Day & Night Routine

Now that school is back in session, the carefully curated multi-step skincare routine I’ve curated over the summer feels unmaintainable. Meetings and a heavy course load are now eating up the time I previously spent on making sure my sensitive, combination-dry skin was the best that it could be. I’m balancing back-to-back classes, student organizations, and an internship, and skincare tends to be the first routine that slips away.

Being busy can oftentimes feel overwhelming and it means that I take less time for myself and my hobbies. I’ve found that building up a routine helps me de-stress—I think of it as a part of my day rather than an indulgence that’s taking up more time than necessary. It’s also a great way to recharge in the morning and hit reset at night! I’ll dive into my personal routine and what I like to do but listen to your own skin because what works for me might not work for you. This is not a tutorial for your routine and it is important to remember that our skin reflects changes in diet, sleep, hormone levels, and sleep. We each have our own preferences, sensitivities, and skin goals, so trust how your skin and how it communicates with you.

My day starts at 8 A.M., and with yoga twice a week and a three-hour class on Wednesdays, I need a little more energy some days. To jumpstart these breezy fall mornings, I pull myself out of my bed—a safe cocoon of blankets and plush pillows—and pad my way over to the bathroom.

After a quick look in the mirror, some funny faces while I brush my teeth, and a scan of my phone for all the notifications that popped up in the six hours that I was asleep, it’s time for the refreshing face wash. Nothing gets better than splashing water onto my face and, for a minute, pretending I’m in a slow-motion advertisement about facial cleansers. As someone with dry skin, I skip the cleanser, save the lather for later in the day, and cleanse my face with a gentle cloth or micellar water to take off the debris buildup over a night’s rest. However, those with oily or combination skin might want to freshen up with a bright, gentle cleanser.

The next step is mandatory for me (and should be for everyone!): hydrate and moisturize! Drink a tall glass of water and put on your favorite moisturizer. It’s so important to replenish your skin’s natural barrier and treat it nicely after a stripping cleanse. I love using moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other active ingredients because they provide extra benefits. Moisturizers with aromatherapy qualities are a fun alternative because of the scent associations and the boost of energy it gives. Tip: moisturizing also prevents flakiness and uneven texture if you chose to put on makeup after!

Then it’s time to put on sunscreen. Premature aging is simply not cute. As great as they are for taking selfies and feeling happy, rays of sunlight are extremely damaging to the skin. Even on the days when I’m logging into Zoom University from my room, I get a lot of light in through my windows, so I make sure to apply a layer of sunscreen. Goodbye UVB and UVA damage!

On the limited days that I go outside, I make sure to pack a small bag with my essentials: my AirPods, keys, lip balm, a travel-size perfume or aromatherapy rollerball, hand sanitizer, and hand cream or lotion. I’ve been loving EO’s Sweet Orange hand sanitizer spray because it’s a great alternative to the drying alcohol rubs and not nauseating like the pungent tequila-scented generic hand sanitizers available in public spaces.

When I get home, before I get to disinfect my bag and the week’s groceries, I rush to wash my hands and shower. Most days I use hypoallergenic and unscented body washes because if I use them too often, the fragrance in washes oversensitizes my skin. (For others with sensitive skin, I suggest looking for brands that work with dermatologists and have unscented options.) Then for my fragile bleached hair, nourishing shampoo and conditioner and a protective hair mask work like magic to keep split ends at bay. If I have time on the weekend, I’ll give my body a little extra love and soak in EO’s Rose & Lemon bubble bath or Epsom salt. These are great for working out the muscle kinks for athletes over the week or even the tension in shoulders and neck from constantly being on the computer and at a desk.

When evening rolls around, I get ready for bed by always making sure to cleanse my face and take off everything that has accumulated on the skin. It’s time to get rid of the makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and excess oil. If wearing makeup, I’ll always double cleanse, first with an oil-based remover and then a second wash with a traditional cream or gel-based cleanser. This breaks down the gunk and keeps your pores clear as you sleep. However, some days are overwhelming and some nights I feel like the whole process is just too much, but skip the makeup wipes which can cause micro-tears in your skin and irritate your face. I keep a small bottle of micellar water and cotton pads by my bed. Talk about convenient! I follow this up with a moisturizer, serum, and (sometimes) toner. I also enjoy a lip mask so I wake up to smooth, plump lips.

I like to end the night with a little humidifier and essential oil diffuser moment. The humidifier makes for better sleep, is great for your skin, and helps the heavy snorers. The scent of soft lavender drifting through my room is also instantly relaxing. However, dorms and apartment spaces can be too small for this, so another aromatherapy option is a pillow spray. Sprays are great for making new places feel more cozy and familiar.

That’s a wrap on my skincare routine! I hope it inspires you to take time for your own. Sleep well my fellow hardworking college queen, we’ll be back on the grind tomorrow.

By Ivy Fan

I’ve learned six languages but I only speak three of them fluently, unfortunately. The Duolingo owl has it out for me.

Hydrate, Don't Die-Drate

Day & Night Routine