My Evening (PM) Routine!

My anti-aging, rejuvenating, restorative, reparative, 'bougie' evening (PM) skincare routine!

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I’m so happy to share my latest routine to better take care my skin. Let's be real- skincare is challenging and you can go down so many 'rabbit holes'. Where do you even begin?

I'm 33 years old, and I've had to buckle down & be more committed to spending time on myself (skincare and other care) to make sure I’m the best me I can be. I have always struggled with feeling as though I don't have "pretty" skin. Acne, psoriasis, sensitivity (extreme), dullness, dry skin, oily skin- you name it. I've tried SO many different skin products and it's taken years to get my routine where it is now. It has been a long (and very frustrating) process, but I finally feel as though I'm figuring out what works, what doesn't, and what just isn't worth it due to the cost.

I LOVE skincare, I am constantly researching, and I'm excited to share things that I learn + find along the way.

All that’s needed as building blocks for a solid evening regime are a few simple steps. I am all about finding affordable skincare products without compromising the quality of care I am giving to my skin. Your skincare routine can be as 'bougie' or simple as you want it to be!

My Evening (PM) Routine

Please remember that this isn’t a routine that everyone needs to follow. I LOVE skincare and I love the time I take in the evening to look after myself and to invest in my best me. There are nights when I add in a few extra products- or even substitute depending on how I am feeling. I'll link all my favorites for each category. All of my favorite products can be found under the

'shop my favs' link (also linked on the home page). Okay, my PM routine is as follows:

1. CLEANSE

I love to start with a good double cleanse. Although I will admit there are nights where I am a bit lazy lately with my skincare routine- there are some nights that I only do a single cleanse. The key here is to find a cleanser that makes you CLEAN (taking off makeup and SPF) but that doesn’t strip. These are my 'latest' favorites:

BANILA CO Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm Original (my fav cleansing balm!)

- I use this as my 'first' cleanse.

Find it here: Amazon

HERO Clear Collective Exfoliating Cleanser (one of my absolute FAVs!!)

- I use this as my 'second' cleanse.

- Unclogs pores, smoothes texture, brightens skin, removes dead skin, and eliminates excess oil.

Find it here: Amazon

BANILA CO Clean it Zero For Clarifying Cleansing Balm

Find it here: Amazon

2. ESSENCE

SUKOYAKA SUHADA Urea Moisturizing Toner (holy hydration!!!)

Find it here: Amazon

3. GROWTH FACTORS

Growth factors are key to improving collagen and elastin production and improving healthy skin proliferation. Bear in mind that growth factors are NOT inexpensive- they're just expensive to produce at a high quality. Yes, there is a 'synthetic cashmere' or 'Cashmink'- but it is also expensive to obtain & there just isn't an inexpensive substitute.

Having said that, my goal is to always try to find more affordable alternatives. I've previously used (and still love) TNS Recovery Serum and Anteage MD- but Reviv is a new, impressive, and affordable option.

Reviv Ultimate Serum

- Combined actives of TNS Essential Serum and TNS Advanced +; Microbiome Probiotics; Growth factor cytokines; Peptides; Amino acids

Find it here: Reviv

(*Penn Smith has a discount code for this: PENNYSMITH)

4. TREATMENT SERUM

This is where we focus on a specific ‘gripe’- what are you most concerned about? (take a look at my Active Skincare Ingredients blog to learn more about how to match your skincare grips with different actives.)

My current favorite:

Dermelect Self-Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum for Face Anti-Aging Serum

- Contains Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and L-Ascorbic Acid; Brightens, resurfaces (acne, pores, redness), anti-aging, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles.

Find it here: Amazon

5. DNA REPAIR ENZYMES

Again, since so much of our skin regeneration happens at night, Photozyme DNA Repair Enzymes is part of my evening (PM) routine. DNA Repair Enzymes should be considered for everybody over 40, and anybody who has experienced sun damage. Penn Smith has a great video on this- you can learn more about DNA repair enzymes here. DNA Repair enzymes are a fundamental ingredient for healthy skin as they help to repair the skin from sun damage. 80% of damaged skin is caused by the sun, requiring the use of DNA repair enzymes.

Think of this as a pyramid:

Fundamental (base): SPF & Antioxidants & DNA Repair (Photozyme)

Transform (mid-level): Retinoids & AHAs = Moisturization, exfoliation, and cell turnover)

Optimize (top): Peptides & Growth Factors = Stimulation

Like with growth factors, DNA repair enzymes are a bit of an investment. I’ve tried so many- and for the ingredient deck + elegance of application, my top pick is Photozyme DNA Repair Serum- I believe it gives the most bang for your buck!

Photozyme is a fundamental product for skin health and without the fundamentals, nothing else matters. DNA Repair enzymes are a fundamental ingredient for healthy skin as they help to repair the skin from sun damage. 80% of damaged skin is caused by the sun, requiring the use of DNA repair enzymes.

Key DNA Repair Enzymes in Photozyme:

Photolyase: Light-activated enzyme derived from algae/plankton; directly removes thymine dimers caused by exposure to UV light.

Endonuclease (Micrococcus Luteus): UV-resistant microbe; initiates indirect removal of thymine dimers.

Glycosylase (Arabidopsis Thaliana): Small flowering plant native to Eurasia; detects UV-B light and mediates the response to this DNA damaging wavelength

Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery Anti-Aging Facial Serum (my splurge item!)

- Fix your DNA damage- reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and UV spots resulting from photo (sun) damage while improving overall tone and clarity of the skin; Powerful plant-derived enzymes, anti-aging serum: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; Antioxidant protection for radiant skin: provides superior antioxidant protection and evens out the skin tone and texture; Hydrates your skin: Maintain your skin’s elasticity and improve the overall appearance of your skin while evening out skin tone and texture; Turn back sun damage: Sunscreen is not enough to protect your skin completely, recover your skin with photozyme.

- May not see any big results for 2-3 months. But it’s working! 

Find it here: Amazon

6. RETINOIDS

Topically applied vitamin A and its derivatives in the retinoid category have more research backing efficacy as an anti-aging ingredient than any other ingredient out there. If you’re over 30, having retinoids in your regime is essential! Retinoids can be inexpensive AND easy to access without forsaking efficacy (see my blog post about retinoids). My picks:

Retinaldehyde = amazing for those with sensitive skin!

Eau Thermale Avene RetinAL .05 Cream

- Retinaldehyde: Smoothes the appearance of wrinkles & brightens skin; Relastide: Pro-elastin peptide, helps skin look plumper and firmer; Avene Thermal Spring Water: Clinically shown to soothe, soften, and calm skin.

Find it here: Amazon

OR the Eau Thermale Avene RetinAL .01 intensive cream here: Amazon

7. EYE CREAM

Eye creams

Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL Eyes

-Minimizes the appearance of under-eye lines, puffiness, and dark circles.

Find it here: Amazon

ISHIZAWA LABS SUKOYAKA SUHADA Urea Moisturizing Eye Cream (I layer this over the Avene RetrinAL eye cream)

- Intense care cream with urea + ceramides; Superior moisture + decreased puffiness.

Find it here: Amazon

8. MOISTURIZER

Okay, ‘moisturizer’ sounds so simple + may sound relatively boring next to all of our ‘bougie’ skincare. But don’t discount a good formulation of ceramides, glycerine, squalene, and shea butter (plus other goodies) for the protective and nurturing qualities. A good, solid moisturizer is the 'cherry on top' in every skincare routine.

Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer (one of my ALL-time favs!!)

- Purifies skin, feeds good bacteria, smoothes & softens; Prebiotic power + Sage; Replenishing & super nutritious.

- I instantly fell in love with this moisturizer!

Find it here: Amazon

OR

DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream

- Rich, creamy peptide (x5) and ceramide (x3) concentrated night cream; Improves the look of skin's hydration, texture, and firmness.

Find it here: DRMTLGY

9. EXTRA OCCLUSIVE

Sometimes I’ll also add an even more occlusive product. I’m liking the CereVe Healing Ointment but there are others out there.

CeraVe Healing Ointment (can be used as an occlusive)

Find it here: Amazon

10. TREAT OTHER AREAS

Don't forget about your neck + décolleté. Don’t miss this!! One more minute in your evening routine can ensure that the skin on these ‘on show’ areas get the same love and care as the skin on your face. For me, the focus is pigment inhibitors and retinoids to target sun damage on my chest and hands. I’m currently testing Dermelect

Dermelect Self-Esteem Neck Firming Lift

- Targets: Wrinkle + Texture, Horizontal Tech Neck Lines, Sagging Skin, and Skin Elasticity.

Find it here: Amazon

OR- My Basic Evening (PM) Skincare Routine:

For those who prefer a simplified version, follow only these steps.

1. CLEANSE

Either double cleanse or single cleanse using the same cleansers above.

2. DNA ENZYME.

I think this is a valuable step for everybody over 40 - if you can afford it. If not, stick to the three steps, or swap this one out for a serum.

3. RETINOID.

If you're over 30, I strongly recommend you find a retinoid that you love!

Eau Thermale Avene RetinAL .05 Cream

- Retinaldehyde: Smoothes the appearance of wrinkles & brightens skin; Relastide: Pro-elastin peptide, helps skin look plumper and firmer; Avene Thermal Spring Water: Clinically shown to soothe, soften, and calm skin.

Find it here: Amazon

OR the Eau Thermale Avene RetinAL .01 intensive cream here: Amazon

4. EYE CREAM.

Don't skip the eye cream!!

Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL Eyes

-Minimizes the appearance of under-eye lines, puffiness, and dark circles.

Find it here: Amazon

ISHIZAWA LABS SUKOYAKA SUHADA Urea Moisturizing Eye Cream (I layer this over the Avene RetrinAL eye cream)

- Intense care cream with urea + ceramides; Superior moisture + decreased puffiness.

Find it here: Amazon

5. MOISTURIZER.

This is critical, especially in the colder weather, to trap in that water while we sleep. For extra moisturizing in the winter, you can always add an additional occlusive at the end of your routine.

OR

VaniCream Moisturizing Skin Cream

Find it here: Amazon

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Shop all of my favorite skincare products here!