In a lot of cases, yes! You may notice additional products in your kit intended for a specific part of your routine—AM or PM.

While routines and products vary by the individual, one rule of thumb I like to follow is thinnest to thickest!

Great question! 

Toner (some may know it as the “prepper”) balances your skin’s pH after cleansing, removing any residue and “prepping” your skin for absorption. 

Serums (“heavy-hitters”) are typically gel or water-based products meant to be used after the toner, but before you moisturize. They deliver active ingredients—you might recognize Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide on your label—in concentrated doses. These target your specific areas of concern, like wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. 

Moisturizers are “sealers,” locking in all that good stuff, like hydration. They strengthen your skin barrier and prevent dry skin! Depending on your skin type, your moisturizer may be creamy, gel-like, or rich.

It can be tricky to know what’s causing breakouts. In general, acne from new products happens within a few days to two weeks of product use. Some “red flags” to watch for can include bumps or irritation, even immediately after applying a product. I recommend doing a spot test in a small area (like your jawline!) with your new product, especially if you are prone to sensitive skin.

Truly—it depends! This is something I can elaborate on more once we have chatted about your skin experiences. My general advice would be to stick with 2 - 3 times each week.

That’s what I’m here for! You’ll want to wash your face in the AM and PM—any more can start to strip your skin’s protective barrier.

It’s the MOST important! Sun-caused damage will harm your skin significantly more than other factors. Many people aren’t aware of how impactful sun exposure is on their skin, and wonder why they aren’t seeing the progress they’ve hoped for with other products. Before you can start achieving your skin goals, you’ll want to be protected from the sun.

Adult breakouts can be so frustrating! Many times, our acne is trying to tell us part of a bigger picture. Factors such as stress, hormones, and an imbalanced skin barrier can cause breakouts in adulthood, but it could also be indicative of more serious issues, like your gut health or a medical condition. If your acne persists, it’s best practice to see a doctor.

If the name of the game is keeping those pores clear, then you’ll want to avoid products that threaten to clog them. Don’t believe everything you read—sometimes “natural” products are still working against your skin health. For example, heavy oils and butters (including coconut butter) trap bacteria and dead skin. Alcohol can strip your skin, too, increasing breakouts.

Retinol is more than vital—it’s helping your skin regenerate faster, boosting collagen production, clearing acne, and fading your dark spots. Regular use leaves your skin feeling smooth because it increases cell turnover. I say YES, you need it!

It’s all about finding the right ingredients and using gentle formulas. You’ll want to keep your skin barrier healthy—that means not overdoing it. Avoid harsh products or brands, and use SPF. “Slow and steady wins the race!”

Absolutely! Consistent skincare done right is incredibly restorative to your skin, turning back the clock and helping you look and feel younger.

Skipping sunscreen! And because it’s become trendy to use so many products in a routine, I’m seeing a lot of skin barriers that are overworked and overwhelmed. Layering too many actives (such as retinol, acids, and Vitamin C) at a time is too much for your skin to handle, causing inflammation, sensitivity, and breakouts. More isn’t always better (unless it’s sunscreen, in which case, add all you’d like). 😉