Over the years, I have written extensively about my skincare routine. While I do enjoy skincare, that’s not the reason I’m fixated on it. I have always had very sensitive skin, and over the years, it has only seemed to get worse. (If you have allergies of any kind, you’ll know this is pretty normal).

This year, I’ll turn 38. I can definitely feel and see the impact of entering “middle age.”

I am not interested in getting Botox for personal and practical reasons. The research that Botox reduces our capacity to feel our own emotions and respond to others’ emotions is very concerning from a relational and spiritual standpoint. And since I’m a pastor and friend to a lot of deaf people, being able to emote with my face is especially important.

But just because I’m not pursuing cosmetic procedures doesn’t mean I’m not vain. I still want to have well-cared for skin that has an even texture and doesn’t feel irritated.

Leah sits in front of a church bell tower wearing a faux fur hat and purple fluffy jacket and sunglasses

Here are my main skincare issues these days:

  • sensitive, reactive skin
  • dryness
  • congestion (blackheads and sebacious filaments)
  • fine lines

I have been using Tretinoin off and on for years, but after a weird skin thing involving red bumps and hives, I laid off of anything that has historically caused irritation issues. I was only using it about twice a week – which derms say can still be effective – but it wasn’t a major deal to stop using it.

The problem is, even with occasional Tretinoin use, I was getting more and more pore buildup, especially in my t-zone. And, of course, I was no longer getting the texture and anti-aging benefits.

So, I modified my nightime routine and now things are looking up. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

A Skincare Regimen for Sensitive, Congestion Prone Skin

This routine focuses on nighttime treatments for sensitivity, blackheads, and fine lines. Since starting it a month ago, it has considerably improved texture, especially on my forehead and chin, reduced blackheads on my nose, and virtually eliminated redness and irritation.

Evening Routine

Wash: Cerave Foaming Face Cleanser

For a time, I switched to Cerave’s oil cleanser, but it wasn’t removing makeup as well as I’d hoped. This is my tried and true for an evening cleanser and makeup remover. It’s best if you massage it into wet skin for at least 30 seconds.

Tone: Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner

I love that this toner has “stress” in the title. Yes, I would like to contribute anything wrong with my face to the stress of my job, thank you very much. This is a 2% salicylic acid treatment that is effective and better for sensitive skin than retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. It’s also shown to be very effective for blackheads.

Treat: Cetaphil Repairing Post-Acne Serum

This is a new product for Cetaphil (I think?) and it’s certainly a new product for me. The reason I bought it is because it has .5% Bakuchiol, which is a retinol alternative with similar clinical results for anti-aging to retinoids (though more research is needed).

I used a bakuchiol product in the past with good results. This serum also contains zinc, which is an anti-inflammatory. I have noticed visibly less irritation when I use this every night. It seems to be mildly drying/skin sloughing, but not in a bad way. I just use Trader Joe’s exfoliant once or twice a week.

Moisturize: Cetaphil Moisturing Cream + CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence

This is the best cream. Unscented and comes in a 20oz container. I add a pump of snail mucin essence for extra moisture, then apply it to my face and neck.

Extra Treatment: SW Basics Cream

I like to use this cream under my eyes, in my nose (to combat Flonase-induced dry nose), and on my lips and cuticles. I apply it right before bed.

Lip Treatment: Bag Balm

Love it for everything. I buy it for my friends every Christmas, too.

Leah sits at a table with her hands around a plastic cup wearing a navy tshirt

Morning Routine

Cetaphil Sensitive Face Wash + Cetaphil Lotion

Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Sun Rice + Probiotics

This is the best, but you have to buy the original Korean formulation. Anything you purchase from a US retailer, including Beauty of Joseon’s US website, will be a different sunscreen ingredient. I buy in bulk from Olive Green. News that Olive Green is getting a US site makes me a little worried they’ll change which formulation they sell.

My nighttime skincare regimen takes longer than my whole morning shower routine. But it’s worth it, and it’s become a nice little before-bed ritual. I like to think of it as part of my Rule of Life.