Skincare for Dummies + My Recs: Advice from Scar

 Hey Babes!

Welcome back to the blog! I hope you're doing amazing. A little birdie told me that you didn't wash your face this morning. It's okay we've all had one of those days. Just to help you out, here's are the basics of a solid skincare routine, I'll also add my recommendations because I love you.

Part 1: The Basics

This is a simple, standard routine that works for everyone. If you do nothing else, at least do these—they’re the essentials.

1. Cleanser

You need to cleanse your face every single day. A good cleanser removes makeup, dirt, sweat, oil, and all the other gunk that accumulates on your skin. Warm water alone won’t cut it! Avoid using regular soap unless it specifically says it’s safe for your face. Personally, I swear by my foaming cleanser, but there are tons of options out there.

2. Serum/Moisturizer

Keeping your skin hydrated is non-negotiable. Serums and moisturizers do the job, but they work a little differently. Serums target specific skin concerns like eczema, hyperpigmentation, and brightening, while moisturizers focus on keeping your skin hydrated. Pick whichever works best for you—or use both!

3. Sunscreen

You need sunscreen. I cannot stress this enough. Yes, even if you're inside. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Yes, every single day.

Part 2: Extras

These aren't necessary, but they can elevate your routine based on your needs. Think of them as bonus steps that can improve your skin but won’t make or break your routine. If you're short on time, money, or just starting out, you can skip these! But if you want to level up your routine, here’s how they can help:

• Toner – Back in the day, toners were necessary to rebalance the skin after using harsh cleansers, but modern cleansers are much gentler now. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, a toner with ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide may help control oil and refine pores.

• Sheet mask – These are fun and relaxing, but they’re not essential for hydration if you already use a good moisturizer. If your skin feels extra dry, though, a sheet mask can give it a quick moisture boost.

• Lip scrub/mask – Dry lips? A lip scrub or overnight mask can help exfoliate and lock in moisture. But if you’re on a budget, a damp washcloth and a good lip balm work just as well. The flavored masks are just an extra treat.

• Eye mask – These can help depuff and hydrate the under-eye area, but the effects are temporary. If you struggle with puffiness, lack of sleep, or dryness, they can be nice to have—but a good eye cream or even just cold spoons work too.

• Other masks (mud, clay, DIY, etc.) – These are great for deep cleaning, soothing, or treating specific concerns, but they shouldn’t replace your daily skincare routine. Clay masks can help with oil control, while hydrating masks can be great for dry skin—just pick based on what your skin needs.

• Facial steamer – Steaming opens up your pores and helps products absorb better, but it’s not necessary for good skin. If you love the spa-like experience, go for it! But if not, washing your face with warm water before cleansing does a similar job.

• Active ingredients – Ingredients like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C can be powerful but tricky. If your skin doesn’t need them, using them incorrectly can cause irritation. Always research before adding them to your routine!

• Roller/Gua Sha/etc. – These tools help with circulation, lymphatic drainage, and puffiness. While they won’t dramatically change your skin, they feel amazing and can be a nice self-care ritual.

• Morning/Night routines – Some people swear by having separate AM and PM routines, but you don’t need two different regimens. If you prefer keeping it simple, stick to the basics twice a day. If you love the process, a more detailed night routine can feel luxurious.

Part 3: My Recommendations

Now for my personal faves! These are the products I swear by, but keep in mind that skincare is super personal. What works for me may not work for you, so always patch test and choose products based on your skin type and concerns. That said, here’s what’s in my routine and why I love it:

1. Tatcha The Rice Wash (Cleanser)

This cleanser is everything. It’s gentle, creamy, and doesn’t strip my skin, but it still leaves me feeling fresh and clean. The rice powder gives a soft exfoliation without being too harsh, making it a great everyday option. Plus, it makes my skin feel so smooth!

2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Serum)

Hyaluronic acid is a must for hydration, and this one is super affordable and effective. It helps plump up my skin, making it look dewy and fresh. I always apply it to damp skin to lock in moisture before layering my moisturizer.

3. Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream (Moisturizer)

This moisturizer is lightweight but still hydrating, which I love. It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, and it absorbs quickly, making it great for both morning and night. Plus, it has antioxidant-rich ingredients like kale and spinach—so my skin is basically eating its greens.

4. Laneige Apple Lime Lip Mask

This is my holy grail lip product! It smells amazing, feels luxurious, and keeps my lips soft overnight. I don’t need it (a good lip balm would do the job), but I love the texture and the way it makes my lips feel. Plus, it lasts forever!

5. Rose Quartz Roller

Is this 100% necessary? No. Do I love the ritual of using it? Absolutely. I keep mine in the fridge for a cooling effect, and it helps with puffiness and circulation. It also just feels so nice on my skin—like a mini spa moment at home.

Alright, babes—that’s a wrap! 💕 I hope this little skincare rundown helps you build a routine that makes you feel fresh and glowing. Remember, skincare is personal, so don’t stress about having the perfect lineup—just do what works for you!

If you try any of my faves or have your own ride-or-die products, drop them in the comments or slide into my DMs—I love chatting all things skincare. Until next time, stay radiant and don’t forget your sunscreen!