****I am not a doctor or any type of skin expert. This is based on my convos with my dermatologist and late night scrolling.****
I am in my thirties — like not mid thirties yet. But I’m getting well-settled.
I’ve always been big into moisturizing but haven’t spent a ton of time on “skincare.” I especially haven’t spent much time or money on skincare.
Last year when I went to the derm, she suggested retinol at night and vitamin c + sunscreen in the morning. I wasn’t willing to pay the price for the products she suggest and was determined to find cheaper (maybe less effective) alternatives.
Well, 2020 happened and while I wore sunscreen during the 642 walks we did during lockdown, I didn’t focus on my skincare routine.
So, when I went to my yearly skin check up in January of 2021, she again suggested the same pricey retinol and vitamin C treatment. And of course — all the sunscreen. I again didn’t want to pay the premium. This has led me to this post.
Here is what I’m doing to pacify my skin — aka — age as gracefully as possible but not empty the bank account at the same time.
Retinol
I alternate between these to “drug store” finds. Meaning — I use one, then use the other when I run out of the other. The Ordinary is my favorite. They are very different. The CeraVe feels like lotions and The Ordinary feels like an oil. I put CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on after the retinol product has soaked in.
Vitamin C
I will be honest that I haven’t found a Vitamin C product that I’m in love with. They are all pricey. I just started using the Supergoop Vitamin C + Sunscreen combo because it made me feel thrifty — you know — 2 in 1. But I will list the Vitamin C products on my list in addition to the one I use.
Supergoop Vitamin C + Sunscreen
Sunscreen
My derm recommends EltaMD. And so does everyone else. It smells too sunscreen-y for me. And I hate the tint. My favorite sunscreen for my face is ThinkBaby. It smells divine. But this year, I took advantage of a Supergoop sale and I’m using Supergoop. I’m using the Vitamin C combo daily but will use Supergoop Play for additional applications. I’ll report back.
