This post contains affiliate links. Read more about my affiliate relationships on my disclosure page.
My Nightly Skin Care Routine at 35 + a Skin Care Giveaway!
Details on day-to-day lifestyle topics are some of my most requested videos and posts, and today I’m very excited to be covering one of those often-requested subjects, skin care! In this post I’m sharing each step of my nightly skin care routine, a routine I’ve refined over the past ten months to combat adult acne and skin-aging.
Read on for details on each product I use, and check out the video below to see just how stoned I can get while talking about skin care!
One more thing! Terra Vida and I are giving away an incredible package of their CBD-infused skin care products that have transformed my skin and helped me get a handle on my damaged moisture barrier and breakouts. For giveaway details including how to enter, read through the end of this post!
Skin Goals and Skin Changes
When I turned 35 early this year I knew it was time to start getting serious about skin care. I had recently quit all of my pharmaceuticals and one of the many gnarly side effects was irritated, congested skin and lots of breakouts. Needless to say, the state of my skin didn’t do much to uplift my mood while dealing with the horrors of antidepressant withdrawal. It was a bleak few months but it led to a ton of research in my spare time about skin care, acne, and specific products that promised to turn things around.
One of my personal goals for my 35th year was to find a routine easy enough to do consistently and that led to results. It took a long time and a lot of trial and error but after months of diligently following this routine I am finally at a point where I’m happy with my skin. I’ve seen a lot of dramatic improvement in my acne and the routine has become a habit that I look forward to every night.
Now, before I get into the meat of this post, I do want to issue a disclaimer and say that I am by no means an expert in any of this. I’m not a beauty blogger, or cosmetic expert, and I sound incredibly dumb whenever I try to say anything vaguely scientific. I’m just a busy mom on a budget who has to find products and a routine that work for my lifestyle so I can live with myself and not scare young children with my appearance.
The routine I’m sharing with you today works for me right now, in a time in my life when I am focusing more on avoiding acne versus aging or other skin concerns. Remember that our skin is highly individual and dynamic, and what works for me will not necessarily work for everyone. Always start slow when building a skin care routine, and introduce one product at a time to avoid overwhelming the skin.
Favorite Online Resources
- cosdna.com is a fantastic resource for cross checking every single ingredient in popular products. I use this site to check the acne and allergy ratings of all my makeup and skin care products, especially before I buy something new.
- The AsianBeauty subreddit was where I first discovered the depth and scope of the Korean Skin Care Routine.
- The SkincareAddiction subreddit is another incredible resource for all things skin care related. Users share their routines, product reviews, selfies (and shelfies– images of shelves with organized skin care products) and resources.
My Nightly Skin Care Routine
The following is my nightly skin care routine. I use some products daily, others every other day, and some a couple times a week. Products are listed in the order that I use them, with the frequency of use in parenthesis.
Step 1: Cleansing
I wash my face in the shower. This is not typically recommended by skin care gurus but I do not care. I have tried to learn to wash my face in the sink and I hate it. I get water everywhere and end up cold and cranky, so it’s the shower for me. I usually shower both morning and night, and I’m careful not to store my cleansers in the shower so they don’t mold or lose effectiveness with all the moisture in there.
If I’m wearing a lot of makeup I will remove most of it, especially eye makeup, with micellar water before I get in the shower. Removing makeup is always the first step of my nightly skin routine.
I always start my shower by washing my face with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. I take my time and get everything nice and foamy so the product can do all the work and I can be very gentle with my skin as I wash it. After my first in-shower face wash, I go through the rest of my shower steps and then end the shower by washing my face one more time, this time with a CBD-rich cleanser by Terra Vida.
When I am too tired (or stoned) to hop in the shower at night for my double-cleanse, I use micellar water or wipes to remove my makeup before passing out. I’m always careful about removing my makeup before I sleep, no matter how tired I am.
Garnier SkinActive Miceller Cleansing Water (as needed)
Micellar water is my favorite method for removing eye makeup. I use large cotton pads soaked in it and hold those over my eyes for a few seconds before gently wiping everything off. Micellar water is oil-based which is necessary for effectively removing makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizer without vigorous wiping and tugging.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (night)
A drugstore holy grail cleanser, gentle enough for daily use on the most troublesome skin. CeraVe has a few different cleansers, all of which are highly rated and contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid for building up and protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Terra Vida CBD Cleanser (morning and night)
Terra Vida’s CBD Cleanser is my favorite face cleanser and my last step in the shower. It is soothing and leaves my face feeling sparkling clean and mentholy fresh! This is the only cleanser I use in the morning during my shorter, morning skin care routine (which I’ll share with you guys next month!)
Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes (as needed)
My last defense from falling asleep with my makeup on. If I’m too lazy to even get out the micellar water, the makeup wipe it is.
Step 2: Toning
Toners are wonderful for refreshing and hydrating the skin and essential to rebalancing its PH levels. I have two favorites that I use every night:
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
A cult favorite! Thayers Witch Hazel toner is phenomenal. It’s so great at refreshing the skin, adding a bit of hydration, and for me, evens out my skin tone.
Terra Vida CBD Toner
After a quick tone with my Thayers, I follow-up with Terra Vida’s excellent CBD toner. The toner is thicker than traditional toning products, and one pump covers my entire face and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and ready for the next step.
Step 3: Actives
Actives are products with active ingredients that are scientifically proven to treat a range of skin issues. There are many actives that can be used in skin care, and each active ingredient has its own benefits. Vitamin C, BHA, AHA, and Hyaluronic Acid are just a few popular actives.
Depending on the type, actives act as chemical exfoliators, prevent acne, fix hyper-pigmentation, and boost collagen and cell renewal. Actives are what you use to target and treat your unique skin issues.
Actives perform best when applied to clean, toned skin. A general rule of thumb when using more than one active at a time is to apply them in the order of thinnest to thickest. Always research side effects of different actives and introduce them one at a time when adding to your skin care routine.
Here are the actives I swear by:
Paula’s Choice AHA Glycolic Acid
(1-2 times weekly)
My favorite chemical exfoliator, Paula’s Choice AHA Glycolic Acid helps keep my pores clear and my skin’s texture smooth.
Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
(daily)
A standard over-the-counter treatment for acne. I use this on existing spots until they heal and on my trouble areas when I suspect something brewing under the surface. Benzoyl Peroxide is cheap and readily available at any drugstore. It is extremely drying so be sure to counteract it by using plenty of moisturizer once it’s fully absorbed. It is also highly bleaching so be careful with it around clothes and towels.
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol
(every other night, night only)
One of my favorite products of all time, Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is the fastest ways to improve the texture of my skin overnight. When I went off pharmaceuticals I began to struggle with a lot of closed comedones and felt horrible about my skin but this product changed the game for me. I’m now a retinol convert! I remember my mom using retinol when I was a kid and it was a prescription. Today you can find plenty of skin care lines carrying products with retinol. It’s universally loved for its cell turnover and anti-skin aging results, and I was delighted when I found that it dramatically helped my acne.
I love this product so much I signed up for auto-replenish so a new bottle arrives every two months and I never have to worry about running out.
Terra Vida Radiance Cream with CBD, Collagen, and Retinol
(every other night, night only)
Another Hallelujah product! Terra Vida’s Radiance Cream is the real deal. I use it every other night interchangeably with Paula’s Choice Retinol.This cream goes on light and absorbs quickly. I apply it all over my face and it works overnight to plump up and tighten my skin, calm irritated areas, and improve texture.
Custom Curology Formula:
(2 times a week, night only)
Tretinoin .009%
Clindamycin 1%
Zinc Pyrithione .25%
Curology is a wonderful option for anyone looking for dermatologist-level skin care without having to make an appointment. Simply visit the Curology website, fill out a brief survey about your skin concerns, and upload some selfies so your licensed dermatologist knows exactly what to prescribe. They’ll send you a custom formula addressing your specific needs and will make any adjustments as you progress on your skin care journey.
I started Curology in early 2018 when I was detoxing from antidepressants and my skin was a mess. I had read a lot about Tretinoin being effective for both acne and aging and wanted to be able to try it without visiting a doctor. Though it’s meant to be used every night or every other, I have found it works best for me when I use it sparingly.
Step 4: Creams and Moisturizers
The final step in my nightly skin care routine is a thick layer of moisture to seal in my actives and moisturize my skin while I sleep. First I apply my favorite eye cream to target the very delicate skin around my eyes. Next I moisturize my neck with Terra Vida’s Décolletage & Neck Cream, and last I moisturize with one of two alternating moisturizers, both packed with CBD for overnight healing and regenerating:
Terra Vida CBD Eye Cream
(morning and night)
Easily my favorite product from Terra Vida, this CBD-infused eye cream is an instant pick-me-up for my stoner eyes! I use it both morning and night, and sometimes even as a refresher when I’m feeling mid-day fatigue. It is so light, absorbs quickly, and feels amazing. Terra Vida’s CBD Eye Cream noticeably decreases my under eye puffiness, brightens my eye area, and makes the fine lines from my perpetual stoner squint less noticeable.
Terra Vida Décolletage & Neck Cream
(morning and night)
An intensive healing cream formulated for the delicate skin of the neck and chest, Terra Vida’s CBD Décolletage & Neck Anti-Aging Cream helps to firm the neck area while improving its overall elasticity.
Terra Vida CBD Nightly Refresh
(every other night)
I alternate between this night cream and Terra Vida’s Anti-Aging Cream with Apple Stem Cells, as the final step in my nightly skin care routine. Terra Vida’s Nightly Refresh is a revitalizing cream formula packed with CBD that hydrates my skin, seals in the previous products in my routine, and leaves my skin soft, youthful, and radiant every morning.
Terra Vida Anti-Aging with Apple Stem Cells
(every other night)
This anti-aging cream by Terra Vida is my second alternating moisturizer. Containing a blend of apple stem cells, Parmityl Tetrapeptiede-7 and natural Hemp Oil to promote both vitality and longevity in our skin stem cells, this cream works to both brighten and tighten my skin overnight.
Other tips:
Upgrade Your Pillowcase
If acne is a problem, start changing and washing your pillowcases as often as you can manage. Next, if you’re tired of layering your face with expensive products only to have it all soak into your pillowcase rather than stay on your face, invest in silk or satin pillowcases! I bought my satin pillowcases from Amazon for less than $30 and they’ve dramatically improved my nights. No more worrying about wasting fancy skin care products, and there’s nothing as luscious as a cool satin pillow waiting for you when you’re ready to retire for the evening.
Stop Picking
If skin picking is your weakness it’s time to address it. Realizing the real cost of constantly poking and prodding at my skin was the first step to healing it. I’ve had to rewire my brain to find satisfaction in abstaining from touching my skin. Avoiding triggers, staying away from the bathroom mirror when I’m stressed, and keeping my nails manicured have all helped to control my urge to squeeze, extract, and pick, and my face is thanking me for it.
Stock up on Hydrocolloid Bandages
I learned about these on Reddit and they are such a game changer! I now keep these on hand all the time for any blemishes, blisters, or wounds that arise. Available in any drugstore, hydrocolloid bandages have the special purpose of sucking out moisture in a wound and are usually marketing for treating blisters. Now the word has gotten out that these are equally amazing for pimples, especially large ones that have a lot of fluid.
Many skin care and cosmetic brands have begun making specialized hydrocolloid patches sized just right for pimples and blemishes, but they work exactly the same as Band-Aid’s Hydro Seal bandages, which are less expensive and can be cut down to size. Slap one on an open pimple to protect it and over several hours all the gross puss and fluid will be sucked out of your skin and into the patch.
Terra Vida CBD Skin Care Giveaway!
Heartfelt thanks to Terra Vida for sponsoring this incredible giveaway! One lucky Stoner Mom reader will receive:
CBD Radiance Cream with Retinol
CBD Day & Night Face Moisture
CBD Eye Cream
CBD Age Fighting Cream with Apple Stem Cells
CBD Body Moisture Blast Butter
Two Chances to Enter
- On the blog: simply comment on this post! Your comment counts as your entry. Only one blog comment per person will be counted as an entry.
- Double your chances by entering on Instagram:
- Follow me on IG @thestonermom
- Follow Terra Vida on IG @terravidaonline
- Like and Comment on my Terra Vida giveaway post on Instagram.
We’ll randomly generate a winner from the combined comments here on the blog and Instagram on Friday, October 26. Winner will be notified via email or direct message on Instagram. Best of luck to all!
39 Comments
Thanks so mich for the tips can’t wait to try some of these products!
You might enjoy Dr. Dray on YouTube. She’s a dermatologist who often makes free informative videos about skin care, skin conditions and SUN PROTECTION!
Omg !!!! I love all the products will be sharing some of this with my teenager she’s gonna love it Thanks honey boo!!
Jenine xoxox
Thanks for all your great skin care tips. Super excited to start try a new skin care regimen ?
If my skin gets to look nearly good and glowing as yours I will be a customer of Terra Vida for life. Wonderfull information as always. Thanks xxx
cbd is magic
I’m the worst about skin care. I don’t have a routine, I don’t even know if I’d stick to it. Winning this bundle would at least give me a chance to see. I can’t justify buying a lot of products to not use it. ?
Yessss! What can’t cbd do!
Just found your site and I’m in love! Would love to win the product!
I am new to the CBD world and watched your review video of Green Roads. Would love to try these Terra Vida products.
I’d love to try these! Thank you!
Insta: @collifornia
I just came across your blog, and there is so much interesting information here! I’m 36 & just recently got more serious about my skincare, I actually use some Paula’s Choice products & love them. Can’t wait to look into TerraVida ?
Ooh, I’ve been looking for/needing new skin care products! I have eczema and I’ve been wanting to try CBD-infused skin care products.
I am loving my current CBD routine and it would be great to expand it! I have hormonal acne and currently use prescription creams to control it, but I would certainly prefer to go more natural.
I never knew about that certain type of bandaid to use on pimples. Great tip! If you get the chance, check out Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty. The older I get, the more interested I am in different beauty products. ???
I would love to start incorporating different CBD products into my routine!
Thank you for sharing your skincare routine.
Oooh..i need these in my life im 34 and although blessed with generally decent skin i am getting older and needing to start being a little more proactive before its too late lol
I would love to finally have an extensive skin care routine!
Would love to try the CBD facial creams. I have used my CBD muscle cream on my face for migraines. I’m sure this is much nicer!
The CBD cream sounds great! I end up putting my muscle CBD cream on my face for migraines. I?
I would love to win! I originally found you on You Tube! I juat love everythinf you do for canbabis culture! Thank you!
Love this video!! I’ve been looking for a new regimen! Thank you!!
I’ve been watching you since the beginning and I’m so excited to see how you grow as a blogger and a cannabis informant. ??
I love you! Keep doing what you’re doing & inspiring parents daily! Would love to try the skincare ??
This would be an amazing skin routine for me ???
Awesome giveaway! I would love to give this a try!
I’ve had acne since I was 13 and I’m 31, I want to try this and see if it helps, thanks for the opportunity and letting us knqo about this product line!
I would LOVE to win this package! My face has been giving me hell recently! Would love to try something new!
Entered! Thank you for the wonderful info and blog posts as usual ♥️♥️
Love this!! Seriously never knew of the bandages and I’ll be picking those up ASAP, I have 2 teen girls at home…
I need a set up like this to tackle my fine lines and wrinkles!!
Everything this mama wants/needs to add to her skincare routine!!? winning this would be rad.
I’m so glad you did this post. I recently decided I needed a skin care routine, almost 40 years old so it’s high time I start working on my skin! Thank you for also sharing your personal routine! I love that there is a healthy CBD line available, I really want to try this line!
excellent post! always fun to see other people’s skincare routines!
I would so love to try these. I never had acne as a kid/teenager, but as an adult I suffer from hormonal acne on my face and neck which is very painful. Along with my newest symptom of getting older and waking up with puffy/swollen under eyes. Plus my skin is sensitive, so finding new products that work and doesn’t give me a reaction is tough
Skin picking is also my downfall when it comes to my skin. It’s been a “stress reliever” for as long as I can remember. I would love to brighten up my skin and make it healthy again!
Skin picking is also my downfall/weakness. It’s been a “stress reliever” as long as i can remember! I would love to win this and get glowing skin.
Girl yess I’d love to win this!!