My Skin Care Routine is Really Boring
After years of testing the latest and greatest in skincare, I’ve learned that my own routine is surprisingly simple—and built around ingredients with a proven track record.
Solqa Media
Everywhere I go, at least one person asks me about skincare. What’s my favorite product? What am I using? What’s the best thing for [insert skin concern here]?
After more than 20 years of writing about beauty, I’ve tried enough products to fill several bathrooms. I’m constantly testing new cleansers, serums, creams, masks, and actives, and I love finding something that genuinely makes a difference.
But regular beauty routine is actually pretty boring.
There are so many products, ingredients, and technologies competing for our attention right now, and I’m certainly not immune to trying them. But when it comes to my own skin, I tend to favor the things that have been around for a while and have actually been shown to work. And those things aren't always the sexiest.
Take retinoids. I’ve used tretinoin in the past, and there’s nothing particularly glamorous about it. It’s downright medicinal. But retinoids have decades of research behind them and remain one of the most proven topical ingredients for addressing the visible signs of skin aging. And then there’s the moisturizer I put over it—a basic barrier cream that’s just there to seal it all in.
So, after years of testing skincare, here’s what my own routine looks like right now—and the tried-and-true categories I’ve found worth sticking with.
A Gentle Cleanser
I don’t ask much of my cleanser. I want it to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil, and whatever else has accumulated on my face without leaving my skin feeling tight or stripped. Since it’s only on my skin for a minute or two before I rinse it away, I’d rather save my money—and my active ingredients—for products that stay on my skin.
Currently using:Prequel Facial Gleanser, $18, a hydrating cleanser with glycerin.
A Hydrating Serum
This is the most flexible part of my routine. Right now, I’m using a hydrating serum immediately after cleansing, while my skin is still a little damp. I’ll also sometimes swap in an antioxidant serum in the morning, depending on what I’m testing.
I like a serum because this is where I can have a little fun. There are always interesting new formulas to try, but I don’t feel like I need to constantly chase the newest ingredient.
Currently using: Prequel Quench Serum, $28, with polyglutamic acid, glycerin, osmolytes and ectoin to hydrate, plump, and soothe skin.
A Retinoid
This is my heavy hitter. I’ve used prescription tretinoin in the past, and I’ve more recently been using retinal, which is the strongest of the over-the-counter retinoids with less irritation. While the products and strengths can vary, the reason I keep a retinoid in my routine is pretty simple: there’s a substantial body of research behind this category, and I’ve seen changes in my skin from it (especially with pigmentation).
Currently using:Celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Dual Cream, $30, a K-beauty treatment with retinal, Matrixyl, a peptide, and hydrating panthenol.
A Basic Barrier Cream
This might be the least exciting product in my routine—and one of the most important. After cleansing and using a retinoid, I want a moisturizer that helps keep my skin comfortable and supports the barrier while the retinoid does its thing.
Currently using:La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide, $26.
Sunscreen
There’s not much point in spending money on retinoids, antioxidants, and every other anti-aging ingredient under the sun if you’re not protecting your skin from UV exposure.
This is another category where I try a lot of products because I’m always looking for one that I actually enjoy wearing. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use generously and consistently.
Currently using:Isdin Eryfotona Actinic SPF 50, $46, a mineral sunscreen that also contains DNA repair enzymes to work on previous sun damage.
