Dermatologist-Approved: My Current Morning & Night Skincare Routine
Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanser - Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser
This is my current morning go-to. It’s a gel-based cleanser that purifies without stripping, thanks to its botanical-heavy formula and gentle exfoliation.
Notable Ingredients:
Salicylic acid: a beta hydroxy acid that helps unclog pores
Yogurt + Sweet Almond Milk: probiotic-rich and moisturizing
Willow Bark, Cucumber, and Tea Tree Oil: help clarify and calm
Biocomplex2™: a powerhouse blend of antioxidants including acai, camu camu, carrot, and CoQ10
Why I Use It:
It’s designed for breakout-prone skin, but still feels hydrating and soothing-perfect for morning when my skin’s a little more reactive. Bonus: it smells like a spa smoothie.
Step 2: Mist - Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hyaluronic Acid Mist
One of my favorite Korean pharmacy finds. Delivers fine-particle hydration and layers beautifully under serums.
Star Ingredient:
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid: actually penetrates the epidermis instead of sitting on top
Step 3: Antioxidant - SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
If you know, you know. This is the vitamin C gold standard.
Notable Ingredients:
15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C): brightens and protects
1% alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and 0.5% ferulic acid: stabilize vitamin C and improve antioxidant efficacy
My Take:
Smells like hot dog water. Works like magic. Don’t argue with results.
Step 4: Recovery Serum - Eminence Cornflower Recovery Serum
This is where I get serious about calming and restoring my barrier.
Notable Ingredients:
Gotu Kola, Calendula, and St. John’s Wort: soothing botanical extracts
Rosehip Extract + Rosehip Seed Oil: vitamin A-rich oils that nourish
Peppermint Leaf + Star Anise Extract: slight cooling and anti-inflammatory
Provitamin B5 + Vitamin E: skin repair staples
Biocomplex2™ again: because we love a theme
Why I Use It:
It’s light, botanical, and soothing especially when paired with actives like CE Ferulic. It helps buffer any irritation without weighing me down.
Step 5: Moisturizer - Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Okay, this might be a bit of a hot take for daytime use. But here’s the deal…I ran out of my beloved Avène Tolerance Cream and I haven’t restocked yet, so we’re improvising.
Notable Ingredients:
Zinc oxide + Zinc sulfate: antibacterial and healing
Sucralfate + Copper sulfate: support skin regeneration
Aquaphilus dolomiae ferment filtrate: Avene’s signature postbiotic
Mineral oil + microcrystalline wax: yes, it’s occlusive but if you’re barrier-compromised or dry? Heaven. NOT MY FAVORITE, but I’m making od.
Is It For Everyone?
No!!! It’s thick. But right now, it’s saving my skin from springtime sensitivity and late-night heater abuse.
Step 6: Sunscreen - EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
This is non-negotiable.
Key Ingredients:
Zinc oxide 9.0%: mineral UV protection
Niacinamide: calming and brightening
Sodium hyaluronate: hydration without heaviness
Why I Love It:
No white cast. No pilling. No breakouts. Just pure, protective perfection.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
Step 1: First Cleanse - Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
I just reordered this after cheating with the e.l.f. cleansing balm for a while. The e.l.f. one works, but this is luxury.
Key Ingredients:
Moringa seed oil: antioxidant-rich and deeply cleansing
Grapeseed and sweet almond oil: moisturize while removing makeup
Wild sea fennel + Vitamin E: detoxify and nourish
Pro Tip:
Apply dry, massage, emulsify with water, and rinse. Instant facial.
Step 2: Second Cleanse - CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Simple and effective.
Ingredients to love:
Ceramides + Hyaluronic acid + Glycerin: hydrate and restore barrier
No fragrance, no foaming agents: ideal post-makeup, post-balm
Step 3: Retinoid - [Altreno or Tretinoin 0.05%]
Only ever on bone-dry skin. I rotate depending on how my skin feels.
Why wait after cleansing? Applying on damp skin can increase irritation.
Bonus: Altreno contains hyaluronic acid and collagen-friendly emollients to buffer irritation.
Step 4: Treatment Serum - VT Reedle Shot
K-beauty’s sneaky best kept secret.
Key Ingredients:
Spicules (reedles): physical micro-stimulators derived from marine sponges
Panthenol + Peptides: soothe and rebuild
How It Feels: Slight tingle. Visible glow.
Step 5: Growth Factor Serum - ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
Lightweight and silky with serious firming vibes.
Key Ingredients:
Synthetic growth factors + beta-glucan: boost collagen and skin repair
Disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate: supports wound healing and elasticity
Step 6: Moisturizer/Occlusive - [Avène Cicalfate+ again]
Still out of my PDRN ampoule (pain), so I’m sealing it all in with Cicalfate.
Not ideal for acne-prone nights, but a life-saver when my skin is dry or retinoid-tender.
Coming Soon: My Weekly Add-Ons
Think masks, exfoliants, and once-a-week treatments I rotate in based on what my skin is craving.