My nighttime skin care routine

Hi there!

I wanted to come on here and post my night time skin care routine that goes with my last blog post on my morning routine.  I have been following this routine for about a few months now and my skin has changed for the better! I notice it being smoother, more even toned, less breakouts and also these products help me fight time (wrinkles)!

For reference, my skin is considered pretty normal.  I get oily in the summer and drier in the winter.  I do get the occasional breakout (hormonal) and now that I’m in my mid 30’s I am getting fine lines on my forehead, eyes and around the mouth. 

Please use my advice to your discretion, what may work for me may not work for you. 

But here is what I use in the evening.

From left to right:

• Facewash – Use any face wash you want but lately I’ve been using a gentle hydrating face wash since my skin has been drier than oilier.  This one has been great at making my skin feel clean without making it feel dry.

• Toner – I love LOVE this toner! It is so gentle and non-irritating and will prep your skin and pores for your skin care creams/serums.  Use a toner you like also, but it’s very important to use one! I see better results when I use one than when I don’t. 

• This one is from http://www.premierlook.com/avene-gentle-toner/  

• I use Hydroquinone 4% EVERY DAY!  The one on the left is from India and in a cream form. The one on the right is Glytone Skin Lightening Gel 4% Hydroquinone and is in a gel form. 

• Both of these items will do exactly the SAME thing, but there is a huge price difference.  The one from India is around $5/tube and the gel one is $60.  If you are going to India you can get it at any pharmacy or you can order online at www.alldaychemist.com – Totally legit website, I have ordered from there myself.   

• This will make your skin so even toned, lighten any acne scars, freckles, age spots etc.  I have a bunch of freckles on my cheeks and because of this, they have lightened so much!  I use this morning and night, but when applying in the morning you must put an SPF on top!

• The next 3 products are where the real magic happens! I believe that every anti aging night time skin care routine should include a Retin A or Retinol.  This really helps battle fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliates and brings new skin to the surface, helps with breakouts, minimizes pores,and overall makes your skin GLOW! 

• The major key to getting the most out of your Retin A's and Retinols is to apply this about 20-30 minutes AFTER you wash your face.  Your face must be bone dry when applying this to reap the most benefits.

• You only need a pea size amount of Retin A - in this case more is not better.  Don't slather too much of this on your face or else you will be left very irritated! 

• To start off with use Retin A every other night or even every 2 nights.  Slowly build up your skins tolerance to a daily use.  

• Your skin will be dry for the first week or two of using Retin A, but this is a good sign! Dead skin is shedding!  Don't get discouraged as this will get better over time :)

• The first two creams are Retin A's.  One is a 0.05% strength and the other is a 0.01% strength.
• Retin A comes in 3 strengths -- 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%
• If you have sensitive skin then start at the lowest strength
• I started at the 0.05% and once my skin built a tolerance to the Retin A, I moved up to the 0.1% strength.  
• I alternate between the 2 strengths depending on how my skin is reacting
• You can get these at www.alldaychemist.com or www.premierlook.com

• The Sanitas Retinol peeling cream is so amazing! I use this about every 2 weeks at night after I wash and tone my face.  I put a light layer all over my face avoiding my eye area.  
• You will notice that in about 2 days after applying this cream that your face will start peeling - almost like a chemical peel in a dermatologist's office
• Your skin will be left so smooth because all the dead skin will be shedding off and new skin will shine through.  
• This Retinol peeling cream also comes in 3 levels - so if you want, you can start at level 1 and work your way up.  I jumped right into level 3 since my skin has been used to Retin A.
• You can find this here Sanitas Skincare Retinol Peeling Cream (level 3)

•  After applying Retin A/Retinol I wait another 20-30 minutes so the product is absorbed thoroughly and then I apply a moisturizer.  You can use any kind you like but I use this Elta MD intense moisturizer for the nights I apply my Retin A - to counter balance the dryness.

• You can find it here EltaMD Intense Moisture "Melting" Moisturizer

Phew! That was a lot of info!! :)  I know this seems like a lot of steps.  But what I do is usually wash and tone my face when my kids are taking baths.  Then I go get them ready and let my face dry for the next 20-30 minutes.  Then I go in and apply my Retin A and then go feed them dinner, help with homework etc.  Then let another 20-30 minutes pass and then finish off with a moisturizer.

I hope this helps you all! I am really passionate about taking care of my skin for a smooth canvas for makeup! All of this has made my makeup go on so much smoother and look flawless and most importantly give me a youthful GLOW!

I hope you guys have a great week!
xoxo
Supriya