I’ve been obsessed with the beauty world since I was a little girl. Although I’ve had my tomboy moments, the majority of my life, I’ve loved playing with hair, makeup and skincare. I’ve also made about a million mistakes while doing so! TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube have sent me down beauty rabbit holes that have led me to hours and hours of beauty experimentation. To me, it’s just FUN! But there are many hacks, tutorials and tips that have been a downright failure. This is why I wanted to create a no-bullshit post that focuses on skincare tips that work!

For reference, I have combination skin with sensitive tendencies. I’ve had some of the weirdest skincare conditions over the years so I try to be careful with what I dabble in. I’ll try to be as to the point as possible, but some of these tips have details and directions you don’t want to miss. So in no particular order, let’s go!

Double Cleansing Your Face

Ever take a makeup wipe and rub it across your face after “washing” your face at night? If not, you might be surprised to find that there is probably still makeup left on that pretty face of yours. This is why I highly recommend you double cleanse. Double cleansing is simply the act of washing your face twice, but many people use two different types of cleansers. (oil, cleansing balm, gentle cleanser, etc.) I’ve tried makeup erasers that feel like they’re doing the trick, but ultimately I ended up with breakouts. If you don’t get everything off your face at night, that gunk sits there and lands directly on your pillowcase. Trust me, when it comes to skincare tips that work, a properly cleansed face is step one. And this leads me to my next tip.

Wash Your Pillow Case AT LEAST Once a Week

You should 100% be changing your pillow case a couple of times a week, once at the very least. Leftover makeup, dirt, and sweat can accumulate quickly and wreak havoc on your skin. Sleep with a furry friend? That adds to the pile of dirt you’re sleeping on. (no judgment though😉) Removing these skin offenders from the equation not only makes your skin look and feel better, it also keeps it that way.

Use a Gentle, Non-Foamy Cleanser

My favorite? Cerave Hydrating Face Wash has been my go-to for years after my derm recommended it. At first, I felt like the formula wouldn’t be aggressive enough, but don’t let the gentleness fool you. It cleanses the skin beautifully while leaving the proper PH balance behind. Cerave also has a foam formula that I don’t personally recommend. It tends to dry out my skin but may be a better fit for oilier skin types.

Use a GENTLE Retinol (Favorite Skincare Tips That Work!)

We’re always hearing about the importance of using retinol. Using retinol/retinoid works to encourage cell turnover and reveal smoother, younger skin. FYI – Retinoid is stronger than retinol. When you first start using either one, you’ll find that they can dry the skin out and you’ll be told to start slowly. This might mean only using it a few times a week and then increasing frequency from there. But what you DON’T hear much about is that for certain people, it can actually make the skin feel more oily.

This was the case for me. It IS in fact drying, but this can signal your skin to kick into overdrive and produce more oil to compensate. This made me avoid retinol until I realized there were many different strengths available. To make sure you don’t become slick or dry your skin out, you can opt for a gentle retinol. I like the Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream, it has only .1% of retinol, making it much easier to avoid the side effects. Long story short? Don’t skip retinol because the one your dermatologist gave you is too powerful, a little bit is better than nothing!

Wash Your Damn Makeup Brushes & Sponges

You can buy a product like this to clean your brushes or create a little DIY Solution but either way, wash your brushes. I’ve made the mistake of waiting way too long, thus causing breakouts and an overall muddy look on the skin. Set a reminder in your phone if you need to, but do it monthly at a minimum!

Dermaplane Monthly – (Favorite Skincare Tips That Work!)

Dermaplaning is one of the most satisfying acts of self-care I have ever discovered! I use the Kitsch Dermaplaning Razors but there are a ton of different ones available. I like these because they work, but aren’t too sharp. There are different methods of dermaplaning. Some recommend doing it wet while others do it dry. I personally like to use these on clean, dry skin and always use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the razor. I shave in a downward direction with short, small strokes.

Aside from removing peach fuzz, I am obsessed with how it gently removes dry skin and lightens up any dark spots I have. When going around the eyebrows, I actually cover the brow with my opposite hand. Please watch a tutorial on dermaplaning and goooo sloooowww. The last thing you want is a chunk of hair removed from your brows. It always amazes me how much smoother and healthier my skin looks after dermaplaning. My makeup also sits on my skin a million times better and makes for a more flawless application. By far one of my favorite skincare tips that work in more ways than one. Love it!

Use a Chemical Peel Pad after Dermaplaning

Sometimes Dermaplaning might make you break out here or there. A way to prevent this is to use a peel pad after dermaplaning. It will sting, just warning you! But it only lasts a minute, prevents breakouts, and kicks the skin-shedding process up a notch! My fave? The AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads by Skinbetter Science. Say hello to a glow like you’ve never seen before!

At Home Laser Hair Removal (Favorite Skincare Tips That Work!)

My mind has been blown by using an at home laser hair removal device, literally blown. In case you missed it, here’s the link to my other blog on DIY Laser Hair Removal. I go into full detail about it and show you how you can do the same! As a dark-haired woman, at-home laser hair removal has made me feel much more comfortable in my own skin. I recommend the Smoothskin Pure IPL Laser Hair Removal Device because it’s safe, affordable and actually works!

Exfoliate Your Body with a Chemical Exfoliant

We all hear about exfoliating our faces, but what about our bodies? The skin on our body shows signs of aging just as much as our face, if not more. Take a look at your hands and neck. These areas are constantly exposed to the sun and will no doubt show your true age if you don’t take care of them.

I don’t recommend a mechanical exfoliant, it’s too easy to break the skin and get carried away. But using a chemical exfoliant, (which isn’t as harsh as it sounds) gently exfoliates and gives our body beautiful, glowing skin. Body exfoliants not only make your skin smoother, but they also prep your skin for anything else you’re adding to the skincare routine. Exfoliated skin accepts moisturizer on a whole new level. Some chemical exfoliants may even help with eczema and other pesky skin issues.

Use Retinol on Your Neck & Hands

As I mentioned above, our neck and hands can really show our age and then some. They can make us look MUCH older than we are, so I recommend making them a priority too! I like Differin Gel for hands and neck prior to bed at night. It’s affordable and you can see an improvement in the skin after a very short amount of time.

Slim Your Face With Mini Cupping (Favorite Skincare Tips That Work!)

I have struggled with a round face and easy swelling for most of my life. I absolutely hate it! The thing is, when I’m not puffy, my face actually isn’t very round at all. Of course, weight fluctuations will play a role in facial appearance, but sometimes it’s just swollen. This can come from poor eating, dehydration, lack of sleep and even sleeping in a weird position. All the coffee in the world can’t seem to help my face in these situations but facial cupping can!

You’ve probably heard of cupping therapy which can help with blood flow, inflammation, and pain relief. But guess what? You can do it to your face too and it works MUCH better than jade rolling. Here’s the set I use. I leave them in the shower and then towards the end, I apply a little bit of facial cleanser to provide a slicker surface for gliding the cups. I suction the cups gently and keep them moving across the face for at least a few minutes. This will generate blood flood, depuff your face, and give you a nice, rosy glow! Make sure you aren’t leaving it in one spot for too long, you might give yourself a little hickey. 🙂

Use an Under Eye Cream with Caffeine

Most eye creams don’t work. Some do temporarily and that’s enough for me! In the morning I use The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream and it definitely helps the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Especially when you’re dehydrated and lacking a good night’s rest. Apply generously and give it time.

Be Aware that Sinuses Contribute to a Puffy Face

Did you know that allergies and sinus infections can not only make you feel like you have a puffy face but they can actually cause swelling? If you haven’t successfully managed your allergies, then skincare products might not actually be what you need. Look into an antihistamine or nasal spray instead. Even if you aren’t having a full-blown sneeze attack, pay attention to headaches or post-nasal drip when you’re sleeping. These symptoms may indicate you’re having issues in that department.

Use a Men’s 3 Blade Razor for Shaving

Women’s razors are nice and all. But if you have coarse, thick dark hair like me, then I highly recommend you use a men’s razor. I swear they just work so much better and leave things feeling smooth on a whole new level!

Use a Skin Therapy Wand

I love the NuDerma Professional Skin Therapy Wand. A skin therapy wand won’t erase all your wrinkles or anything but it can give you a beautiful glow. Perhaps the best time to have one of these on hand is during a breakout. It can GREATLY reduce the healing time of a blemish by zapping bacteria and drying it out ridiculously quickly. I’ve even used it on scars to help them fade quicker and decrease redness, making them less visible in the meantime. Be sure to follow the instructions and use the correct wand according to your skincare needs.

Improve The Appearance of Cellulite

Nothing will remove cellulite. I think we all know this by now. I also know we’re supposed to be okay with cellulite, accept it, and remember that everyone has it. While I continue to work toward that mindset, I do have a couple of things that improve the appearance of cellulite and make my skin feel more smooth and supple.

I already mentioned cupping for the face and I think cupping the body helps too. If we can get the blood flowing to our butt and thighs, it can lessen the appearance even if it doesn’t last forever. I have this Silicone Cupping Set from Amazon that I love. I use it when I’m in the shower and after being consistent with it for a few days, I notice a difference. If you don’t like cupping, which can be a bit painful if I’m being honest, you can also use a roller like this one for lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Lastly, I love the NIVEA Skin Firming and Toning Body Gel Cream. I love the smell of it, the consistency of it, and how much smoother my skin looks after a few weeks of consistent use!

Apply Moisturizer IMMEDIATELY After Showering

I used to just slather on lotion whenever I thought of it and didn’t realize the difference. But if you put moisturizer on immediately after getting out of the shower, on damp skin, it’s a very simple game changer!

Use a Cream Moisturizer in the Winter

Lotion and creams are not the same thing. When winter comes along and the furnace is blowing, switching to a thicker cream like the Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream makes another HUGE difference for me.

Remove Self Tanner – READ FULL DESCRIPTION

You’re probably thinking, ya right, nothing works to remove those ugly streaks and splotches. I would agree with you in most cases, even the products they sell for that specific purpose don’t work and it’s a total waste of money. But then I stumbled on a TikTok that talked about using this Magic Shaving Powder to remove self-tanner. IT ACTUALLY WORKS! But be careful… I made the mistake of scrubbing too hard and it damaged my skin. Just sprinkle a small amount and mix in a bit of water to create a paste, you may have to do it more than once but DON’T SCRUB TOO HARD.

Get a Script for Dark Spots

If you have dark spots from spending too much time in the sun, I wouldn’t mess around with store-bought products. Make an appointment with a dermatologist and ask for some Tretinoin. Not only does it work 5 times better, it may actually be covered by your insurance so you don’t have to pay for pricey skincare products!

Use Free & Clear Laundry and Skincare Products if You’re Sensitive

If you have random rashes or reactions to things but can’t figure out why, then look at the products you’re using. It may seem like nothing, but anything scented makes my skin go wild! I remember being obsessed with Victoria’s Secret lotions (Love Spell anyone?) and anything else that had a magical scent. But once I switched to more basic products like Aveeno, Cerave & Eucerin my skin cleared up from all sorts of naggy problems. My skin would itch, feel dry and I’d even break out in hives at times. I’d also be viciously attacked by mosquitos which created an entirely different issue. Don’t forget to use a Free & Clear Laundry detergent and scent-free dryer sheets. Trust me, it makes a difference for us sensitive types!

Deodorant Not Working? Switch Your Formula!

Did you know there are two different types of deodorant? Well, technically one is called a deodorant and one is an antiperspirant but most of us just grab whatever. There was a moment in time when I started to feel like my deodorant was no longer working, and it was a clinical formula that was supposed to be more powerful. I eventually stumbled upon an article explaining the difference between the two and decided to try out the opposite. BAM. Just like that, problem solved. Sometimes our bodies just need different things.

Wear Aquaphor and Gloves at Night For Moisturized Hands (Favorite Skincare Tips That Work)

I have suffered from dry, cracked hands for years! I’ve tried every cream on the shelf and still find myself with rough-looking skin. (embarrassing!) This left me desperately searching for skincare tips that work. One thing that actually does? Aquaphor and a cheap pair of cotton gloves. Slather your hands with Aquaphor before bed, put on the gloves, and go to sleep. My hands always feel amazing after doing this and it’s the only thing that puts a dent in my dryness.

Take L-Tyrosine for a Long Lasting Tan

For some reason, at a certain point, I stopped getting as tan as I used to. Not that I sit out and bake in the sun like I once did, but my coloring just seemed to be off. I’m sure there is some science to this, but regardless of what that is, it frustrated me. I ended up reading somewhere that taking an L-Tyrosine supplement can help you have more of an even glow and extend your tan so I decided to give it a go. Yup, it’s a hidden skincare tip that works! You’re welcome!

Use a Vitamin C Serum for Super Glowy Skin

If there is one product that I think makes a difference immediately, it’s a Vitamin C Serum. And it doesn’t need to be an expensive one either. I like the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum from Amazon. After just a few days, I feel more bright and glowy. It also feels really luxurious going on the face!

Don’t Use Five Million Products (Favorite Skincare Tips That Work!)

If you go down skincare rabbit holes like me, then you know those algorithms will get ya’. You will suddenly have 20 new products in your cart and a much bigger hole in your wallet. Try one thing at a time and remember, you may not need to do every single step in someone else’s skincare routine. Less is almost always more. Just because someone else is using it, doesn’t mean you have to. Get to know your skin and remember that just because a popular influencer does something, doesn’t mean that you should.

I hope a few of these will soon become skincare tips that work for you too! My hope is that you’ve stumbled upon something you never even thought of and it changes the way your skin looks and feels. Feeling good about your skin and beauty in general is something I truly believe we should all prioritize. Feeling good on the outside, can help us feel good on the inside too!

What do you think? Any of these seem like they might be helpful for you too?

Remember friends, just as the great Ice Cube once said… Chickity Check yo’ self before you wreck yo’ self.

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