around peoples eyes), I do want to ensure that I age gracefully and that I care for my skin in all ways possible – from removing dirt, grime, and makeup, to using products that target unwanted fine lines and wrinkles, and also protecting my skin against harmful outside influences like pollution and the sun.   

 

 

My Morning Skincare Routine:

Cleanser: Vichy Normaderm Anti-acne Purifying Gel Cleanser

My first step in my morning skincare routine is a cleanser. For years now I’ve been using the Vichy Normaderm Cleanser and I’ve always loved it as the first step to my skincare routine. The formula includes Salicylic Acid which is a great ingredient for preventing acne. While it targets acne, breakouts, and pores it also helps with dry skin which is really unique. Most acne-fighting products out there strip the skin down which makes it dry, but the Vichy Normaderm Anti-acne Purifying Gel Cleanser somehow manages to strike a balance between fighting acne and maintaining healthy moisturized skin.   

Toner: FRESH Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

Next, I like to use a toner. For the last few months, I’ve been using the FRESH Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner and I’ve really been liking how it makes my skin look and feel. The FRESH Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner is great for all skin types and because it has hyaluronic in it, it’s a great choice for those looking for a product that will instantly give their skin a more plump and hydrated look.  I really love how my skin looks super soft and moisturized right after using this toner.   

Moisturizer: Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream

To make sure my skin is nice and moisturized for the day, I like to then go in with the Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream. I cannot say it enough, I ADORE this moisturizer. It’s light, moisturizing, and instantly makes my skin look so glowy and healthy. I really can’t get enough of it. While I find some moisturizers too heavy to use in the morning (because I feel like they make my skin feel too heavy/tacky), this moisturizer seems to deeply moisturize my skin without leaving any sticky residue. It’s light gel-like formula has a lovely cooling sensation and light citrus smell when first applied.   

Mist: Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist

Next, I like to go in with a refreshing morning mist. The Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist is such a beautiful mist and I absolutely love using it each and every day.  The Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist is super fin and delicate which makes it a great mist to apply both before and even after you apply your makeup as it won’t cause droplets to ruin your makeup.  Since my skin is somewhat combination now but with a tendency to be drier, I like the Dr.Belmeur Cica Peptite Intense Mist as a final step to ensuring my skin is moisturized and prepped for the day ahead.   

Eye Cream: FARMACY Cheer Up Brightening Vitamin C Eye Cream with Acerola Cherry

After moisturizing, I like to go in with an eye cream. When I was younger, I never used to apply eye creams in the morning and now I can’t imagine my routine without this step. The FARMACY Cheer Up Brightening Vitamin C Eye Cream with Acerola Cherry targets fine lines, dryness, and dark circles and I really do find that it helps make my eyes look instantly brighter and smoother. It has a really nice slip to it as well so when you’re applying it you won’t find yourself pulling at the skin on your eye to blend the product in.  Like the Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream, this eye cream has a gel-like cream texture to it which makes it really light and yet super moisturizing.   

SPF: Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

The final step in my skincare routine is SPF. One super important step a lot of people neglect in the morning skincare routines is suncare. I always like to finish my skincare routine by applying a great sunscreen and for the last while I’ve been using the Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.  The Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 has a slight tint to it which I really like. On days when I forgo makeup, I like that this just gives a slight blurring effect to the skin while also protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.         

Nighttime Skincare Routine:

Makeup Remover: Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

At the end of a long day, I really cannot wait to take off my makeup. I love makeup, but after hours of wearing it (especially under the hot sun!), I just want to get it off my skin and start my refreshing skincare routine.  The makeup remover I’ve been using lately is the Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. I really love this balm because of how effective it is at removing makeup. Its texture is super soft and buttery, it has a lovely scent, and it really does just melt away your makeup.  I typically just take a small dime size amount of the cleansing balm and then gently apply it to my skin. When you first get the product out of the tub, it will appear like a solid but as you apply it to your skin and massage it over your face it’ll turn into more of a liquid/oil. Then, I take a damp cloth and remove the balm and makeup.   

Cleanser: Vichy Normaderm Anti-acne Purifying Gel Cleanser

After removing my makeup, I like to follow up with my Vichy Normaderm Anti-acne Purifying Gel Cleanser again to remove the leftover oil/makeup on my skin.   

Toner: FRESH Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

Again, after cleansing my skin I like to go in with my FRESH Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner. My nighttime skincare routine is all about moisturizing my skin so that its smooth and soft and this toner is just another great product for adding hydration back into the skin.   

Serum: Dr.Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum

Next, I like to use the Dr.Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum. This serum is such a “holy grail” product for me because I really do feel like it’s made such a difference in my skin.  The cool thing about this product is that it’s a gentle exfoliant. This serum has “serine” in it which is an amino acid with peeling effects, so it acts similarly to an AHA/BHA/PHA but is gentle enough that you can use it daily.  Since my skin has been so sensitive this last year, I’m really excited to have finally found a product that exfoliates my skin without irritating it. It really seems to target any flakey or dry spots while I sleep so that I wake up with smooth renewed looking skin.  In addition, I have also found that the Dr.Belmeur Vita Serine Tone Smoothing Serum has lightened my sunspot somewhat which is also really exciting for me. I was pretty upset when my sunspot showed up last year during our honeymoon in Greece and until now I hadn’t found anyone product that had really helped lighten it. I’m so excited about this product and how it’s really impacted my skin in such a massively positive way.   

Moisturizer/Oil: Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream and The Ordinary Rose Hip Oil

You know the saying: If you’re not going to bed looking like a glazed doughnut, you’re not skin-caring right! And you know what, it’s true. By the time I am hitting the hay, my skin looks like I just poured water all over it – but it’s not water, it’s effective anti-aging, moisturizing, and smoothing skincare! At night, I like to really layer on my moisturizing products. Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream and The Ordinary’s Rose Hip Oil has been my go-to combo for the last 6 weeks as it has really made my skin feel so moisturized, soft, and healthy.  As I mentioned before, the Dr.Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream is light feeling on the skin yet provides that deeply moisturized feeling as it absorbs in.  Then The Ordinary’s Rose Hip Oil adds another layer of moisturization that makes the skin have a slightly more oiled feeling to it. This combo would probably be too heavy (in my opinion) for the morning, but letting it sit on my skin while I snooze ensures that I wake up with super soft and moisturized skin.  To really press these two products into the skin, I like to first blend it out with my fingertips and then follow up with my jade roller. I love this process because it really pushes the products into the skin while also giving my skin a nice relaxation spa-like facial massage.   

Eye Cream: Murad Resurgence Renewing Eye Cream

The final step before I can head to bed is eye care. In the morning, I like to use the lighter FARMACY Cheer Up Brightening Vitamin C Eye Cream with Acerola Cherry, but in the evening I go in with a heavier and richer eye cream, the Murad Resurgence Renewing Eye Cream.  I got my first Murad Resurgence Renewing Eye Cream in a FabFitFun box and I’ve been pretty much obsessed with it ever since. It is a super creamy and luxurious feeling which makes it a real treat. While it’s absolutely on the pricey side, for me it’s been one of the most effective eye creams I’ve ever used. It really makes the skin around the eyes look so much smoother and I’ve found that it’s really helped target the look of my fine lines.