So I am now about 1 full week into my new nighttime skin care routine, which is a Retin-A routine I do every single night! I guess with COVID-19, why not try something new now? I’m not wearing much makeup, so this break for my skin is well-timed. I have been using Retin-A on and off for about a year but was always scared off by the peeling and dryness. Turns out I was using too much and applying it too directly, which made my skin feel irritated and brittle. I have always battled acne, or what I’ve presumed is acne. But as I have gotten used to my skin, and have lived in it now for 30 years, I realize a lot of my acne was self-inflicted. I am a raging picker. And oh, did it cause a cycle of self skin-loathing! By picking, prodding, rubbing and squeezing my face, I would inflame the skin and cause breakouts - the opposite of what I wanted. Picking is the DEVIL! Now that I am 30, I really need to knock it off or I am going to end up with lasting scars and red-spots. So that is why I really started a new regimen, which I have been sticking with pretty well. what is the most inspiring is that I am already noticing some results. The small victories (!!) really confirmed that my skin needs love, not punishment.

One week in and I have already noticed a difference in my skin! My goals are to:

• reduce redness/inflammation

• shrink pores and prevent/reduce the bumps, blemishes on skin

• moisturize and heal

• erase fine lines, discolorations

So far, I have seen:

• slightly less redness

• less breakouts (!!!)

• calmer skin where it once was blotchy and discolored

• some scars are fading away

• slight peeling and dryness

My “full” nightly routine follows 6 steps. I cleanse with Clean N Clear cream cleanser, and really try to get all oil and impurities out of the skin. It is gentle, which I realized is something my skin really needs right now. I think that I’ve always subscribed to the idea that peels and exfoliants are best for my type of skin - but I am only now figuring out that it is actually really rough, and I need some recovery. The less suction, scrubbing, and rubbing, the better! Following the cream cleanser, I have been using this new makeup remover I found called Klorane. I find it to be super mild and soothing; it’s a floral water that goes perfectly on a cotton wipe. It’s amazing (and gross) to see what comes off even after a good cleanse! Even when I am not using makeup, I can tell that that gunk is coming off! I found this product in a BlueMercury sample pack - they always have the best stuff.

After cleansing, I take my Avene moisturizer and dab it (not rubbing) on my face. A gentle pat should do it. I pat it under eyes, cheeks, and the jawline. I usually use a less expensive moisturizer for my neck and decolletage when I remember - this stuff is too good so I try to really be conservative. If I am really feeling luxurious I may layer on some La Mer. After an initial “coat,” I add in the magic stuff - the Retin-A! It is a prescription so it is not available over-the-counter, but it is a typical Trentinoin 0.5%. I mix this into the moisturizer so it is a bit diluted and gentler on the face. It emulsifies into one “moisturizer” and I add that layer on to problem areas, which happen to be my cheeks, chin, and jawline. This step is a non-negotiable must!

At this point I am all hydrated up and ready for bed! But I really LOVE using my NuFace Mini while sitting in bed with Rosie, watching a show, or scrolling through Insta. I absolutely love this thing. I feel like it has a healing effect on my skin, and even helps bring life to areas like between the brows, edges of the lips, and jawline. I don’t buy the fancy serum that goes with it, so I use an inexpensive substitute like Neutrogena’s Hydroboost Moisturizer as a lubricant where I am applying the NuFace. On a good night, I will go for 10-15 minutes using it - but I think five is a more realistic minimum! There are some nights I don’t even remember to use it.

For my last step, right before my face hits the pillow, I love 3-4 spritzes of my Rose Geranium Facial Tonic from Evanhealy. I call it my Rosewater. It smells divine and is just SO calming! It is the perfect sensation to experience right before bed. It refreshes and cools the face, adds another dash of moisture, and makes me feel so refreshed. It tops off my routine with a delicate mist, and I feel so lovely!

On top of this, there are some other things I am really trying my best to do to keep my skin happy. I am going on walks every day (4-5 times/week) which helps me get a little bit of Vitamin D. I also realize - tragically - that cheese/dairy consumption is kinda related to my breakouts. When I eat a lot of cheese, from charcuterie or nachos, I am asking for a breakout. So, yeah. That is kinda terrible. Eating in general really directly impacts the skin - so just trying to eat veggies and fruits, etc. is the best. AND lastly, not touching my face! Which is so so hard! If I had a dollar for every time I touched my face, I would be sitting in a private jet, cash flying everywhere, on my way to my Italian villa.