My Nearly-30 Skincare Routine

Immediate disclaimer: I'm not even close to being a beauty expert, I've just figured out a skincare routine that I'm happy with. 
In terms of skin type, I'm not prone to acne or breakouts. I have non-temperamental skin that leans more toward oily than dry, but nothing problematic. The biggest gripe I have with my skin is my tendency to turn red if I'm hot, cold, embarrassed, angry, happy... If being chronically flushed is my biggest issue, I guess I won't complain. 

When I was a kid, my mom would tell me that if I didn't get that stank look off my face, my face would stay that way. In Korea, that sentiment is less of a threat and more of a literal belief. On multiple occasions I've had Koreans tell me that I shouldn't frown or make certain facial expressions because it will encourage wrinkles. This was the start of my awareness of what skincare was beyond "don't sleep with makeup on" and "wear sunscreen". To be clear, I still have facial expressions and I'm not overly sensitive about aging, but I've became more aware of the importance of our skin. This skin will literally grow old with us, and how we treat it now will determine its condition as we age.

Some amateur advice to start:

• Wash your face every night!
• Apply serums and lotions from lightest to heaviest consistency.
• If you're going to use anti-wrinkle creams, start before 30. 

Every day:

1. Cleanser (am & pm)

Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam 

To start off running, I'm not particular about what I wash my face with. Is this post useful for you yet? This cleansing foam is cheap and does a bang-up job of removing my makeup while not drying out my skin too much. 

2. Serum (am & pm)

Manyo Factory Bifidalacto Complex

This is the newest addition to my skincare routine. I received it as a gift for Christmas, and I've already noticed my skin feeling more hydrated and healthy to the point where I can exfoliate less. The consistency is like an oil, but it absorbs into the skin without being greasy or sticky. It claims to promote regeneration, increase the production of elastin, and reduce redness.

3. Night Cream (only pm)

Olay Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream

This is a product I mentioned in a favourites post before. I've tried being proactive with my skin and started using anti-wrinkle cream when I was 26. At nearly-30, I still don't notice any deep lines. I'm sure they will come eventually, but the cream will keep them at bay for a while. Plus it smells nice. 

4. Lotion (am & pm)

St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Lotion

This is the product that has been in my routine the longest; I've literally been using this brand since I was 12 when my grandmother gave me her supply. I stand by my belief that this lotion is magical and has kept my skin from breaking out. 

5. Lip Balm (am & pm)

Nivea Sensitive Care Lip Balm

Lips don't produce natural oils like our skin does, so they should get more attention... in theory. This is a step I often forget, but try not to.

Once or twice a month:

Exfoliant/Deep Scrub

Tony Moly Gold Black Sugar Scrub Mask

This is another product I've mentioned in a favourites post. When I feel like my skin needs a do-over, I reach for this. I usually exfoliate at night, follow up with cleanser, and make sure to be generous with moisturizer afterwards.

Mask/Pack

Shrek Magical Peel-Off Rubber Pack

Despite how abundant sheet masks are, I can't get into them. They're slimy and cold which isn't even refreshing on the hottest of summer days. This peel-off rubber pack is no joke. It's strong. And painful. It's not the most relaxing or gentle product for your skin, so it's probably a good idea to alternate between a peel-off pack and something like this which just washes off with warm water. I do, however, appreciate the thoroughness of this rubber pack every once in a while, and how can you refuse a beauty product marketed with ogres?