Okay, so I’m still keeping everything crossed, but my skin’s been okay. I say this with some trepidation of course. Because stress always has a profound impact on my skin. Profoundly negative that is. And around this time last year, when things were going as they are right now; my skin had a moment. It wasn’t pretty. Thus, the fact that my skin has been okay, is probably a testament to my current skincare routine. Or rather, the alterations and updates that I’ve made to my skincare routine. 

Last year, the problem wasn’t so much the breakouts themselves. But rather the inflammation that preceded and followed them. And inflammation has yet again entered my life. It’s not as bad as it was last year. But, I’ve switched up my skincare routine to help with it nonetheless. I’ve been trying out new products as you guys know. But recently, I’ve felt that my skin needed a break. So, I tried to keep my routine simple, while still incorporating specific active ingredients. 

The results have been really promising. 

Day And Night; Switching Up My Skincare Routine 

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m really partial to double cleansing. This is particularly important if you’re going to be using active ingredients. You want to encourage product absorption, so it’s always a good idea to give your skin a thorough clean. I start with an oil cleanser, and then follow up with a gentle, gel cleanser. 

Also, I’ve always liked layering skincare, but I never use too much. I use a tiny, pea-sized (or almost pea-sized) amount of each product. And this skincare routine is definitely limited to the night-time. In the morning I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, moisturise and follow up with sunscreen.

With that said, here’s what I’m using at night, in this exact order.

Purito centella green level toner

A not-so-new addition to my skincare routine (expect a review really soon). I am an avid fan of how soothing centella asiatica is. I have used and love the COSRX centella toner, and that’s a great one for a lower price point. But, I’ve recently been introduced to Purito, and their pledge to sustainable and honest production. 

This toner is really hydrating, and really helps with inflammation. To the extent that I notice differences overnight. The product has come under fire for using essential oils and witch hazel in their formulation. 

The problem with witch hazel is that if it has been distilled with alcohol, it can be drying. However, this is a big ‘IF’. I’ve used other products with witch hazel in them (I haven’t used a witch hazel toner though). And my skin hasn’t had any reactions to it. 

For essential oils, this product has four. Citrus bergamot, ylang ylang, rose and rose geranium oil. 

Again, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with essential oils. Sometimes, I have used some products that include essential oils, and they have worked for me. And other times, I have used products that include essential oils that have irritated my skin. From what I understand, whether they cause irritation or not boils down to how an individual batch is produced. 

And at any rate, Purito also has an unscented version of their toner. And as a response to the feedback they were getting, they’ve removed witch hazel and essential oils from their formulation. 

Side note; can we get a standing ovation for a brand that actually listens to its customers? 

COSRX galactomyces 95 tone balancing essence 

Galactomyces ferment filtrate, is a yeast derived ingredient that can help with anti-aging, and overall skin texture. Although SK II put it on the map, their price point is quite exclusive. The COSRX essence is a great alternative. I’ve gushed about it in the past, and it continues to be a favourite. 

The Ordinary caffeine solution 5% EGCG  

EGCG, the most popular compound found in green tea, has generated a lot of buzz. Combined with caffeine, it can have de-puffing and de-pigmentation effects. I love using this serum around my eyes. It definitely leaves them feeling really hydrated. Although, depending on why your under-eye area is discoloured, it may not help with pigmentation. 

But, I really do like using this product. I’ve used it pretty consistently for months now, and I really like how it de-puffs my under eye areas. I’m not adamant about including an eye cream, or eye serum into my skincare routine. But, this one has been quite promising; and I can see myself reusing it for many months to come.  

Conatural saffron complexion builder 

Now, this one is  quite a new-new addition to my skincare routine! I will definitely be doing a full-scale review for this product as well. 

It includes a ton of quality ingredients, like green tea, turmeric, saffron, liquorice root and lotus extract. Between them, they have antioxidant properties, and can help with inflammation and pigmentation. I also find that some of the ingredients in the formulation are not as popular as they perhaps should be. 

It’s a very hydrating product, and I’ve loved how it helps even my skin out. 

COSRX ultimate nourishing rice overnight spa mask

Apart from brightening rice extract, this one also includes niacinamide, which is a longtime favourite of mine. It is marketed as an overnight, hydrating mask. But, it also works as a great fragrance free moisturiser. I use it under my sunscreen, in the morning as well. 

I’ve been following this routine for a couple of weeks now. Ever since the start of Ramadan in fact. 

There are definitely still some skin concerns that I’m dealing with. And, I feel that if the stress levels continue to reach the tipping point, they’ll be sticking around. But, I have really been loving how my skin has responded to these products. Simultaneously, I think that these products are solid, quality formulations. Some of them are already on my list of favourites. Others will definitely be making their way onto the list in the not too distant future.