What seemed to come naturally to other people – watching YouTube tutorials, researching products, spending more than five minutes on their face – felt overwhelming to me. When 12-step skincare routines were popular a few years back, I saw it as confirmation that I was just inept at doing the thing every other woman does without thinking and doomed to have dry, acne-prone skin forever.
Eventually, through trial and error (and talking to many dermatologists), I was able to find a simple skincare routine that I could stick to without fail. Because I’m consistent, the products actually work – and have led to the smoothest, clearest skin I’ve ever had.
How to protect your skin from UV rays and sun damage on flights
How to protect your skin from UV rays and sun damage on flights
I go through three quick steps every morning and night
Morning routine
I start by cleansing my face with The Rice Wash from Tatcha, which also hydrates. Next, I apply the Matter of Fact vitamin C serum, which has a cult following and is one of the most shelf-stable vitamin C sera out there. Finally, I put on the EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen, which doesn’t leave a white cast or make my skin greasy.
Night routine
In the evening, I cleanse my face with Tatcha’s The Rice Wash again. This is optional, but I often use Bioderma micellar water and a cotton pad to remove make-up because I find it more effective than make-up wipes.
I apply Farmacy retinol serum every three days to avoid irritation. Then I put on Cetaphil moisturiser because it’s cheap and I can use it on my face and body. These specific products are what I’ve found works for my skin, but the general principles of cleansing, vitamin C, sunscreen, retinol and moisturising can work for anyone.
Why Ariana Grande stopped getting Botox and lip fillers
Why Ariana Grande stopped getting Botox and lip fillers
This simple routine also saves me money. Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars on products I might only use a few times before throwing away, I only buy what I absolutely need.
I’ve learned not to obsess over rogue pimples or fine lines
Even though my skin looks the best it ever has, I know it’s not perfect by everyone’s standards. As a woman over 30, I have fine lines and dark circles. I also still get the occasional zit or two around my period.
Lip products 101: 8 make-up and skincare basics for the perfect pout
Lip products 101: 8 make-up and skincare basics for the perfect pout
But I’ve learned to accept these small blemishes, instead of stacking my natural face against a stranger’s selfies that are most definitely filtered anyway. I’m sure hyaluronic acid could smooth my skin even more and the right eye cream might work wonders, but over the years I’ve found that the more I fixate on my “flaws”, the more products I buy and the more discouraged I get. Eventually, my skincare routine once again becomes elusive and inaccessible.
So, I’m sticking to what works and trying to let go of the inner chatter that tells me I need another serum. Maybe I’m a lazy girl, or maybe I’m a tired woman who’s lived through enough rapidly changing beauty standards to know good skin when I feel it.