A couple of 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 many of the products mentioned. It’s really a maximum of 6 steps, and it’s quicker than it sounds.

The major thing I changed from my 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. Plus a healthy diet, exercise, yada yada, helps too.

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A.M. SKINCARE ROUTINE

Step 1: Clean skin with gentle exfoliating cleanser

Step 2: Spray on hydrating 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 (same as morning)

Step 2: Use Micellar water on a reusable round to remove any excess dirt or makeup

Step 3: Apply a few of drops of retinol serum all over face and neck

Step 4: Dab on eye cream

Step 5: Use a sleeping mask

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.

If I need more hydrating at night, I apply the Andalou 1000 Roses Day Cream before the sleeping mask.

WEEKLY MASKS

I always have this Goop Exfoliating Instant Facial stocked because it exfoliates my skin and makes it glow. I hope you’re noticing a pattern here with all the exfoliating—even the retinol exfoliates—but the keyword is gentle. So this is why I don’t have dry skin anymore and I don’t need heavy creams or facial oils, even on the harshest of winter days. Yes, this Goop mask is pricey, but getting one peel or facial is more. This is gentle enough for me to use every 2-3 days.

I still like the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, but sometimes I’ll switch it up with other masks. Currently, I’m using and liking Herbivore’s Pink Clay Exfoliating Floral Mask.

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There you have it. I know a few of the products are on the expensive side, but the Tata Harper cleanser and essence last 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.

Let me know your fave nontoxic skincare products in the comments below 🙂

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Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash