I used to think I had my skincare routine figured out. For years, my bathroom shelf was stocked with Vitamin C serums in the morning, retinol serums at night, and a rotation of actives to “keep my skin in check.” But as time went on, I started noticing something — my skin was changing.
Not just in how it looked, but in what it needed.
From Actives, Actives, Actives… to Listening to My Skin
When I first started my skincare journey, I was all about tackling acne, uneven skin tone, and prevention. Vitamin C gave me that instant glow, and retinol was my go-to for keeping fine lines at bay before they even showed up.
But here’s the thing: as I’ve gotten older, my skin has gotten more sensitive. Retinol, once my holy grail, now feels too harsh. My skin doesn’t bounce back from irritation as quickly as it used to, and even though I still have acne-prone, combination skin, I need way more hydration than I did in my twenties.
Now, my skincare routine is built around gentleness, hydration, and healing.
What I’m Using Now
Instead of loading my skin with actives every night, I save them for when I truly need them. For example, I’ll reach for my Skin1004 ampoules when my skin really needs a boost — they’re soothing, hydrating, and help restore balance without triggering sensitivity.
Two products I’ve been loving lately:
- Abib PDRN Retinal Eye Patch – A gentle way to get retinal (a less irritating cousin of retinol) around my eyes while also giving a plumping, smoothing effect.
- Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Mask – My skin drinks this up. I wake up with soft, hydrated, bouncy skin — no irritation, no dryness.
I still treat my acne when needed, but the foundation of my routine is now hydration first, actives second.
Why Your Skincare Should Evolve Too
Your skin isn’t static — it changes with age, hormones, climate, stress, and even lifestyle. What worked for you five years ago might not be what your skin needs today.
Signs it’s time to evolve your routine:
- Products you used to love now leave your skin irritated
- You’re noticing fine lines or dryness you didn’t have before
- Your skin feels tight, itchy, or overly sensitive after your normal routine
- You’re layering too many actives and not enough hydration
Sometimes, less is more — and gentler is better.
My Tip: Hydrate First, Treat Second
If you’re in the same boat I was, try focusing on rebuilding your skin barrier with hydrating and soothing products. Then, when your skin is healthy and strong, reintroduce actives slowly and only as needed.
Your skin will thank you.
💖 If you want to try the products I mentioned, you can shop them on YesStyle and use my promo code STROP049 for a discount.
✨ Interested in becoming a YesStyle influencer? Click here to apply.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my code or links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally used and genuinely love.
Sandy Esprit 
Leave a comment