MY SKIN CARE THROUGHOUT MY TEENS + TWENTIES
You know how there are people who love trying out new skin care products?
I am not that person.
No, in fact, it gives me anxiety to try new products. Back when I was in high school (a whopping decade ago), I had really problematic skin. Thankfully, I didn’t struggle too bad with acne (I was on birth control for most of high school, and then promptly got off it in university). But my skin was very easily irritated, and I often struggled with little bumps on my forehead, and under the skin hormonal acne around my period.
And my skin hated new products. I was always guaranteed to breakout or have a reaction. So I learned to stay clear. For years, especially when I really into clean beauty, my routine consisted only of a witch hazel toner and coconut oil. And then one day, the coconut oil started clogging my pores and I had to start looking elsewhere.
It’s taken me years to find brands that don’t irritate my skin, and that are still clean, so you’ll see I don’t like to branch out too much. I have dry skin, especially around my forehead and nose, and these products have really helped. I’ll also say that while diet makes such a big different in your skin, so does your environment and skincare. Living in Toronto, my skin always feels dry and dehydrated. I find when I leave and get out to the country, it rebalances a little more.
LATE TWENTIES + MY SKIN CARE JOURNEY
For a long time I felt I didn’t need much of a skin care routine: I avoided the sun, I ate a good diet. My skin was clear. It wasn’t until I started creeping closer to my thirties, that I noticed my skin would look more tired after a night out, or more dry come winter. I like to nourish from within, so I also take a daily omega-3 and collagen, and I definitely notice a difference when I do. But you also need to nourish your skin from the outside.
Since I had no idea where to start with building a routine—there’s so much to know!—I decided to get some help.
I joined The Green Belle’s TGB Club, where she educated about all things green beauty and skincare, and because of her, I branched out and got myself an AHA serum, and holy, what a difference it makes. If you have dry skin like me, I really recommend throwing an acid serum into your routine. Cause I’m shook. (You can check out TGB club, and learn all about green beauty + skin care, here.)
You’ll also notice that some of my skin care products are nothing fancy, and I know that The Ordinary is not a clean beauty brand. To that, I say I did the best I could with the budget I have. I invested in the products I felt made the most difference, and opt for clean skin care products whenever I can. I think this is an okay rule of thumb if you’re also trying something new.
A good skincare routine is one you can afford to keep up.
Depending on your skin care routine this may seem like a lot, or hardly anything. For me it feels robust enough. There’s still some things I’m looking to add (a retinol product, and I really want to try this peptide serum)—so if you have any suggestions, let me know!
MORNING ROUTINE
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and applied to the skin it can help boost collagen production in the skin, protect the skin from sun damage and lighten dark spots and pigmentation. Personally, I’m not sure if it’s something I really notice when I use it or not, but extra antioxidants is never a bad thing. I like to mix it with my hyaluronic acid in the morning and apply it to my face. Also, I love that this Sephora brand is clean and inexpensive.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B6
For me this product has been great at adding short-term moisture. At some point I’d like to upgrade to a green beauty product, but for now, it does the job! (And I don’t want to be wasteful.)
SPF Sunscreen
I couldn’t find the sunscreen I currently use to link, but that’s okay, because I’ve recently learned (thanks to TGB Club) that you should use a mineral sunscreen instead of a chemical one. I plan to finish mine, but after that, I think I’ll give Coola a try.
My OG moisturizer. I would be lost without this. Literally, when I travel it’s the only thing I need to bring with me. It’s great for dry, sensitive skin and it calms redness and inflammation. It’s not super hydrating, but for a light, daily moisturizer it’s a holy grail product I couldn’t live without.
Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist
This has been a new obsession lately. This is definitely a nice to have, not a necessity. I like to spray it on my face, to help my makeup settle without caking and to add moisture to my face. And in the heat, it feels so refreshing. I quite like this.
Luna Bronze Glow Tanning Moisturizer
So I never used to moisturize my body (I know, I know), until I got this. It’s actually a daily gradual tanner—clean beauty approved!—but it’s so hydrating. I also really like the smell. I use it to keep my weekly self-tanner lasting longer, but also, it just reminds me to take a second and moisturize. And who doesn’t love a glow? PS. You can use code TISHASGLOW15 to get 15% off your order!
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EVENING ROUTINE
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Remove Cleansing Balm
This is so lovely for taking off makeup—it makes it so easy as it literally melts away. I love this for days when I’ve got a full face on, and I need something heavy duty that’s still gentle on my skin. The only thing I don’t love, is that if you get it in your eyes, it clouds your vision. It’s not a deal breaker, but if you can, wash it fully off before opening your eyes.
Wildcraft Cleanse Makeup Remover
This acts as a second cleanser and a toner to grab any makeup I missed, and to also calm my skin. It has witch hazel, honey and chamomile. Another OG, I’ve been using this for over 5 years and have no plans to swap it out.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B6
Same one as I use in the morning! I like to combine it with one of the following:
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
This stuff is magic. I’m obsessed. It’s gentle on my skin, but powerful enough to hydrate my problem areas. I wake up and can immediately tell the difference. Ah, Farmacy, you’ve done it again.
TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Another AHA serum, this one is also really good for improving texture and overall skin complexion. I find it’s not as effective for dry skin, and if I use it too much I get small red spots the next day. But I do like that it shrinks my pores and evens out texture, so I usually use it about once a week.
Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Regenerating Facial Oil
In the winter, this feels so good. It’s really hydrating and has sea buckthorn oil and CoQ10 to support collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines. I will say a little goes a long way: whenever I get too excited, I find my skin tends to break out slightly. So 1-2 drops is more than plenty.
MASKS
Herbivore Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Glow Mask
I often use this in the shower, and I find it feels so good and refreshing. It improves texture, but its still very gentle. If you want a true exfoliator, you probably won’t like this, but I use it every couple of days and my skin always feels so happy after.
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask
I’m obsessed with this. Especially in the winter. It has a nice tingle, and it’s a little sticky from the honey, but it works. I find it to be very hydrating and soothing. My favourite masks always tend to have honey, so this is a no brainer for me.
SELF-TANNER
Luna Bronze Eclipse Tanning Mousse
I was never really into self-tanner until I tried this. It looks natural, I don’t mind the smell and it doesn’t contain the chemicals typically found in self-tanners. I like to apply this at night and sleep in it, and then wash it off in the morning. (You can read my full review here.) Use code TISHASGLOW15 for 15% off your order.
Let me know: what are you favourite skin care products? Leave a comment below! Also, make sure you join my weekly newsletter for the latest in nutrition, wellness + self-care!
With love,
[…] to what you’re putting on it (avoiding irritants and harsh chemicals). You can read my post My Current Green Beauty Skin Care Routine to find out which products I love and […]