Create a Custom Skincare Routine
Updated: Sep 23
Essential to everyone's skincare routine are the following five components:
1.Cleanser
2.Retinoid
3.Vitamin C
4.Moisturizer
5.Sunscreen
I order these components this way:
PM
Cleanse, retinoid, moisturizer OR cleanse, moisturizer, retinoid.
AM
Cleanse (or don't, this depends on preferences), vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen.
This simple routine can help with skin tone, collagen production, pigmentation, fine lines and texture. If you feel that you have a skin condition that warrants additional help I have created custom routines for various concerns that keep simplicity in mind by adding just one or two appropriate ingredients for each skin concern.
From here we may add additional components (as many people have multiple skin concerns) but keeping it relatively simple can be incredibly effective!
Check below for a helpful list of my current recommendations.
*Penn Smith Skincare is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program. Many links are affiliate links, meaning I am compensated when you shop through these at no extra fee to you.
Here are the CORE category recommendations:
Cleanser
1. Vanicream https://link.amazon/B0inOo9Dv (good all round)
2. Aveeno cleanser (rosacea/dry/sensitive) https://link.amazon/B0hr6H0dZ
3. Paula's Choice (oily skin/acne) https://link.amazon/B0bSct6PN
4. Le Mieux brightening cleanser (pigment) https://link.amazon/B03i8owDQ
Retinoid Choices/recommendations
1. CeraVe Retinol Serum https://link.amazon/B02qpLcmq
2. OLAY Regenerist MAX Retinol (awesome) https://link.amazon/B05K6mXHd
3. La Roche Posay Adapalene (acne skin) https://link.amazon/B0c0B1PGJ
Vitamin C options
1. Dermalure L-ascorbic acid (amazing!!) https://link.amazon/B09AW74NK
(best all round)
2. Mad Hippie (sodium ascorbyl phosphate for acne skin) https://link.amazon/B0i21yKfb
3. Bioelements Vitamin C (10% SAP) https://link.amazon/B0aabOXYK
Moisturizer Recommendations:
1. Dermaquest Essential Moisturizer (buttery blue light blocking moisturizer)
no longer available
2. La Roche Posay Toleriane Moisturizer with Niacinamide (great around)
Sunscreen
1. Neova Silc Sheer SPF 40 https://link.amazon/B0cY3riC9
2. Dermaquest Sheer Zinc https://link.amazon/B0hNd621M
(comes in 3 colors-this is the lightest (it's a light/medium). Sunkissed is medium and Tan is sheer tan/deep.
3. CeraVe Tinted SPF 30 (this is an NC 20-23) https://link.amazon/B06EZKgcD
ADD ON RECOMMENDATIONS (choose only what applies to YOU):
AZELAIC ACID:
Touch Azelaic Acid https://link.amazon/B0c9fsZ9P
Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid https://link.amazon/B0dtqG8K1
NIACINAMIDE: Paula's Choice 10% (can mix this with your moisturizer also!) https://link.amazon/B0d75GVZ7
SALICYLIC ACID
Paula's Choice toner https://link.amazon/A05e0ATtN
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
Skinsmart Cleanser Spray https://link.amazon/B09sN6SZ9
PIGMENT INHIBITOR
Queen 7-1 Serum (still a fave of mine) https://link.amazon/B0fnJWemU
Paula's Choice clinical discoloration repair serum with Tranexemic Acid
Naturium Tranexamic acid 5% serum https://link.amazon/B0a5CcfBx
ALPHA HYDROXY ACID
Glycolic acid leave on Paula's Choice https://link.amazon/B0fY71V2N
HYDRATING SERUMS
Isntree HA serum https://link.amazon/B0hsWbOAi
Isntree TW Real Bifida serum (amazing long time favorite for my dry skin) https://link.amazon/B0dEptSAp
Check back because I will be adding additional routines!
XXPenn
Please join my private Facebook Group for lots of discussion, including threads about daily routines!
FTC: Links in this post are affiliate ~ Please note that all links on this page are affiliate and I participate in the Amazon Associates program which is an affiliate program. Any time you see an Amazon link it is affiliate. If you choose to use my links please know that I appreciate it!
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare/skin professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this website are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
