As the end of the year approaches, I have decided to take a look at the workhorse items in both my closet and my toiletry bag. This is the second installment.
Similar to the trend of counting your “empties,” inventorying the stuff that really works is a way to reduce overconsumption. It’s a way to remind yourself that the thing you have been using is not only adequate to the task, but preferred.
Many of these items have had major staying power in my skincare routine. I can tell because I have posted about my skincare routine several times over the years.
Just a note: I have very sensitive, dry skin and live in a place that isn’t as humid as I’m used to having spent most of my life on the east coast (now I live in Austin, TX). I use intense moisture products year-round.
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Face Wash
Morning: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
I’ve been using this since high school and there’s no reason to stop. It doesn’t remove makeup very well, but it is exceedingly gentle and doesn’t strip the skin of moisture, which makes it perfect for morning use.
Night: Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
This cleanser removes makeup really well without feeling overly drying (I wouldn’t call it hydrating, though). I like to work of a gentle lather for 30 seconds to ensure that all my makeup melts off. It’s gentle enough to use for eye makeup removal, too.
Treatment
Night: Tretinoin
I use prescription tretinoin very sparingly (normally twice a week) to help with cell turnover as my skin ages. I apply after nighttime skincare, then layer SW Basics cream on my undereyes. Even with these modifications, I have noticed an improvement to my skin texture.
Night: Trader Joe’s Microdermabrasion Scrub
For some reason, I got it in my head that I wanted a really good, old school physical exfoliant and decided to look for one at Trader Joe’s. And there it was! I use this once or twice a week on nights I’m not using Tretinoin. If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend using a physical exfoliant rather than a chemical one.
Moisturizer
Night: COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence
This serum is extremely moisturizing without being too thick. I add a pump and a half to my night cream. It has definitely made my skin softer and more supple over time.
Morning: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
I’ve also been using this since forever and will continue forever. Just a simple moisturizer that’s not too greasy and is just the right thickness for morning application. I use it as a face and body moisturizer every morning.
Night: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Just as good as the moisturizing lotion, but thicker. I wake up with perfectly moisturized skin after applying it before bed.
Sunscreen
Face: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (Korean version)
This has changed my life, seriously. Gone are the days of itchy, burning skin from chemical sunscreen and irritation from thick mineral suncreen. This formulation uses a newer chemical sunscreen that I’m not allergic to.
But the catch is you have to buy it from a reputable seller of the Korean formulation. Which, these days, means you will probably have to buy it from a store located outside the US. I recommend the online store, Olive Young (Check the most recent tarriff information).
Body: Elta MD UV Clear
I still use this sensitive skin friendly sunscreen for my body. It makes me itchy when I use it on my face.
Extras
Night: SW Basics Cream
I tried to switch to Vaseline when SW Basics temporarily quit production, but it just didn’t cut it. This cream has only three ingredients and it doesn’t seem like it should work as well as it does. But it really is the best for undereyes and other places where you need intense moisture. I layer it over other lotions.
Whenever: Bag Balm
I picked up gift packs of these mini bag balms at TJ Maxx a few years ago and handed them out to my coworkers. Everyone raved. I love this stuff and use it as a lip balm every night. It’s also good for dry skin, scratches, and other skin irritation.
Humidifier
We started using a humidifer during Connecticut winters to deal with the dry skin and nosebleeds from using the heater. I still use one every night by the bed and we’ve got a humidifer in the living room, too. It prevents dry skin irritation. Just make sure to use distilled water for your own safety!
