2020 was a good year for my skin. I’m not 100% sure what’s to thank for this success but I do know I spent a lot of time learning about different ingredients and sticking to more of a schedule with the products I use. Plus, I’m sure it helped that I wore makeup less often. I feel like I have a good routine down that I’ve brought with me into 2021, so I wanted to share my current skincare favorites with you!
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I currently use both high-end and drugstore products. I tend to go in phases with this but, lately, I prefer to use drugstore products if I can find something that works well, as a way to save money. Regardless of the price, I look for products without fragrance and known irritants because I’ve had skin sensitivity in the past.
I shared this website before, but it’s so helpful for me, so I’ll share it again! I use Beautypedia reviews as well as recommendations from my dermatologist when I choose brands and products to try. Beautypedia shares ingredients that can cause irritation and recommendations based on how well products work.
One last thing before I share my skincare favorites, I have combo-oily skin. Keep that in mind if you have a different skin type. However, most of these products work for multiple skin types and concerns.
Current Skincare Favorites
Cleanser
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel: If I’m wearing makeup, I use this to remove it and then double cleanse with my normal cleanser. This does have fragrance in it, but it seems to work for now. I do love that it has hyaluronic acid in it! But, would prefer something without fragrance.
2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: I’ve seen a lot of reviews for this cleanser, and personally I think it works really well! This one is intended for oily skin, but they have other versions for other skin types, too.
Exfoliant
3. Paula’s Choice The Unscrub: I love the way a scrub feels, especially when I want to remove self-tanner. But, I know that a lot of them aren’t actually good for the skin because they are too abrasive. The Unscrub has dissolving beads which makes it gentle, but it’s still effective. Paula’s Choice also has a lot of good coupons and sales for email subscribers. *wink wink*. I use an exfoliant about twice a week.
Eye Cream
4. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream: I’ve been using this eye cream for years. My dermatologist originally suggested it and I keep buying it because it works well and it is affordable! I really like that it contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help repair the skin’s barrier. Plus, this is a clean product (at least at Target)! If you don’t use an eye cream – start! Read my post on why it’s so important. I’ve been using this day and night during the winter, even with the other eye products I’ll share in a moment, to give my skin some extra hydration.
Treatment
5. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: I talked about this a couple of weeks ago in my post 2 Products That Fade Acne Scars. Check out that post for more. As you may have guessed, this cream helps reduce acne scars. It also brightens the skin. What more could you want? I use this in the morning, a couple of times a week.
6. Peace Out – Retinol Eye Stick: This is a new product, so I’m still testing it out. But, good news, I haven’t had any bad reactions to it, haha. It does contain a small bit of fragrance. I have a lot of lines around my eyes, so I had to give this a try and see if it reduces their appearance. Yes, it’s an eye product but I consider it a treatment rather than an eye cream. Since the eye area is sensitive and the weather is super dry, I use my CeraVe eye cream after this. Even though I’ve used retinol before, I’m starting with using it only a couple of nights a week to make sure my eye area can tolerate it. If you’re new to retinol, this is the way to go.
7. Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication: This acne treatment contains Benzoyl Peroxide. I used to avoid BP because I’d heard it can bleach things like pillowcases. But, I’ve found it is really effective for my skin. I use it in the morning to avoid bleaching anything. And I apply it only to my t-zone, where I tend to be acne-prone.
Serum
8. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration and adds plumpness to the skin. I think we tend to think it’s only good for dry skin, but even oily skin benefits from it. Especially in the winter! I like this one both morning and night but I’m careful not to mix with other acids to avoid irritation.
9. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This is another product that fades acne scars. It also helps balance oil. I feel this one has made a big difference in my skin. I don’t use the serums at the same time – I prefer this one at night.
Moisturizer/SPF
10. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30: I currently use this moisturizer that has SPF in it. SPF is important so you should definitely wear it whether you’re outside a lot or not! During the warmer months, I will look for a separate, or additional sunscreen, since I will be outside more.
11. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: Since my daytime moisturizer has SPF in it, I like to use a different one at night. It can be pricey to use 2 different moisturizers, but these are both affordable!
12. Supergoop! – Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40: When I was looking for an eye cream with SPF, I didn’t find many options. Luckily, I love this one. It has clean ingredients. I like to apply this last during the day because it has sunscreen and I want that to be the last layer on my skin and gives a pretty glow to the eye area!
Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas for your own skincare!
Be sure to check out my post on Correct Order For Skincare Routine to get the most out of your products!
Thank you so much for reading!
