When I look back at 2024, I have made a lot of optimizations to my skincare routine, and some small changes have had a big effect on my skin. Daily self-care not only makes me look better but also improves my mind and body. I hope to share my understanding of and experience with you regarding skincare. Whether it is daily cleaning, moisturizing, sunscreen, or deep anti-aging for the skin, it is most important to find products that suit you. At the same time, I will also share some of the mines I have stepped on. Even if it is a big brand, it is useless if it is not suitable for me.
The following is my skincare resolution for 2025, which is simple but easy to achieve. If you also want to make yourself better in the new year, I hope my sharing can help you the most!
Skincare for Different Age Groups
Skincare isn't static and the focus of skin care varies at different ages. In my 20s, my skincare was simple. Back then my skin is in great condition, smooth, elastic, and full of collagen. I had no wrinkles around my eyes and my skin wasn't sagging. My routine was simple: a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer and daily sunscreen. In my early 20s, sunscreen was only for beach days but then I realized that there's a huge difference in my skin's texture. To prevent my skin from getting dull and blotchy, I insist on wearing sunscreen every day when I go out. Eye creams are also particularly important for anti-aging and preventing the growth of wrinkles. Neocutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating Eye Cream and ZO Skin Health Eye Brightening Crème are the two eye creams I use most often. I've used both of these products for a while, and I prefer the Neocutis one because it has a creamy texture that's easy to push off and absorb. Its proprietary Peptides and Glycyrrhetinic Acid help in anti-aging and whitening.
By my 30s, I realized fine lines around my eyes and forehead became more visible, and my skin didn't feel as plump as it used to. That's when I started to pick up products that are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C. ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum made my skin so much more elastic and the wrinkles have visibly reduced a lot. I have been using it consistently every night. Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate and Fermented Red Ginseng Extract are important substances that effectively help restore skin hydration. In the next few years leading up to my 40's, I'm going to change the skincare battle from defensive to proactive. To prevent sagging and dry skin, I'll be using more specialized hydrating serums and anti-aging creams.
Daily Cleansing Routine
Cleansing is always the first step of skincare, and the importance of cleansing is often overlooked. In days gone by, I would just pick up a well-priced adequately scented cleanser from the grocery store. But the dryness and redness from time to time made me realize that I need to choose a cleanser with my skin type in mind. SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Cleanser is one of my go-to cleansers, and its gentle gel texture inspires a lot of lather when it meets water, and can even remove waterproof makeup. Its non-comedogenic formula makes it ideal for daily use and is an ideal adjunct to treatments such as chemical peels, and intense pulsed light. It is especially suitable for my combination oil skin, and good at suppressing oil to keep the balance.
Makeup Removal Recommendation
Makeup removal is definitely a non-negotiable step in my skincare routine. I've learned that leaving makeup may lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin. I've tried various products and each has its pros and cons. Oil-based makeup removal allows the skin to breathe. After then, a water-based cleanser can remove dirt. Using both products together will keep your skin clean and moisturized, removing makeup residue.
For me, some oil-based makeup removal causes my eyes to hurt, probably because my eyes are sensitive. So most of the time I'd love to use a cleanser instead of an oil-based removal. The best product for you is the one that suits you according to the type of skin you have when choosing.
The Importance of Hydration
If there's one thing I've learned first in my skincare journey, it's that hydration is the foundation of healthy and glowing skin. When my skin is hydrated, it looks smooth and soft. It doesn't get cakey whether it's the sunscreen or makeup that comes next. However, if I skip moisturizer my skin produces more oil to make up for the dryness which leads to more congestion.
For me, I'm a combination dry skin type. Alastin Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizer works for me very well, since linoleic acid helps to support the skin's barrier and TriHex Technology plays an important role in collagen production. It helps to clear out damaged elastic and collagen and supports the skin's ability to produce new collagen. It didn't sit heavily on my skin like other products, instead, it absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling plump.
That said it’s not perfect. I enjoy more fragrant skincare experiences but it doesn’t have a strong scent which might be a downside for those who love scent. Overall though, it’s become the first step of my daily skincare routine. When the oil and water are balanced my skin doesn't get oily from time to time and I enjoy having my skin full of moisture.
The Power of Serums in My Skincare Routine
Serums are the game-changers in my skincare routine, and I can't imagine if I skipped them in my daily routine. The first time I realized the importance of serums was early last year when my friend came over for a visit and was surprised to see my dresser full of moisturizers and creams, but no serums. She describes moisturizers and creams as bases, and serums as targeted treatment.
She told me that there are different serums for different skin problems. There are anti-aging and restorative serums that focus on anti-aging, vitamin C serums that strengthen skin elasticity, and hydrating serums that focus on hydration and moisturization. After using various serums, there are two serums I love most. Every winter, my skin becomes dry and red, especially if I have to travel on an airplane. The iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum is my first aid kit, it hydrates and calms my skin more than I thought possible. Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B energize the skin. To my surprise, after using it for a few months, I found that the lines on my forehead had become lighter. I read the ingredient list and discovered that Centella Asiatica can alleviate the symptoms of premature aging.
Another product I love is the ZO Growth Factor Serum, which will be more effective in fading wrinkles and will also lighten the dark spots and wrinkles around my eyes. Whenever staying up late at work becomes frequent, ZO Serum is an essential step in my nightly skincare routine. Despite its slightly higher price, it's still a product I can't help but repurchase.
Daily Sunscreen -- My Non-Negotiable Skincare Step
As I mentioned before, I didn't take sunscreen seriously at all in my early 20s. At that time, I thought it wasn't swimming at the beach or going on a Hawaiian vacation, so why did I have to wear a very sticky sunscreen when I went out on a daily basis? However, when I saw the tiny dark spots on my face and the redness of my skin from time to time, I realized that I was totally wrong.
The sunscreens I've purchased before have been sticky and don't last very long before they lose their effectiveness. But EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 changed my stereotype of sunscreen. This one is very lightweight, and it has a lotion-like texture. Every morning, after my serum I take a moment to massage it into my skin. I love the way it absorbs into the texture of my skin, and the 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) also boosts the skin tone, while the Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) makes the skin soft and supple.
Since I spend a limited amount of time playing outdoors, this one has just enough SPF to get me through most scenarios. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you can use EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+, which has more powerful sun protection and water resistance. Its broad-spectrum sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide to keep skin protected from UVA and UVB rays. It can reduce the likelihood of premature aging, and be applied to any type of skin.
Minimalist Skincare and Regular Exfoliation
Despite the fact that I've covered so many skincare steps and products, I've always insisted on a minimalist skincare routine. Because I have sensitive skin, I am prone to eczema flare-ups during seasonal changes. Only doing a simple skincare routine is my guideline, and the two most important aspects of skincare are to improve the condition of the skin and fight anti-aging. On top of that, I regularly use some anti-inflammatory products in my skincare routine. Because of my specific skin type, I am prone to allergies and inflammation. The simpler the skincare routine is, the easier it is to stick to.
Exfoliation is also a very important step that I have gradually realized. I used to think that my sensitive skin was not suitable for exfoliation, but my dermatologist told me that regular exfoliation can smooth the skin texture and promote skin renewal. As long as the frequency is appropriate, removing dead cells is a better supplement for the skin to further replenish water and absorb.
Regular Skincare Product Assessments
Regular skincare assessments are necessary. Because our skin doesn't react to products in the same way, regular skin self-exam is essential to help us choose the right products. Remove old, expired products from time to time and watch how your skin reacts to new products. If there are symptoms such as allergies, redness, swelling, etc., stop using them and replace them.
Emotional Stress and Skin Health
2024 was the year I finally realized how stress impacts skin health. Due to work and family, my skin condition flared up frequently during one of my most mentally stressful months. Acne broke out along my jawline and I started getting red, swollen pimples on my forehead. Some skin problems that hadn't appeared for a long time were suddenly expressing to me in a frenzied way that I was under a lot of stress both physically and mentally.
I went to a dermatologist when I didn't think I could handle it well on my own, and he told me that the body and mind are in a reciprocal relationship. When I'm stressed, my cortisol levels spike and it breaks down the skin barrier, eczema and psoriasis are closely related to this. And it can even affect my gut health. This also explains why I get bloated stomach pains when I'm stressed. After understanding this, I began to condition myself physically and mentally. My diet became more nutritious and balanced, and from time to time I released my stress reasonably through exercise. Meditation and yoga are also a good way to regulate mental stress. During this period, skin care is also an essential part. More calming moisturizers were used, including ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide to repair my barrier and reduce inflammation.
Luckily, after I made these changes my skin condition returned to normal. And in 2025, I will continue with good physical and mental health, improving myself while loving myself well and putting self-care into practice.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Leyla Leung, a skincare enthusiast with a passion for exploring the science behind effective products and the art of self-care. Through my blog, I share insights, personal experiences, and practical tips to help others navigate their skincare journeys with confidence and mindfulness. When I'm not testing the latest serums, you'll find me practicing yoga or sipping herbal tea while planning my next wellness adventure.