About 5-7 years ago…probably more…I started to really be thoughtful about my skin care routine. I spent some time researching skin care routines because most of my routine was based on what I thought was important in the media I was consuming (mostly magazines, websites). I never really took the time/energy to learn about the peculiarities about skin care other than use this and then do that.
i think the narrative around skin care is that it is a largely female-driven industry. True, we do spend more money there, however, I think male-identified folx also have skin last I checked. I think it’s always cute to see those posts titled “HE STOLE MY TONER?!”. Go on, King. Get your skin care on. It’s also worth investigating why products are trotted out promoting norms that are based in ideals of whiteness and flawlessness, not to mention Western ideations of what it means to be beautiful. I’ll save that for another time.
I’ll provide a list below for your consideration, but before we go there, three things:
know your skin type (lots of quizzes online, but more on that later)
know your skin care goals
what works for me may not work for you (see #1 and #2)
Knowing your type is essential to knowing what kinds of product you will want to invest in. Some products are very expensive but most are affordable, trust me. Regarding skin type: I would argue with anyone who said there was a ‘normal’ skin type suggesting that is one type to aspire to and that the rest are aberrations. sigh
At any rate, I want to recommend Asian Beauty (even if you’re not Asian!) on Reddit as a place that has supportive community reviews and feedback. There’s excellent resources on that page as well, and all are welcome there.
So here’s my walkthrough of the routine. Use at your own risk and please do consult with your derm/esthetician if you have any questions if a product is right for you! Links go to reddit for information on each step.
First Cleanser: Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
Second Cleanser: Rohto New Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Wash
Hydrating Toner Hadalabo JAPAN Skin Institute Gokujun premium hyaluronic solution 170mL
Emulsions (light, watery): Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, Nature Republic Aloe Vera,
Creams (typical moisturizer): Stratia Skin Liquid Gold
Some sleeping packs (heavy moisturizer): Embryolisse Lait Concentrée
Sunscreen Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence 2019 SPF50+ PA++++
More Advanced Steps
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 3.38 fl.oz
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30ml
MY BEAUTY DIARY-Black Pearl Brightening Facial Mask
Nature Republic Face Masks
Sleeping packs and occlusives Vaseline with Cocoa Butter
AHA The Ordinary Peeling Solution 30ml AHA 30% + BHA 2%
Vitamin C C+C Serum from Stratia
Retinoids Prescription from doctor
Facial oils NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi,Purpose Dry Oil, 3.3 Fl Oz
Last words of advice:
Drink lots of water
Always wear sunscreen: the enemy of your skin is UV rays! It will age you so fast and damage your skin, so prevent it by wearing sunscreen.
Change your pillowcases often
Stop touching your face! ;-)
If you’re feeling like going shopping, here’s my list on Amazon (no affiliate links!).