[EN] Skin-care must haves under or above 30 - update 20/21

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Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog in 2021.

I hope you all are safe and sound.

Let me invite you for an update on my skincare routine. Sit down, chill a bit and grab some beverage.

Last year was groundbreaking for me in the context of skincare. My face and I learned and experienced a lot together in the previous months. I tested numerous active substances - acids, retinoids, and co- to find a tailored recipe for my (evolving) skin needs. Furthermore, I took much time to expand my theoretical knowledge concerning active substances and their impact on the skin. It is not that easy to find quality sources of wisdom, so sometimes, I dug to the roots and read scientific papers. After all these enjoyable hours, I realized that I am not overwhelmed with the range of products anymore, as 95% of them won't work. Luckily, I don't have to check the pH and other cosmetic characteristics, as I found some gems and skincare freaks on the internet. I am referring to them and confronting their recommendations with my knowledge before I buy anything new.

I won't keep you tensed anymore. The results of my research can be summarized to:

1. SPF
2. Retinol/retinoids
3. Vitamin C
4. Whatever else your skin needs + moisturizing

In today's post, I am covering points and 2,3, and to some extent 4. Here we go - my top 3:

Retinol/retinoids: Paula's Choice - Clinical 1% Retinol treatment

My journey with Retinol/Retinoids began ca. 2 years ago and from: What the heck? Do I need this? To: Retinol is my best friend. The one I am using right now is relatively concentrated. Therefore, it cannot be used if your skin is not yet used to derivates of vitamin A! If you have never used retinol - click here for something more suitable for beginners. Even for me, an intermediate user, this guy is so powerful. I cannot use it more often than once per 4 days. Even with such frequency, my epidermis peels off every time after a couple of days to reveal the new, almost flawless, and bright skin.

Moreover, retinol is the best and only substance to fight my acne. Even if the hormonal type of acne I have, which I cannot fight by regulating the hormones at the moment, it works! As long as I am using retinol weekly - my acne is finally under control.

Retinol is excellent, but it is not a moisturizing cream! Remember:

• To use SPF 50 when using Retinoids and up to 1 month after!
• That retinol/retinoids and its derivates are forbidden if you are pregnant or if you want to become pregnant in the nearest time!

Vitamin C: Paula's Choice - C15 Super Booster

I have a love-hate relationship with vitamin C, I must say. I love the effects it gives, but my skin cannot get used to it as quickly as I wished. Every time I apply any concentrated vitamin C - my skin turns red what is quite normal for active ingredients, but hey, it takes ages to build the tolerance. Moreover, we all girls with oily skin have the same problem with such serums - it leaves a sticky and oily film on the skin. I don't find this particularly desirable when putting makeup on. Therefore, I am using vitamin C only in my night skincare routine. Before I found this product, I was using vitamin C from the Ordinary, which was far cheaper, but I was not too fond of its formula and stickiness. Booster from Paula's choice was an excellent choice indeed. Therefore, as soon as my skin gets used to it, I will be using it in morning skincare.

The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Niacinamide is a called "dreams come true to oily skin" since it reduces excess sebum production. It is a holy grail for acne-prone skin as it treats acne as well. Moreover, feel free to use it at the same time with retinol. As a result, you will receive a practical and even more effective combination against acne.

Although niacinamide is an active substance, it is relatively mild itself. Perhaps your skin will be a bit red after putting it on, but it shouldn't last more than a couple of minutes. It is lovely to combine with makeup; how exciting it is?

I am so happy that I discovered the power of retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide. The introduction of these active ingredients will change your skincare perception and make your jaw drop, I promise!

Remember to be gentle and start with low concentrations, and do not introduce all these three simultaneously.

Take care

Agnieszka