Compared to 2021’s lineup of my favorite skin-care products, this year I drastically switched up my skin-care routine by experimenting with different ingredients and application methods. Thanks to TikTok, I played around with skin cycling, which has done wonders for my skin’s texture and overall appearance. For those unaware, skin cycling adheres to a four-day application sequence that spaces out the number of chemical treatments used to help you achieve glowing skin while minimizing irritation. This technique was created by Dr. Whitney Bowe, and you can read more about it in an interview she had with Frenshe here. Through skin cycling, I’ve invited chemical exfoliants and retinoids into my nighttime skin-care routine, two products I had never heard of or considered using before. In addition to using more products focused on smoothing, I’ve incorporated a new sculpting tool and discovered two new holy-grail products into my everyday skin-care routine. Below you will find my favorite face products that have made it to the forefront of my beauty ritual this past year.

The Ride-or-Die Lineup

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair (Fragrance-Free)

I guess I’m at the age now where I have to start worrying about wrinkles! My mom swears by this product and has been using it for years. Although I got this around Christmas time, I’ve already noticed a difference in how plump my skin looks the morning after I use it. Since it contains retinol, I have been using the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair as strictly part of my nighttime skin-care routine to avoid any irritation that might be caused by getting in the sun. It’s important for me to note that I take a break with this moisturizer when I am on the ‘exfoliate’ or ‘retinoid’ phase of skin cycling and will reserve this for the ‘break’ days.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

After searching far and wide for the perfect everyday moisturizer, I’ve finally found it: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. This product doesn’t break the bank, is safe for sensitive skin, has a lightweight silky texture, and contains powerful ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, and prebiotic thermal water.

Twenties World Up & Away Cleansing Balm

The people who check up on my Instagram stories have definitely heard me rave about this product before. And coincidentally enough, I was influenced by Margot Lee to purchase this cleansing balm after she posted about it in her Instagram stories. The cycle that never ends! What I love so much about this product is how efficient a pea-sized amount is at breaking down makeup and removing any excess residue without leaving your face feeling greasy. Bonus: it’s vegan and smells like candy.

A313 Vitamin A Treatment / Retinol

This is the one product I made sure I didn’t leave Europe without buying this summer. It feels very similar to Vaseline, so I would even go as far as describing it as a slugging treatment with added benefits. I use this once every three days at night as part of the ‘retinoid’ stage of skin cycling and it has helped smooth my skin texture.

Metal Gua Sha

As someone who used to swear by their jade face roller, I’ve made the switch to a metal gua sha and don’t see myself going back anytime soon. I love how cold it feels on the skin and how easily its shape is able to get into the nooks and crannies of my facial structure. Adding this to the last step of my skin-care routine after the products have set in has helped add more definition to my cheekbones while relieving built-up tension from my forehead.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

I got the standard size for Christmas and the mini size from our roomie ‘favorite things’ gift exchange (shoutout Megan and my parents!!), so I’ve only really gotten to use this for a couple of weeks. However, the way it has already helped minimize my pores and contribute to an overall glowing look has been insane. As similarly mentioned above with the A313 Vitamin A product, I use this Paula’s Choice product once every three days as part of the ‘exfoliate’ phase of skin cycling. Doing so (and again this hasn’t been for very long) has done some much-needed clearing of dead skin cells to allow the retinol to absorb as much as possible the next night.

Honorable Mentions

Sunscreen

I am still on the hunt for a face sunscreen that doesn’t break me out or cast a white film around my face. But, adding one to my morning skin-care routine has helped prevent getting sunburns on my nose and has prevented any of the lines on my face from further deepening. If you don’t already have face sunscreen as part of your everyday skin-care routine this is your sign to get one!

Face Oil

Applying a face oil after all of the treatments and moisturizers have settled into my skin at night, or alone in the morning, has helped lock in hydration and make it easier to spread the gua sha around my face. Right now I’m using the Pixi Beauty +Rose Essence Oil and love how it smells and makes my skin feel.

💘 Hanna