Finding What Works: nonproblematic skincare routine

As I look back at my posts, I’ve noticed a pattern: I love writing about aging. Not in a negative way, but in a way that celebrates what I have learned. Whether it’s a small health tip or something more profound about life, like a new perspective, I find joy in sharing what I’ve learned along the way.

I also love hearing other people’s perspectives. I recently turned 29, and with just one year left in my twenties, I’m on a mission to make my thirties my best years yet. So whenever I meet someone who is past that mark, I can’t help but ask them questions, especially one: What do you wish you knew in your twenties?

The answer is almost always the same.

They wish they had started skincare earlier.

Now, if you’re a Zillennial like me, you’ve probably noticed how overwhelming skincare has become. Look up a routine on YouTube or Instagram and you’ll be met with endless videos, expensive products, “dupes,” and self-proclaimed experts giving conflicting advice. There’s such an overwhelming amount of information out there.

After months, maybe a whole year, of trying to navigate all that information, I realized something, no matter how many experts I follow, no one knows my skin better than me.

So I started from scratch.

I spent the past year figuring out a routine that actually works for my sensitive, combination skin. And let me tell you, I’ve never been happier with it. It’s not about using a hundred products or following complicated morning rituals. It’s simple, affordable, and sustainable.

Here’s what works for me:

1. Start from the inside

Diet makes a huge difference. Once I started paying attention to my protein and nutrient intake, my skin changed. I also began taking collagen, something I initially started for joint pain and bone health while losing weight. I had no idea how much it would help my skin too.

I use a collagen powder by Schwartz from Amazon. It’s tasteless and mixes perfectly into my morning black coffee. It’s probably the only supplement I’ve ever taken that gives visible results. My skin, hair, and nails are healthier, and my joint pain has nearly disappeared.

2. Move your body

Whether it’s stretching, working out, or even doing a bit of gua sha, getting your body moving helps flush out toxins and improves your skin. I start my mornings with a glass of water, a quick stretch, and a light gua sha session after spritzing my face with rose water. I don’t know if it actually "shapes my face" like what many influencers will have you believing, but it feels amazing on my facial muscles and helps me start my day feeling a bit pampered.

3. Keep your skincare minimal

After trying what feels like every cleanser and moisturizer on the market, I finally found what works:

Face wash: CeraVe with salicylic acid

Moisturizer: Clinique’s clear gel

That’s it. Two products.

For SPF, I use a tinted moisturizing sunscreen instead of foundation since my skin reacts badly to heavy makeup. It gives light coverage and protection without irritation.

4. Do your skincare at night

This one might surprise you. I actually stopped washing my face in the morning, and it’s made a huge difference.

At night, I remove my makeup with coconut oil. It’s antifungal, lightweight, and gentle. Then I wash my face with my CeraVe cleanser, pat it dry with a clean towel (I use a fresh one every day), spritz rose water mixed with distilled water as toner, and finish with my gel moisturizer.

I learned this from Salma Hayek, who said she doesn’t wash her face in the morning because overnight oils help strengthen the skin barrier. I tried it, and it works for me too.

In the morning, I just spritz my face with rose water, do my gua sha, and if I feel like it, apply an eye mask. I love the gel ones from Shoppers Drug Mart made with green tea and jasmine. They’re soothing and gentle.

After that, I apply my tinted SPF moisturizer, making sure to cover my face, neck, and ears. Older women I’ve spoken to often say they wish they had moisturized their necks earlier, so I never skip that step.

Then comes my collagen coffee and a women’s multivitamin, sometimes with vitamin C on weekends.

This routine is simple, effective, and most importantly, something I actually enjoy doing.

That’s really the heart of it: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about finding what works for you—your skin, your budget, your lifestyle. Because if you don’t enjoy your routine, you won’t stick with it.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

So if there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s this: listen to your skin. Experiment, simplify, and don’t be afraid to do less. Sometimes, the best results come from stepping back and letting your skin do its thing.