At the end of the day, I want my skin clean, and ready for the products that actually make a difference. What I don’t want is a bathroom counter covered with half-used bottles—or a nighttime routine so complicated that I’m tempted to skip it.

This is the super effective five-step PM skin care routine I actually use. Getting results doesn't mean needing a complicated routine with endless products.

Step 1: Remove Makeup and Sunscreen:

The first cleanse is all about removing makeup, sunscreen and everything else that has accumulated on my skin during the day.

I alternate between:

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
A gentle cleansing oil that helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen without leaving my skin feeling stripped. pH 5.5.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Another gentle option that removes the day while leaving my skin feeling soft and comfortable. pH 5.5.

I like to use one of these reusable makeup-remover cloths with my first cleanse. The soft cloth helps remove the last traces of makeup from my face, eyes and lips. It is also a practical, eco-friendlier alternative to constantly buying disposable makeup wipes.

Step 2: Cleanse Again—Gently:

After removing makeup and sunscreen, I follow with a gentle facial cleanser. This second cleanse removes anything the first step may have left behind without turning the process into an aggressive scrub.

My rotating choices are:

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

pH 5.5.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid, Face Wash for Dry Skin

pH 5.3-5.5

CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser, BHA Exfoliating Face Wash

pH 5.1-5.5

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Slightly higher pH 6.

Step 3: Pat Dry With a Fresh Face Towel:

This is a small change that has made a difference in my routine.

Instead of repeatedly drying my freshly washed face with the same bathroom towel, (which accumulates bacteria) I switched to using Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL. Each one gives me a clean, fresh surface, and the towels are biodegradable.

Gently pat dry my face (no tugging or rubbing!). Before discarding the towel, use it to wipe down the bathroom counter, mirror and/or sink, so it does double duty.

Step 4: Apply My Prescription Tretinoin:

My treatment step is prescription tretinoin, which I use exactly as directed by my dermatologist.

Tretinoin is widely considered a gold-standard prescription treatment for healthy-aging skin, but it can also cause dryness, peeling and irritation—especially when you are first adjusting to it.

Because this is a prescription medication, I don’t have an affiliate link for this step. Ask your own dermatologist whether tretinoin is appropriate for your skin, which strength is right for you and how often you should apply it.

More is not better. Use only the amount and frequency recommended by your medical provider.

Step 5: Moisturize and Support the Skin Barrier:

My final step is a moisturizer. I tend to reach for this one the most La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5. pH 5.5 and the spray version La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Spray, Face Mist for Skin Barrier Repair

Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream. pH 4.5-5.5

CeraVe Night Cream, Facial Moisturizer with Peptides & Niacinamide

pH 5-6

Other moisturizers I love:

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore

Skinbetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment

PM Skin Care—Done!

Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal skin care routine and experience and is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified health care professional before beginning tretinoin or any other prescription treatment. Use prescription products only as directed by your own medical provider.

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