My Skincare Journey
This video has many parts I will leave timestamps down below, so you can get to your favorite part or take it in whatever order you like this is not a sponsored video. These are genuine products. I love and use so bear with me. I promise the products are good lets get into it, hey guys its Robin and welcome to the sence of selfcare on this channel. We talk about health science, we talk about life philosophy and we do a whole lot of self care experimentation. Im very excited for todays video. This is my most highly requested. Video of all time, you guys have been asking for months and months for a skincare, routine and Ive been a little bit apprehensive to film this, because I feel like my skin care, is always changing and especially in the past year, its been through quite a transition.
Constant Evolution
But then I realized this is probably always going to be the case, quick intermission. After filming this, I actually added another product which Im very excited about and Ill talk about in this video. That is how much my skin care is constantly evolving, but more broadly this video isnt really about products. I want to share a little bit of my skin care philosophy so that you can develop your own skin tuition. This is a term I stole from gothamista shes, an amazing skincare YouTuber, so if youre skincare junkie definitely check out her Channel, but basically developing your skin tuition means developing an intuition of what your specific skin needs at any one moment as the seasons change as our Environments change as we age our skin is going to need different things by being a bit systematic with how we approach skincare and also paying attention to what our skin is doing with different products.
Skin Care Philosophy
We can develop a really strong skin tuition and that can guide us through many different phases of life. I never want anyone to forget that we are all our own expert of our own bodies and our own skin so Ill share my products today, but just keep in mind that this is optimized for my skin for context. I have oily acne prone and rosacea prone skin, which is really the trifecta. Its taught me a lot about skin and Im grateful to be in a really good place with my body, with kind of my sensitivity and inflammation.
Also before I get into the topical parts of skin care, I do of course need to mention that skinc care really starts from within, so for me, making sure that my diet and my lifestyle is not inflaming my body several years ago, I was struggling with a Bit of leaky gut, which means that I was very inflamed and that was showing up on my skin as rosacea and acne. So now my body is more in balance and that definitely shows on the outside.
That said, topical skin care can make a huge difference. Theres, a lot of clinical evidence to show that certain ingredients are extremely effective in changing our skin, so its this balance of first treating yourself on the inside, making sure youre balanced done healthy there, but also enhancing those results by being very conscious about what youre. Putting on top of your skin so before we get into products lets talk skin care philosophy.
From Rosacea + Acne to Glass Skin
Before I discovered the right skincare routine, my skin was a mix of rosacea and acne a challenging combination. However, with the right products and consistency, I was able to transform my skin into a clear, glowing complexion. The journey from rosacea and acne-prone skin to glass skin was not easy, but it is achievable with the right approach.
The Skincare Routine
My skincare routine consists of gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and moisturizers that target both acne and rosacea. I also include exfoliating products to keep my skin smooth and free from clogged pores. Additionally, I make sure to use SPF daily to protect my skin from further damage.
Key Ingredients
Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica have been game-changers for my skin. These ingredients help to calm inflammation, hydrate the skin, and promote healing. I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin’s texture and overall appearance since incorporating these key ingredients into my routine.
Understanding Skincare Philosophy
This is really important because I can tell you about certain products that may or may not work for you, but if your skincare philosophy is not in the right place, it will make the development of your own skin tuition that much slower there’s.
Systematic Approach to Skincare
A few things I like to be very systematic about to help me learn very efficiently what works and what doesn’t work for my skin. So in science, whenever we want to test something, we only change one variable at a time. By only changing one variable, it’s more likely that the results and the outcomes that we see are attributable to that variable.
Changing One Product at a Time
So what this means for skincare is that it’s going to be a lot easier to learn what works for your skin if we are only changing one product at a time. If we decide we want to do a whole skincare overhaul and also change our toner and our sunscreen, and also try a new sheet mask.
Benefits of One Product Change
Well then, whatever results we get, good or bad, we won’t really know which products are contributing to those results and it makes the process of learning and developing a skin tuition that much more confusing and slow. So, even though it seems very tedious to only change one product at a time, it can really speed up your skincare learning in the long run, because after several days, you’ll kind of understand what a new product does or doesn’t do for your skin.
AB Testing for Skincare
Similarly, I also like to do ab testing on my skins, so we are blessed with sort of symmetrical faces that basically allow us to have two samples, a baseline, control sample and a variable sample. So again, if you want to test a new moisturizer, I would only put it on half of your face for several days and leave the other half using your old moisturizer, so that you can really compare whether this new moisturizer is an improvement in your skincare routine or whether it’s not an improvement. Maybe there’s no difference but either way having this direct comparison makes it that much easier to see exactly what that product is doing to your skin.
Efficient Skincare Learning
If you want to be efficient with your skincare learning change, one variable at a time. That means change one product at a time and also do AB testing on your face. Meaning only put that new product on half of your face so that you have something to compare it to. So, if there’s a product in this video that sounds interesting to you, try introducing it on half of your face and try to keep everything else the same in your routine and see what it does for you. Maybe it does nothing, maybe your skin hates it. Maybe it’s life-changing for your skin. I don’t know, but taking a systematic approach like this will make the whole process less confusing and much more efficient.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
The first step in my nighttime skincare routine is using the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm with rice and oat. These ingredients are calming and full of beta glucans, which are great for sensitive skin like mine. I love making face masks at home with rice and oat flour, so using this cleansing balm feels like a treat. It’s also very affordable, which is a bonus.
After the cleansing balm, I follow up with a gentle cleanser. I currently use Cetaphil, as I’m not too picky about my cleansers as long as they are gentle on my skin.
Next, I move on to the hydrating step. I use a hydrating toner to add moisture back into my skin. I prefer toners that are alcohol-free and fragrance-free to avoid any irritations.
For the building step, I look for products that will strengthen my skin barrier. I use serums or ampoules that are gentle and nourishing.
Then, it’s time for the treating step. I target any specific skin concerns I may have, such as acne or rosacea. I use products that are effective yet gentle on my skin.
Finally, I end my nighttime routine with a moisturizer. I opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that will not clog my pores.
Daytime Skincare Routine
During the day, I keep my skincare routine simple yet effective. I start by cleansing my face with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities from the night before.
Next, I use a hydrating toner to prep my skin for the day ahead. Hydration is key for keeping my skin looking plump and dewy.
For the daytime, I focus on protecting my skin from environmental aggressors. I use a lightweight serum with antioxidants to shield my skin from free radicals.
I also make sure to apply sunscreen every morning to protect my skin from UV damage. Sun protection is crucial in maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin.
Throughout the day, I reapply sunscreen as needed to ensure my skin is consistently protected.
Discovering the Right Skincare Routine
There are many companies that offer fragrance-free gentle cleansers that are both affordable and gentle on the skin. Finding a cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin is crucial for those with rosacea and acne, as harsh products can exacerbate these conditions.
The Hydrating Essence Step
The next step in the skincare routine is the hydrating essence or toner, which adds moisture to the skin and helps achieve the coveted glass skin glow. Layering on multiple coats of essence can hydrate the skin and make it look plump and healthy, similar to watering a plant until the soil is saturated.
Building a Healthy Skin Barrier
Supporting a healthy skin barrier is essential for those with rosacea and acne. Using calming serums with ceramides, peptides, and probiotic ingredients can help nourish the skin and support the beneficial bacteria that protect it. Products like the Cantella Probioca Ampule by Skin1004 and the luxurious milky Kate Somerville serum are great options for maintaining a balanced skin microbiome.
The Treatment Step
The final step in the skincare routine involves using products with active ingredients to target specific skin concerns, such as vitamin A products for texture improvement or acids for acne treatment. Finding the right balance of treatment products can help address underlying skin issues while maintaining overall skin health.
Sensitive Skin Care
If you have sensitive skin, it’s super important to be very conservative with this step. Here are a few products I use in my rotation. This retinol Eye Serum by Beauty of Josan is very gentle because it contains a retinol derivative, so it’s likely not going to irritate you and it’s got a beautiful texture.
Experiments with AIC Acid
I have also been experimenting with this AIC acid by Polish Choice because there’s a lot of research to support that AIC acid can be an effective treatment for rosacea. If I’m honest, I don’t think it does much for my skin. I don’t think my skin really likes AIC acid, but rosacea is such a personal thing. This is a great product and worth trying if you do have rosacea because your rosacea might be responsive to it.
Understanding Rosacea
Okay, really quick, rosacea. What is it? Rosacea is a relatively common skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, swelling, and sometimes small red pus-filled bumps. There are several different types of rosacea. I personally have rosacea type 1, which is characterized by redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Rosacea runs in my family and for me personally, it’s exacerbated by certain foods, digestive issues, and the sun, which is why you always see me wearing this crazy sun hat in all my videos. But at its core, rosacea is really an inflammatory disease, which means things that reduce inflammation in our body will likely also help us avoid flare-ups.
Metac Cube Red Cantella Balm for Acne
And lastly, I really like this Metac Cube Red Cantella Balm as an acne Spot Treatment. It dries up breakouts without irritating my skin and you’ll notice. I’ve mentioned several products with Cantella. Cantella is short for Cantella Asiatica, which is a small herbaceous plant native to Asia. It has anti-inflammatory properties, it has wound healing properties, it has many antioxidants, it’s moisturizing and my skin and rosacea do really seem to like this stuff.
Agency’s Custom Dermatologist Prescribed Formulas
Okay pause, real quick. This treat step is where I have been experimenting the most recently and right after filming this video, I got my order from Agency, which is so exciting. This is not sponsored whatsoever. Agency does not know I exist, but I have been eyeing their custom dermatologist prescribed formulas for a bit honestly. I was not expecting it to work for me, but man, oh man, I really really love this custom formula. Basically, what you do is you upload a few photos of your face; you have a little questionnaire that you fill in and you have a chat with a dermatologist, and then they make you a custom formula. This is my custom future formula. It has a small amount of Tretinoin, which is what I’m very excited about. Tretinoin is the most potent form of vitamin A and it can be really effective in treating both rosacea and acne if it is used responsibly and you build it up slowly. So that is why you do need a prescription to use Tretinoin, so my skin has really been loving this stuff, it’s been happy and moisturized and hats off to this company for making prescription skincare, far more accessible and a very pleasant experience.
The Cleansing Step
Starting with a gentle cleanser is crucial for those dealing with rosacea and acne. This helps to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Look for a non-comedogenic cleanser that is free of harsh ingredients like sulfates and fragrances.
The Treatment Step
After cleansing, treating the skin with targeted products is key. Incorporating products with ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide can help to target acne and reduce redness associated with rosacea. These ingredients work to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, promoting a smoother complexion.
The Moisturizing Step
Once treatments are applied, moisturizing is essential to nourish and protect the skin. Opt for a moisturizer rich in ceramides and Shea Butter to provide hydration and create a protective barrier. This step helps to lock in the benefits of previous products and keep the skin balanced.
The Edgy Step
For those looking to elevate their skincare routine, consider incorporating a zinc oxide mask as a final step. While unconventional, this step can help to balance oil production, promote healing, and brighten the complexion. Choose a fragrance-free diaper cream with high-quality ingredients to avoid irritation.
The Zinc Oxide Cream Spot Treatment
I don’t know something about it. Just works for my skin. I’m embarrassed that I often go to bed like this. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, I would try maybe first using zinc oxide cream as a spot treatment for any acne that comes up. I keep going back to it and actually last year is when I first started using it and after I started using this, people would tell me in real life that my skin was glowing. But again this is so personal to me. It may not work for you at all. I felt obliged to share it because I really love it.
Morning Adjustments
Okay, so quick little adjustments for the morning time. I will do similar steps in the morning, maybe light on the treatments, but I will add in a lighter moisturizer and also a SPF. I keep going back to ELA MD as my favorite SPF. It’s not the best under makeup, and it doesn’t always play well with other moisturizers and products, sometimes it pills a little bit, but my skin genuinely loves this stuff. It contains niacinamide and a bunch of great ingredients for rosacea and acne, developed specifically for rosacea and acne-prone skin. So I keep returning to EltaMD.
Managing Rosacea with IPL Photo Facials
One more intermission: I want to show you the state of my rosacea here. I typically get one professional IPL photo facial per year to manage the rosacea and redness that naturally comes up in my skin over time.
IPM Facials
IPL facials are great at clearing out that pigment because the light specifically targets and destroys pigment. This is something you can do in clinic, but between my annual clinic visit, I will actually use an at-home IPL device. They may not be as strong as something you would get in an office, but they work to keep redness and discoloration at bay, and I really swear by them.
At-Home Skincare Products
I would love to know what your favorite Holy Grail skincare tips, tricks, and products are. Please share with us down below in the comments. I always learn so much from you guys in the comments.
Preventing Rosacea and Acne
Dealing with conditions like rosacea and acne can be a frustrating experience for many individuals. However, with the right skincare routine and products, it is possible to manage these conditions effectively. It is essential to use gentle products that do not irritate the skin further. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can help soothe inflammation and hydrate the skin.
Transitioning to Glass Skin
Achieving glass skin may seem like a distant dream for some, but with consistency and the right products, it is achievable. Incorporating serums with brightening agents like vitamin C and exfoliating acids can help improve skin texture and tone. Hydration is also key to achieving that coveted glass skin look, so make sure to use products that lock in moisture and keep the skin plump and radiant.