TheRootedMomEdit

Did you know you only need three basic products to have a skincare routine? Skincare isn’t as complicated as social media makes it seem. Even though there are new product launches 24/7, it does not mean you need every single one of them or any of them at all. If you are a total newbie to skincare or just need to hit the refresh button on your routine, let’s go back to the basics together.

The core basics every routine needs

1.) A facial cleanser: There are so many on the market to choose from; even picking out the simplest part of a skincare routine can be overwhelming. I will share a few guidelines below to help you figure out the best cleanser for your unique skin.

Things to note about cleansers- You don’t HAVE to spend a lot of money on one (in my opinion). I personally choose to save $$ for my targeted serums rather than my cleansers. I have tried pricier options & never felt like they did anything more than my drugstore cleansers do. As long as the cleanser isn’t stripping your skin or causing irritation, it is literally going on your face and being rinsed off immediately after. Just my hot take! Don’t waste your money on expensive cleansers! Let’s move on…

2.) A moisturizer: Again with the overwhelm! So many to choose from, so many ingredients to be wary of (depending on your skin type) & far too many opinions on them, it makes finding a good one very difficult. When choosing a moisturizer that’s best suited for your skin, think simple. Simple ingredients, simple claims (words like hydrating & soothing, rather than the inclusion of active ingredients), & non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

Knowing your skin type is very important when choosing a moisturizer. If you don’t know how to figure out what your skin type is, see my Skincare 101 page where I break down exactly how to do it: Skincare 101

Once you know your skin type, you can narrow down your search. For any skin type though, a good moisturizer should contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate, barrier-repairing ceramides, and (in my personal opinion) fragrance-free to minimize irritation.

My skin type is normal to combination these days. I will sometimes get oily in my t-zone, but otherwise my skin seems to be pretty normal (neither oily nor dry). I am acne-prone, so I’m extra cautious with certain ingredients in moisturizers that can *potentially* clog pores [even though the product claims it is non-comedogenic] Below are some examples of a few I have used & loved:

• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream: My current moisturizer I am using AM/PM. It is a Korean moisturizer I picked up at Target. I scanned the ingredients beforehand to make sure nothing in it was iffy & luckily I haven’t had any breakouts from it. I have really been loving it for summer! It is lightweight and has a gel-cream consistency; it feels incredible on the skin. Fragrance free and is deeply hydrating.
• Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer: Another great pick for any skin type. It *might* be a little too silky/creamy for oily skin, but otherwise, it is a fantastic option for most skin types. It is very moisturizing without feeling greasy; it feels lovely on the skin. Any time I use this in my routine, it primes my face so well for makeup. This is always my fall-back moisturizer! If I am trying new one’s and they don’t work for me, I will always go back to this one.
• Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream: Another Korean moisturizer. This one has a thicker/creamier consistency than the other two, but would be such a perfect moisturizer for the colder months. I will definitely be using this in the Fall & Winter! It is also another great choice for acne-prone skin, as I did not experience any breakouts from this product.

All moisturizers I use and love are affordable as well; I don’t like breaking the bank on my moisturizer [when there are effective, cost friendly options out there!] but you do you! Find one you like & stick with it.

Last, but certainly not least…

3.) A facial SPF: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for anyone, any routine, and any season. Anyone else used to believe the myth of only needing to wear SPF on sunny days?! I sure did. It is absolutely NOT true though! SPF is your best-friend and you should be applying it on the daily. Yes, even on the cloudy days…

Facial sunscreens are one of the toughest products to buy, I feel like. It took me trying SEVERAL before I found a few I actually LIKE. The most important thing with your SPF is finding one you truly enjoy, so that you are more likely to apply it.

SPF is totally based on personal preference. Do you like a glowy sheen to your skin? Do you prefer a matte finish? Chemical filters or mineral or a hybrid? Tinted or non-tinted? Figure out what you are looking for to help you narrow down your search. Reviews can either be very helpful or very overwhelming! Just do your best. I will list a few facial SPF’s I have tried below.

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46: By far my favorite SPF. This is the one I am currently wearing on the daily. Yes it is expensive, but she’s a good one! It feels more like skincare than sunscreen & I very much appreciate that. The finish is neither matte nor shiny; it gives a natural, healthy glow. This particular formula contains niacinamide, so it is great for acne-prone skin.
• Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: Another pricier option, but also one of my go-to’s. The formula is very watery, almost serum-like. It has more of a sunscreen scent to it, but fades fairly quickly. The formula definitely leaves a little more of a sheen to my skin, so for oily girlies, I wouldn’t recommend. Otherwise, a great mineral SPF option (and definitely doesn’t leave a white cast!)
• Skin1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50: A Korean sunscreen that is fantastic for every skin type. Completely fragrance-free, feels like a moisturizer rather than a sunscreen, and feels lovely on the skin. Highly recommend this SPF for a budget friendly option!

Again, my skin type is normal to combination & acne-prone. I haven’t had any issues with breakouts or irritation from the three SPF’s listed above. Do your own research and choose the one best suited for your skin & preference.

Targeted treatment serums you can add on…

I may expand on this subject in a different blog post, but will touch on the basics of treatment serums & how you can incorporate them into your routine below.

The key here is to figure out your own personal skin goals. What are you trying to achieve, correct, or experience? For example: I am trying to achieve healthy, glowing skin while wanting to fade hyperpigmentation, keep breakouts at bay, and age gracefully (don’t we all!!). I also want my skincare routine to feel luxurious & be efficient.

So for me right now in my own skincare routine, I am using a vitamin C serum in the morning + a hydrating serum + a peptide serum. I seal everything in with my moisturizer & later will apply my facial sunscreen. The purpose of my vitamin C serum is to help fade sun spots, stimulate collagen production, & work alongside my SPF to protect from free radicals & environmental stressors. The hydrating serum does the obvious, and the peptide serum helps with the anti-aging! In the PM, I skip out on the vitamin C serum and use my hydrating serum, peptide serum, and rotate in an exfoliant. Again, we are sealing everything in with our moisturizer.

Your core products that should never change are your: cleanser, moisturizer, & daily SPF (applied only in the AM). As you get comfortable using these 3 products on the daily, you can start incorporating targeted treatment serums for your unique skin goals. Adding serums is a personal preference, you do not have to add anything extra to your routine if that is your style. The 3 core products will help keep your skin balanced, healthy & functioning optimally.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at therootedmomedit@gmail.com. I would love to help you start your skincare routine from scratch; it is one of my favorite things to do!

Because every mama deserves to feel beautiful in her own skin while enjoying the ritual of skincare.