Skincare Routine on Lazy Nights

During the first few months since I have been diagnosed with BP, I’ve been less dedicated on spending time doing my evening skincare routine as I always allot more time in doing facial exercises and massages to stimulate my facial nerves (#priorities). Now, several months later, there are still days that I don’t follow my full evening routine due to the same reason and also because I simply just wanted to rest and sleep more (because honestly, skincare routine in general can be time consuming). It’s been more than a year since I posted my evening skincare routine, so I’ll be sharing my updated and simplified evening routine. 💜

Step 1: Oil-based cleanser

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)

Oil-based cleansers help remove all oil-based products in our skin such as make-up, excess sebum, sunscreen, as well as pollutants. This step is also for those who don’t wear anything (make-up) on their face at all! It is best to consider a mild yet effective oil-based cleanser in removing makeup and dirt without causing irritation. 

Currently, I went back to the first-ever oil-based cleanser that I tried which is the Banila Co. Clean It Zero (Original). I was curious because they have repackaged and reformulated the product. The scent is still the same and it still does not sting my eyes or give me irritation which is pretty much the same like the Heimish All Clean Balm, but the only thing that I noticed is that the Clean It Zero texture glides onto my face more smoothly. 

Step 2: Water-based cleanser

Neogen Real Fresh Foam Cleanser (Green Tea)

Water-based cleansers eliminate water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. It is also worthy to consider using a water-based cleanser that is SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate)-free, a foaming agent which may cause skin irritation.

I LOVE GREEN TEA and NEOGEN. The Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser is just like their cleansing stick just that it is in liquid form. The Real Fresh Foam Cleanser is packed with fermented green tea extracts which gently cleanses and refreshes the skin. I personally prefer foam cleansers after using the one from Neogen because – just like gel and stick cleansers – I need not to cut the packaging in half just to consume the product entirely (which I normally do with cream-like cleansers). It also makes the second step much easier to lather since it is foamy already.

Step 3: Moisture pads

Neogen Real Cica Pads

As previously mentioned, I LOVE NEOGEN (hahaha! 😆) and as much as possible, I wanted to try all their products because it is no doubt that they didn’t compromised the quality, although some of its products are quite expensive for me. However, this specific product was just within my budget and I immediately ordered it upon its availability here in PH because my favorite skincare enthusiasts loved it.

The Neogen Real Cica Pads was recently launched by Neogen in early 2018. It is a skin-calming pad soaked in cica (aka centella asiatica) essence which smooths and soothes the skin and PHA (polyhydroxy acids) which is a peeling ingredient but less than irritating than the AHA’s and BHA’s (if you want to know more about it, check my co-junkie’s related article here). This makes the product safe to use every day because of its gentle properties. I love how the cica pads really take out excess dirt after I double cleanse, not to mention that a single pad is really soaked with rich essence such that I can wipe it across my face for a couple of more minutes without drying faster than using a regular cotton pad and toner.

Step 4: Eye cream

Benton Fermentation Eye Cream

I have naturally dark circles and crow’s feet around my eyes, yet after learning and incorporating the Korean skincare routine, I would still always try to remind myself to religiously use eye cream every night to help reduce the dark circles and puffiness in a way. The Benton Fermentation Eye Cream contains bifida ferment lysate and galactomyces ferment filtrate which help repair skin damage. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and panthenol also complements the fermented ingredients resulting to a deeply hydrated skin.

I love how it comes in a tube for hygienic purposes, although one thing that I just noticed recently is that when your eyes tear up* a little bit, the eye cream tends to sting around the area. (*Shout out to Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds for it was the reason why I cried! LOL)

Step 5: Moisturizer

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

The Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel is the only constant product in my whole skincare routine since 2017 and I always make sure that I have an extra of this because you cannot run out of the A/S gel! While some moisturizers have thick consistency, this one is lightweight and not sticky. What's to love more about this product is that it is multi-purpose as well! It can be used as a body lotion, hair mask or soothe allergies and sunburns. While the product has an alcohol content, I really don’t mind because my skin is not drying out and/or experiencing any irritations and breakouts because of it. Not to mention that it is also one of the cheapest moisturizers out in the market and endorsed by EXO! 💙

Step 6: Lip balm

Nivea Med Repair, Carmex Classic Medicated Lip Balm

Lip balm is really not included in the Korean skincare routine but a lot of skincare enthusiasts incorporate it because lip balm protects lips from getting dry and chapped (specially on cold nights). It also provides extra moisture on the lips. Currently, I am using two lip balms namely the Nivea Med Repair SPF 15 and Classic Carmex Medicated Lip Balm. Whenever my lips are chapped, I would always reach out the one from Carmex because it feels like an ointment for the lips because it contains camphor and menthol to soothe and protect flaking lips. 

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

While you may think that six steps might still be a little bit overwhelming, maybe you can stick with steps 1 to 3 followed by 5. Personally, I advise that you follow steps 1 and 2 which are collectively called as the double cleansing routine as these steps are the ones you cannot skip! 

Gomawo!

(probably) one of the frustrated Song Hye Kyos, 

Abby 💗