Happy Friday, friends! I thought it was time for a little update on my evening skincare routine because it’s shifted quite a bit over the past few months. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the products I’ve been using and how they’re working out, so I figured a full breakdown would be helpful.
A bit of background: I’ve always had oily, acne-prone skin, with cystic flare-ups tied to PCOS and endometriosis. Last year, after exhausting pretty much every topical option, I did five months of Accutane. It worked, but it also changed my skin completely—I went from battling excess oil to managing dryness and sensitivity. Since then, my goal has been repairing acne scars, balancing hydration, and finding products that keep everything calm and clear.
So, here’s the full routine that’s been working wonders for me lately:
1. Oil Cleanser
I start every night with an oil cleanser to melt away makeup and sunscreen. Right now, I’m loyal to DHC Deep Cleansing Oil—it’s gentle, removes everything, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped. If I’m wearing heavier makeup, I’ll follow up with a foam cleanser to double cleanse.
2. Exfoliation
Every 2–3 nights, I exfoliate with Dr. Brandt’s Age Defying Microdermabrasion. It’s been in my routine for years and makes a huge difference with scarring and skin texture. I spend about two minutes massaging it in, and I always notice smaller-looking pores and smoother skin after. Fun fact: it also contains lactic acid, which adds an extra resurfacing benefit.
3. Toner
Following a Korean-style skincare approach, I apply toner while my skin is still damp so it absorbs better. Lately, I’ve been using Earth Recipe Energy Boosting Toner, which I picked up from Glow Recipe. It’s refreshing, lightweight, and preps my skin perfectly for the layers that follow.
4. Essence
Essence has become a staple step for me—it floods my skin with hydration and preps it to soak up serums more effectively. I’ve used the cult-favorite SK-II Essence before and loved the brightening results, but I’m currently using Missha Time Revolution Essence. It’s a classic, it works, and it’s much easier on the wallet.
5. Serum
Serums are where I like to rotate in targeted treatments. My favorite is Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum—it’s affordable, slightly oily in texture, and gives my skin an incredible glow over time. Since I just ran out, I’ve been using The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane as a stand-in. It’s deeply hydrating and especially great for nighttime if your skin leans dry.
6. Retinol
No routine of mine is complete without retinol. I’ve been using The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion and plan to bump up to the 5% next. Retinol was tough to adjust to at first—think redness, flaking, sensitivity—but once your skin acclimates, the results are worth it. It’s one of the few proven ingredients to actually improve acne scars, sun spots, fine lines, and pore size. The key: consistency and daily sunscreen.
7. The “Special Sauce”
This step has been both a blessing and a curse: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes. It really is as good as everyone says. I wake up with smoother, brighter, more even skin every time I use it. The only downside? The price tag. To make it last longer, I alternate with The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, which is a great budget-friendly substitute.
8. Face Oils
I always take a few minutes to massage in a nourishing oil—it feels like a mini spa treatment before bed. I love Tata Harper’s face oil for its calming scent and hydration, and Sunday Riley Luna Oil when I want to double up on retinol benefits. Both leave my skin feeling supple and balanced by morning.
9. Emulsion (Sometimes)
If my skin feels extra dry, I’ll layer on an emulsion like E Nature Zeo Brightening Emulsion before my moisturizer. On oilier nights, I’ll skip moisturizer altogether and just stick with the emulsion. It’s a flexible step, but a nice one to have in the lineup.
10. Moisturizer
To seal everything in, I go for a lightweight water-based moisturizer. At the moment, I’m using one from Dr. Roebuck (sadly discontinued), but once it’s gone, I’ll probably repurchase the Laneige Water Bank Moisturizer. It hydrates without feeling heavy—exactly what my skin needs after so many nourishing layers.
11. Eye Cream
Last but not least, I tap on a little Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Cream using my ring finger. Anything with caffeine is great for de-puffing, and I keep the amount small since too much product can feel heavy around the eyes.
Final Thoughts
Building this routine has been a bit of trial and error, but I finally feel like I’ve found a balance that works for my post-Accutane skin. The key has been layering hydration, treating scars consistently, and investing in a few powerhouse products—while also finding affordable alternatives to stretch the pricier ones.
If you’re struggling with acne scars, dryness, or just trying to overhaul your nighttime routine, I hope this gives you some ideas to experiment with. At the end of the day, skincare is personal, but sharing what works (and what doesn’t) is how we all figure it out together.
