The 4-Step Skincare Routine That Gave Me a ‘No-Filter’ Glow

I’m a big believer in double cleansing, especially since I wear sunscreen and makeup daily. For me, the two-step cleanse includes an oil-based cleanser to dissolve all that sunscreen, foundation, and mascara, followed by a gentle foam or gel wash to make sure nothing is left behind.

However, even with this routine, I noticed my pores could use some extra attention. So, I added one more step: a quick sweep with my ultrasonic scrubber. This little tool had been hiding in my drawer for months, but once I started using it, I saw a real difference.

After cleansing, while my skin is still damp, I glide the ultrasonic scrubber over my face. I don’t press down or go rough—just a soft sweep over each area. In seconds, I’m done. My pores look tighter, my skin feels cleaner, and best of all, there's no dryness or irritation. This tiny extra step makes a big difference, and my pores are thanking me!

Exfoliating has always been part of my skincare routine, but I recently upped my game. Now, instead of exfoliating once a week, I’ve switched to using a gentle glycolic acid toner every other night. Don’t worry, this isn’t a harsh peel that leaves my skin red or raw. It’s just a 7% glycolic acid toner—gentle but effective.

I use it only at night, and only every other day. On the “off” days, I let my skin rest and hydrate. This gentle exfoliation helps keep my pores clear, smooths out any rough spots, and gives my skin that lovely, polished glow. If you’re just starting out with acids, go slow and see how your skin reacts. For me, this every-other-day schedule has been a sweet spot.

Vitamin C is the magical ingredient in my routine that really brings the glow. It’s my secret weapon for a bright, fresh complexion, and I swear by it. I’ve tried a few different forms of Vitamin C, but I’m currently loving it in a cream formula that’s both stable and non-irritating. My skin just drinks it up!

Vitamin C can be a bit finicky, especially if you’re using other active ingredients. So, on nights when I’m using my glycolic acid toner, I skip the Vitamin C cream and stick with a simple moisturizer. In the mornings, though, I don’t hold back! This ingredient alone has made my skin look brighter and more awake, even if I’m low on sleep.

This last step is optional but adds an extra touch when I want my skin to look flawless. A good sunscreen primer with light-reflecting particles is my go-to. It’s like an Instagram filter in a bottle! My current favorite has a subtle pink undertone and a pearly glow, which makes my skin look healthy and radiant.

For a DIY option, you can mix a drop of liquid highlighter with your moisturizer. The trick is to use way more cream than highlighter (a 10:1 ratio is perfect). This trick gives you that “lit-from-within” glow without heavy layers or shimmer overload.

Consistency is Key

This routine is simple but effective, and I can confidently say it’s helped my skin look healthier than ever. The best part? It only takes a few minutes each day. But remember, consistency is what makes it work. If you try it for a day or two, you might not see much difference. Stick with it, and give your skin time to adjust and respond.

Everyone’s skin journey is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to skip a few steps here and there—just listen to your skin and have fun with the process!

Thanks for joining me on my skincare journey, and I hope this helps you on yours too. Here’s to glowing, happy skin!