The Ritual: Skincare
Routines, rituals, and making things a little bit easier...
We did it… we made it through another week. Hooray! We’re officially past the point where you can wish someone a Happy New Year. The new year is underway, and for many it’s been a little turbulent. I guess that’s what living in unprecedented times means, I guess. But hang in there! I’ve personally witnessed little pockets of hope— this newsletter is called “Cautiously Optimistic,” remember?!
Some highlights for me this week: I started and finished breaking a new pilot, my son started Karate, and we got a new couch that has been passed around from the writers’ room of Rise. In truly wonderful universe timing, the first guest I had over to “try out” the couch was also on Rise. It’s like the sisterhood of the traveling couch. Plus, that show will always mean so much to me. Bet you didn’t expect me to get emotional about a couch, huh? (Spoiler: I can get emotional about anything!)
Today I’m going to break down another routine/ritual that helps keep me sane: my skincare routine. Now, before we dive in, you should know I used to suffer from really bad cystic acne, and I’ve been getting facials since I was 13. Skincare was something I struggled with, despite the fact I put so much effort into it. So when someone I admire reached out gushing about my glowing skin and asking for recommendations, they unwittingly made my whole day (life?!) and inspired this post. Enjoy!
My Skincare Routine (with Links!)
Morning:
-Cleanse: Micellar Water (if I don’t shower), Charcoal cleanser (if I do)
-Toner: Murad Vitamin C toner
-Serum: Vitamin C serum
-Moisture: Lira tinted moisturizer w/ SPF 30 (if I’m not wearing makeup), Image Matte Moisturizer with SPF (If I am wearing makeup)
Night:
-Oil-free makeup wipe (I love Pacifica’s Glow Wipes)
-Cleanse: Charcoal Cleanser or Oil-free cleanser (if I take a bath), Micellar water (If I don’t)
-Toner: Murad Vitamin C Toner
-Serum: Hylauronic or hydrating serum; 1-2 times a week a specialized serum with retinol
-Moisturizer: Gel or nighttime moisturizer
-Other: Undereye cream; pimple patches; lip masks (as needed)
Maintenance:
-Exfoliate: 1-2x week, with a mild scrub or peel
-Masks: 2-3x week depending on how my skin and hormones are feeling, I switch between hydrating sheet masks or charcoal masks. Friday nights, I sleep with an overnight mask.
-Facials when I can. It used to be once a month, but being a single mom and going through a pandemic and a strike changed that. I try to go every few months, or before an event.
-Taking meds / being aware of mental health: My biggest struggle with keeping up with my skincare routine was not having the energy or enthusiasm to do it. Ever since I got better about my mental health, falling asleep with makeup on has thankfully become a thing of the past. Honestly, this is probably the most important one.