Updated April 2021

A few years ago, I shared a green beauty version of the 10-step Korean skincare routine. While I never did the 10 steps every single day, I still use some of the products mentioned. My routine is more simple these days.

The major thing I changed from my former routine is cut out facial oils and heavy creams on the advice of my dermatologist. Since I have somewhat sensitive combination skin, she recommends only using products that are liquid or gel-like in texture to prevent breakouts and clogging pores. Facial oils might be fine for you depending on your skin type, but this is what’s been working for me. This routine keeps my skin in top condition—no breakouts, irritation, nor dryness.

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A.M. SKINCARE ROUTINE

Step 1: Clean skin with gentle exfoliating cleanser

Step 2: Dab on essence

Step 3: Apply vitamin C serum

Step 4: Dab on eye cream

Step 5: Apply day cream

Step 6: Apply sunscreen

Notes: The Schaf Revitalizing Serum has vitamin C along with a bunch of other stuff. For those on a budget, check out the more affordable vitamin C serums I’ve used in the past.

The Supergoop! SPF 50 Setting Spray is not a mineral sunscreen, but it has no parabens, synthetic fragrance, or oxybenzone, so it’s cleaner than other chemical sunscreens. I don’t spray this directly onto my face to avoid inhaling the chemicals, so I spray it into one palm first and pat it onto my skin.

P.M. SKINCARE ROUTINE

Step 1: Clean skin with gentle exfoliating cleanser

Step 2: Use witch hazel as toner on a reusable round to remove any excess dirt or makeup

Step 3: Dab on essence

Step 4: Apply a few of drops of retinol serum all over face and neck

Step 5: Dab on eye cream

Step 6: Use a sleeping mask (during the summer, I just use the day cream since it’s lighter.)

Notes: I was tired of spending a fortune on retinol serums, so I found this $10 one that’s top rated on Amazon. Retinol can be dry or irritating for some people, so be sure to test it on a small patch of your skin first. Only use it at night because can make the skin photosensitive under sunlight.

WEEKLY MASKS

I always have this GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator stocked. I hope you’re noticing a pattern here with all the exfoliating—even the retinol exfoliates—but the keyword is gentle.

I also use some kind of clay mask weekly to clear out pores. Right now, I’m liking this Innisfree Pore Cleaning Clay Mask.

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There you have it. A few of the products are on the expensive side, but the Tata Harper cleanser lasts at least six months for me. The other products are mostly affordable yet effective. Andalou Naturals is particularly accessible, available in many health food stores, so I recommend checking out more of their products in you’re on a budget. For more affordable skincare, check out 11 Nontoxic Skincare Products Under $19.

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Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash