summer skin care routine for oily skin
* This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
Why didn’t anyone give me the memo that you can’t use the same skin products you used in high school on 30-year-old skin?! I know it makes sense, but this NEVER clicked for me until (very) recently.
On my journey to #myblackwontcrack skin, I stumbled upon a few REALLY good products, especially for my oily skin. Once I saw how well it was working, I put my husband on to my routine, and LISTEN… His skin is poppin too.
Below, I’ve created an overview of my skin care routine and favorite products - budget and bougie ones included lol. But if you want to completely skip my list and suggestions, my esthetician Regina, from CRU-MM Skin + Beauty highly recommends the iS CLINICAL Pure Clarity Collection, which includes everything you need (and it’s what I’m currently using). It’s expensive, but worth it!
* All of the products that I’m recommending are either ones that I currently use or have used recently and love. But please note, I am in no way a dermatologist, esthetician, or skin care expert. But this routine has worked so well for me, that I HAD to share :)
step 1: double cleanse
Double cleansing is a somewhat new (or maybe just new to me) concept. Essentially, you cleanse your face TWICE. First, with a cleansing oil to wash off any makeup or sunscreen residue, and then, with a regular cleanser for a more thorough cleanse.
Granted if you don’t wear makeup, I think it’s fine to skip double cleansing and to stick with using a regular cleanser. Personally, I try not to sleep with makeup on, so I only double cleanse at night. But I suggest following this step according to your particular needs.
My favs:
Cleansing Oil - Yangu Beauty Renewal Oil and Gentle Makeup Remover
Budget Find - CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Bougie Find - iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex (this has a built in toner, so you can skip step 2).
step 2: tone
New generation toners are leaps and bounds away from the alcohol soaked, stinging, and drying toners of our high school days. Most toners now are completely alcohol-free, and instead hydrate and treat the skin instead! Toners have mixed reviews in general, but with oily skin, I’ve noticed that this step is needed! I think of it as the primer of my skin care routine.
My favs:
step 3: serum
After toning, let your skin air dry (or use a fancy fan like I do bc I’m extra) and add a serum based on your particular skin needs. Serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to the skin, and can target things like wrinkles, even complexion, and acne. They’re typically applied before moisturizers to help lock in moisture.
My skin bounces from normal/oily to oily AF in the summertime, but I’m not acne prone. That’s been the biggest thorn in my side when looking for serums but I finally find a few products that work really well and keep us glowing!
My favs:
Budget Find - Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Collagen Face Serum
Bougie Find - iS CLINICAL Active Serum (and it’s worth EVERY dime)!
step 4: eye cream
Eye cream is probably one of the most important, but least used, skin care products. Moisturizers are less specialized and, alone, don’t target the sensitive area around your eyes. Eye creams are specifically formulated to address eye-related issues such as puffiness and dark circles.
My favs:
Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream (best used at night)
step 5: moisturize
Even if you have oily skin, moisturizer is your friend!! At my oiliest, I would completely omit the moisturizer step and that was a BIG mistake. I quickly found out that gel or super light-weight moisturizers were the best alternatives for me. Please, please don’t skip this step. Your skin will thank you!
My favs:
step 6: protect (as needed)
I admit that I NEVER use sunscreen. I’ve also never been sunburned, but that doesn’t mean the sun cannot and has not done irreparable damage to my skin. My esthetician continuously urges me to use it, and she knows what she’s talking about, so I’ve followed suit. (She was right!)
My favs:
Budget Find - Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum - SPF 30
Bougie Find - iS CLINICAL Eclipse SPF 50+ Sunscreen
For the entire month of July, I’ll be posting a blog post every Monday through Friday as part of Mattie’s James’ consistency challenge. I’ll be covering everything from love and relationships to motherhood, cooking, and home decor. #mjconsistencychallenge #mjconsistencypays
Thanks in advance for taking this journey with me and let’s connect soon! <3.
XO
