Welcome to Your Personalized Face Regimen
Your skincare routine is thoughtfully organized into morning and nighttime steps to help you achieve your best skin yet.
dry brush, give your skin a wake-up call
Bring life back to your face with a facial dry brush. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin, removes dead cells and stimulates blood circulation, promoting a brighter complexion. It helps unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and supports lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and inflammation. Additionally, it improves the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.
DE LA HEART The Facial Dry Brush
The key with this one is using gentle strokes as you move the brush along your face and neck. Spritz the brush with Hypochlorous Acid spray (recommended below) before use to ensure you’re protecting your face from any bacteria that might be on the brush.
Zen Me Dry Face Brush
Another great option, ethically sourced with medium-strength, all-natural boar bristles, makes it soft enough for sensitive skin yet firm enough to gently exfoliate, promote lymphatic drainage for detoxification, and stimulate collagen production.
cleansING SPRITZ
This is a ‘can’t live without’ product. It doesn’t dry out your skin and can be spritzed on your face or cellphone screen throughout the day to ensure you protect your face from bacteria. Formulated with Hypochlorous Acid, an ingredient naturally produced by the body’s immune system, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help defend your skin from harmful bacteria, reduce redness, and soothe irritation.
I use it religiously post-workout to refresh my skin and fight off bacteria. It’s also a must-have after microneedling procedures, helping to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing. Plus, it minimizes the risk of post-procedure breakouts.
SKINSMART Acne Facial Cleanser Spray:
Your Everyday Essential
With its generous size and multi-functional use, it’s a great bang for your buck. I personally rely on it to clean my dry brush in the morning, and it’s my go-to post-workout for refreshing my skin before heading home to wash my face.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
A staple in my purse and a true skincare savior, this travel-friendly spray offers the same benefits as the larger version, but in a compact size that's perfect for on-the-go use.
wash your face, then wash it again
Rule #1: Always wash your hands before washing your face. Starting with clean hands ensures you’re not transferring bacteria onto your skin.
When I began using the double-cleansing method, I noticed a significant reduction in breakouts. Double cleansing helps remove the day’s buildup—everything from makeup to environmental grime. If your morning routine gets away from you, make sure to double cleanse at night instead. There’s no need to splurge on a fancy face cleanser; a simple, effective formula will do the job beautifully.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
A tried-and-true product approved for post-surgical clients. It’s budget-friendly, comes in a generous size, and gets the job done without stripping your skin—there’s no need to splurge on a fancy face cleanser.
Anua Mild Double Cleanser Duo
This unscented, pleasant oil and foam cleanser combo is sold as a duo.
The cleansing oil is formulated with Heartleaf Extract, known for its soothing properties, and one of our favorite ingredients, Vitamin E. It’s eye-friendly and tested to ensure no stinging or irritation when used around the eyes.
The cleansing foam contains 3,000 parts per million of Heartleaf powder to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and clear impurities. This foam cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combination skin. Quercetinol, extracted from Heartleaf, helps calm the skin and reduce inflammation.
Infused with triple Hyaluronic Acid to prevent dryness after cleansing.
Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Formulated with Wintergreen Leaf Extract, a naturally sourced form of salicylic acid, it removes dry skin with minimal irritation. Quince helps tighten pores, while Camellia Extract offers natural sebum control. Lemon Balm enhances skin flexibility and moisture, and Orange Blossom adds a touch of luxury with its refreshing aroma.
This cleanser leaves your skin feeling incredibly clean without over-drying. The scent is so delightful, you might find yourself looking forward to washing your face again and again.
BYOMA Milky Oil Cleanser
An oil-based formula with ceramides and skin-identical lipids delivers barrier-strengthening actives to the skin. This Nourish-to-Milk cleanser easily melts away makeup and SPF. Moringa seed oil, olive fruit oil, and squalane soothe and hydrate, leaving your skin feeling bright and bouncy, with a deeply hydrated feel. Hypoallergenic, soap-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free.
Glossier Milky Jelly Gentle Gel Face Cleanser
A nourishing, pH-balanced cleanser that’s so gentle you can use it twice a day (or more) to dissolve oil, dirt, and makeup, all while keeping your skin conditioned and baby-soft.
Bon voyage to filthy face towels
Normal towels harbor bacteria and dirt, even after being washed. When you use a normal towel to dry your face, you are essentially transferring the towels bacteria onto your skin, which can lead to breakouts and other skin issues. Opt for disposable microfiber towels instead. Another game changing hack that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on. Also works as a replacement for toner pads.
Ourmed Life Face Towels, Disposable Biodegradable 100 Count
An affordable option—buy one pack to test out the theory before committing.
Winner Soft Face Towels - 100% USA Cotton Dry Wipes, 600 Count
Tissues made of natural cotton come in packs, and you'll be using a lot of these.
TONER, prep your SKIN for ultimate absorption
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
This lightweight, hydrating toner is formulated with 77% Houttuynia Cordata Extract, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
With a pH of 5.5, it closely aligns with your skin's natural pH, helping to maintain balance while delivering soothing hydration—making it a must-have for calm, nourished, and healthier-looking skin.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice
Hyaluronic Toner
This powerhouse toner is formulated with 2,000ppm of Korean black rice extract, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and brightening effects.
Enhanced with hyaluronic acid, it delivers intense hydration, while beta-glucan promotes skin cell regeneration for a visibly plumper, more radiant complexion—perfect for giving your skin a refreshed, dewy finish.
Mixsoon Master Soft Toner
with Centella Asiatica
This soothing toner is enriched with Centella Asiatica, a powerhouse ingredient known for calming irritated skin, reducing redness, and promoting wound healing.
Formulated with ceramides, which make up about 50% of the skin’s outer layer, it strengthens and repairs compromised barriers—making it perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Additionally, sodium hyaluronate, a deeply penetrating form of hyaluronic acid, attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering lasting hydration.
eye cream, no tugging allowed
Use your ring finger to apply eye cream, as it naturally forces a lighter, more delicate touch. Hormonal imbalance interrupt sleep worsening dark under-eye bags. It was challenging to find non-toxic formulations that proved effective in this product category here are the chosen few.
SUMMER FRIDAYS Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
This formula features a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C for brightening, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to relax fine lines, caffeine to de-puff, and our favorite multitasker, vitamin E, for added nourishment.
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème for Dark Circles
Formulated with a Triple Vitamin C Complex—3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Ascorbic Acid—for powerful brightening benefits. Banana powder-inspired pigments provide instant color correction, brightening, and concealing dark circles in one easy step.
super serum
Featuring Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, & Phloretin.
The Power Trio for Radiance and Protection
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C boosts collagen production, brightens the skin, and helps prevent wrinkles. It corrects pigmentation, reduces free radicals, and regenerates Vitamin E, protecting the skin from UVA and UVB damage. For maximum effectiveness, choose a product with 10-20% L-ascorbic acid in a dark, sealed bottle to prevent light and heat degradation.
Ferulic Acid
The ultimate stabilizer, Ferulic Acid enhances the effectiveness of Vitamins C and E, amplifying their benefits and extending their potency. By preventing oxidation, it ensures these vitamins stay active longer for consistent results.
Its antioxidant properties protect the skin from UV-induced damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. Ferulic Acid can also soothe redness and counterbalance irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin or those prone to tingling from Vitamin C.
Phloretin
Derived from apples and other plants, Phloretin is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and supports cell renewal. It blocks pathways that lead to excess melanin production, helping to prevent hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone—an essential for a radiant and balanced complexion.
SKINCEUTICALS Phloretin CF Serum
This powerhouse serum boasts one of the most comprehensive formulations on the market, featuring a patented blend of 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid. It also includes vitamin E, offering antioxidant protection without a sticky feel.
While the scent may not be luxurious, it’s mild and completely tolerable. Unlike the popular CE Ferulic Serum, Phloretin CF has no reported issues with breakouts, making it a must-try for those seeking effective, skin-friendly results.
Peptides are divas, but your skin loves their drama
Peptides signal your skin’s cells to produce collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins. They also prompt cells to produce fats, or "lipids," that help form the skin barrier. These lipids lock in moisture and protect the skin from irritants, keeping it smooth, hydrated, and resilient—strengthening the barrier and helping to prevent moisture loss. Peptides also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and supporting wound healing, making them great for sensitive or damaged skin.
Now for the drama: Peptides don’t play well with some ingredients. Mixing them with acidic ingredients like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid can reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, I don’t recommend using retinol and peptides together, as they may destabilize each other. For best results, use them at different times to allow each to function optimally without compromising the other. Peptides are typically stable and effective within a pH range of 4 to 7.
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Serum
A moisturizing, retinol-alternative serum designed for those wanting to visibly brighten their skin and soften the signs of aging. Unlike retinol, it won’t cause your skin to react to sunlight exposure, so it can be used during the day.
PCA Skin ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum
PCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a blend of peptides and hydrating emollients.
Timeless Skin Care Matrixyl Synthe’6 Serum
Contains a concentrated 2% of Matrixyl️ Synthe’6, a potent polypeptide that stimulates collagen production.
Glycerin: MOve Over Hylauronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is well-known for its hydrating powers, but it can also enhance the absorption of retinol and vitamin C—potentially causing irritation, especially if you have rosacea. If that’s the case, it’s time to steer clear.
Enter glycerin, a more effective alternative for deep skin hydration. As a powerful humectant, it attracts and locks in moisture, while its emollient properties soften and smooth the skin, delivering that coveted glass-skin effect.
Unlike HA, which has molecules too large to deeply penetrate the skin when applied topically, glycerin works more efficiently to hydrate from within. The result? Baby-soft, ultra-smooth skin that glows.
EXPERIMENT BEAUTY: Super Saturated
This striking blue gel packs a hydrating punch with 30% glycerin and other powerful humectants like polyglutamic acid, which holds up to 5,000 times its weight in water.
Calming bisabolol, derived from chamomile, soothes the skin, while prickly pear extract—rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid, polyphenols, and betalains—protects against oxidative damage and supports healthy cell turnover. The result? Intensely hydrated, calm, and radiant skin.
Moisturizer: Seal the deal
Moisturizers are essential for locking in hydration and adding a protective layer to your skin. The best part? You don’t need to break the bank to find an effective option.
For daytime, opt for a lightweight moisturizer, especially if you’re already using glycerin-rich products like the ones mentioned earlier—they provide plenty of hydration on their own. If your skin is oily, you might even skip this step, as glycerin can suffice.
At night, consider swapping your moisturizer for a nourishing facial oil to support your skin’s natural repair process while you sleep.
LA ROCHE-POSAY Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer is powered by prebiotic thermal water, rich in minerals that balance the skin’s microbiome and soothe sensitive skin.
Key ingredients include Ceramide-3, which supports the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss, Niacinamide to minimize the appearance of pores and reduce redness, and Glycerin to lock in hydration for long-lasting moisture. It’s a perfect choice for balanced, healthy-looking skin.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
A true cult classic, this rich, multi-tasking cream is a skincare staple. Formulated with soy proteins to enhance elasticity, hydration, and even skin tone, it also features shea butter and aloe vera for deep nourishment and soothing care.
Serving as both a moisturizer and makeup primer, it’s suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any routine.
DAY time ADD-ON
SPF =BFF
The sun ages you. Period. Protecting your skin from the sun is non-negotiable. Look for formulations that feature zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their main active ingredients—often labeled as mineral sunscreens.
These ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and UVA rays (the culprits behind wrinkles and premature aging). Unlike many sunscreens that focus solely on UVB protection, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer the comprehensive defense your skin deserves.
Iris&Romeo Mini Weekend
Skin SPF 50
Yes, it’s $50—but hear me out. Sephora offers a $25 travel-size tester, and trust me, this one’s worth the splurge. Think of it as skincare meets makeup.
This reef-safe formula combines time-release Vitamin C and 3% Niacinamide, making it a dual-action product for both protection and repair. Not only does it shield your skin with SPF 50, but it also enhances your glow, giving you that flawless, Instagram-filter effect..
Saie Sunvisor Radiant Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 35
Sunvisor is your ultimate multitasker: a serum, moisturizer, and SPF all in one. This 100% mineral sunscreen features non-nano Zinc Oxide SPF 35 for broad-spectrum protection.
With active levels of encapsulated Vitamin C, it brightens and protects, while a hint of sheer golden pearl leaves your skin radiant and glowing.
MdSolar Sciences MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 50
This multitasking mineral BB crème delivers sheer coverage with anti-aging benefits in a luxurious whipped texture. Its water-resistant, blendable formula perfects and protects, while the matte finish doubles as a primer for flawless makeup application.
night time ADD-ON
Strip away dead cells for fresh, even skin
Exfoliation with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) leaves your skin looking fresher, more radiant, and even-toned. These powerful acids work to diminish fine lines and wrinkles by improving the quality of elastin fibers and increasing collagen density in the dermis, helping to reverse deeper damage and sagging.
Common AHAs and BHAs include glycolic acid, ascorbic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoic acid. For significant results, products need a concentration of at least 8%. Over-the-counter options typically contain around 5%, while physician-prescribed products range between 20% and 30%, offering more dramatic benefits.
For deeper exfoliation, specialized equipment and professional treatments are required, available only in a doctor’s office.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
This formula combines 10% lactic acid for substantial exfoliation with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe the skin—a gentle yet effective way to achieve smoother, more radiant skin.
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Ideal for sensitive skin and beginners with chemical exfoliation, this formula features 10% mandelic acid, an AHA with a larger molecular size that makes it gentler on the skin. Hyaluronic acid is added to provide hydration, leaving the skin calm and refreshed.
vitamin E, Forever favorite
If I were stranded on a desert island and could bring only one beauty product, it would be Vitamin E. This multitasking miracle is soothing, healing, and deeply moisturizing. You can slather it all over your face without worrying about breakouts—it even tightens the skin.
The downside? It’s incredibly sticky, so be prepared to look like a bronze statue as you step out of the bathroom.
Bonus Perks for Smokers: Studies show that applying Vitamin E before exposure to cigarette smoke can nearly halve the free radicals produced, protecting your skin from damage.
When combined with Vitamin C, the duo offers superior sun damage protection and boosts skin-tightening effects. Vitamin E is also incredible for wound healing, and helps with acne.
Jason Maximum Strength Vitamin E Skin Oil 45000 IU
This ultra-potent Vitamin E oil deeply moisturizes and conditions the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with a blend of five essential oils, it tightens and rejuvenates while promoting healing.
Although sticky in texture, it’s best used at night and diluted with other oils for optimal application. Surprisingly, it won’t clog pores—in fact, it helps heal pimples and reduce breakouts, making it a true skincare multitasker.
Pomegranate seed oil: Nature’s best kepT secret
Rich in punic acid, pomegranate seed oil penetrates the deeper layers of the dermis to promote collagen production and stimulate the production of keratinocytes—the primary cells in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin. This protein strengthens the skin’s structure, resulting in a stronger, healthier outer layer.
While many skincare products use pomegranate seed extract, overprocessing can strip away its benefits. For maximum results, opt for pure, unrefined oil to harness its full potential.
PURA D’OR Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil
This 100% pure, cold-pressed, organic pomegranate seed oil is free from additives, fillers, and preservatives. The cold-pressing process preserves its natural antioxidants and fatty acids, ensuring maximum skin and hair benefits—4 oz of nourishing goodness in every bottle.
Organics Pressed Oil,
Pomegranate Seed Oil
This pure, unrefined pomegranate seed oil is cold-pressed to preserve its nutrient density and antioxidant-rich properties. Free from additives and preservatives, this 8 oz bottle provides natural nourishment for your skin and hair.
Naturevibe Botanicals
Pomegranate Seed Oil
A budget-friendly option with a generous 32 oz of pure, cold-pressed, unrefined pomegranate seed oil. High-quality and packed with skin-loving nutrients, it’s perfect for nourishing and rejuvenating your skin naturally.
vitamin a / Tretinoin — prescription grade required
Prescription-Grade Powerhouse
Tretinoin is the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. It thickens the epidermis, accelerates skin renewal, and replaces old cells with fresh, vibrant ones. Acting at a hormonal level, it activates specific genes and proteins in the skin, boosting collagen deposits in the dermis to reverse the thinning that comes with age.
Why We Love It: Tretinoin’s ability to rebuild and rejuvenate the skin is unmatched. However, due to its hormonal activity, it’s not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Consistency Is Key: To see results, you’ll need to use it regularly. Expect initial side effects such as redness, mild burning, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity—especially during the first three months. Full results can take up to six months, but the payoff is worth it.
Pro Tip: While over-the-counter retinol is a popular alternative, it’s significantly weaker—about 1/100th the strength of retinoic acid. Retinol is also highly unstable, degrading in the presence of light within minutes. For maximum impact, stick with prescription-grade Tretinoin for visible, long-term results.
Strategies to Minimize Skin Purging with Tretinoin
Start Slow: Apply a small amount only 1–2 times per week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
Buffering Technique: To reduce irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent purge breakouts, mix Tretinoin with a Vitamin E face oil before application.
Alternate Days: If daily use is too harsh, opt for every other day or a few times per week. This approach allows your skin to adapt without overwhelming it.
By easing into your Tretinoin routine, you can minimize discomfort and maximize results.
Apostrophe Prescription Grade Tretinoin
Apostrophe is a telemedicine skincare service that connects you with licensed dermatologists online, offering convenient access to prescription-grade skincare treatments. After a virtual consultation with a provider, you’ll receive prescription-strength Tretinoin delivered directly to your door.
Their formula pairs Tretinoin with a moisturizing lotion enriched with aloe and vitamin E, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and soothed while benefiting from this powerful anti-aging treatment.
tools — LED mask, space cadets with great skin
In the 1990s, NASA studied LED therapy for its ability to promote wound healing by stimulating cell growth. Today, LED masks harness this technology to address various skin concerns effectively.
When choosing an LED mask, ensure it is FDA-cleared for safety and effectiveness. Opt for masks that offer both blue and red light waves.
Here are my top recommendations that are FDA-cleared and provide two wavelengths of LED light.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite
FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
This FDA-cleared LED mask offers three modes: red light for anti-aging, blue light for acne, and a combination of both. Its rigid, hard-shell design ensures consistent light exposure, though it may feel less adaptable to some face shapes. With a recommended daily treatment of just three minutes, it effectively targets both wrinkles and acne simultaneously.
Omnilux CLEAR
This cutting-edge device combines red light therapy for anti-aging benefits with blue light therapy to effectively target acne. Clinical studies show up to a 70% reduction in acne lesions after just four weeks of twice-weekly use.
Its flexible, soft silicone design comfortably conforms to the face, accommodating various facial contours for a customized fit. Lightweight and travel-friendly, it’s perfect for use at home or on the go.
Omnilux recommends four 10-minute sessions per week (just 40 minutes total) for optimal results. Use the time to meditate, relax, or catch up on your favorite show—just don’t plan on reading with it on!
SCULPT, MOVE OVER MICHEALANGELO
Lymphatic drainage works wonders for your skin by boosting circulation and blood flow, removing toxins, and delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This process supports natural healing, promotes fresh cell production, and enhances your skin’s overall appearance.
The Glidelif Multi-Sculpt Wand
Ready to upgrade from traditional gua sha? The Glidelif Multi-Sculpt Wand offers a more efficient and effective option for lymphatic drainage and facial sculpting. While gua sha requires significant effort, focus, and precise manual movements, the wand’s innovative rotation technology does the work for you.
The best part? Its user-friendly design allows you to multitask—I love using it while soaking in the bath or watching TV. Faster results with minimal effort—what’s not to love?
Invest in beauty that pays dividends— At-Home Facial Device Delivering Spa-Quality Results
AGE-R Booster-H
Compact, handheld, and user-friendly, it delivers professional-grade results while you relax on the couch, in the tub, or anywhere you like. It’s gel-free, thanks to a skin-contact sensor, and offers five powerful modes, each adjustable from levels 1 to 5, with no treatment lasting longer than 10 minutes. Plus, with a long-lasting battery and automatic shut-off, it’s hassle-free and ready when you are.
Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Electroporation: Enhances product absorption by making cell membranes more permeable—your serums will finally sink in and work.
Microcurrent: Tones facial muscles by mimicking the body’s natural electrical currents.It’s ideal before Botox appointments, as microcurrent can reduce Botox and filler effects.
EMS: Stimulates muscle contractions to tone and sculpt, creating a firmer, more lifted look.
RF Microneedling: Uses micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines and tightening skin.
LED Therapy: Different light wavelengths penetrate at varying depths to address specific skin concerns.
Save your money for treatments that truly require a medical professional—those that involve precise micro-injuries to stimulate skin renewal. For everything else, this device delivers clinical-grade technology right at home, letting you skip traditional spa visits while still achieving advanced skincare results.