I'm so happy to see someone talking about not sleeping on their back. sometimes when I'm exausted, I just want to throw myself onto the bed with my face squished into the pillow and pass out for 10 hours. I will accept my wrinkles way sooner than I'll accept uncomfy sleeps.
Agreed. I also feel like any doctor or Derm worth their salt will tell you that good restfull sleep will do 1000x more for your skin and health than the "damage" sleeping on your side will do.
Absolutely. It's not even healthy to sleep in just one position. I had to take medication that would make me sleep on my back like a stone the whole night. And with time my asthma got worse and I woke up stiff as a woodstick. The doctor told me that it's very bad for the lungs and muscles if you just sleep on your back. So I don't care about the TH-cam dermatologists that just wanna shill their expensive silk pillowcases anymore.
There is a weird like obsession with never aging and I started doing skincare cause I wanted to like,,, take better care of myself to feel better and honestly like,,, don't smile don't frown don't sleep on your side wash your pillowcases every night use a silk pillow case sleep on your back if you forget sunscreen scold yourself til you always remember never skip a night never sleep in make up etc. It's so exhausting. Let yourself forget. Let yourself age. Your life will continue if you have wrinkles or redness or acne or scars. Just keep yourself healthy
i cant sleep in my makeup bc it immediately makes me break out the day after but i totally agree with everything you're saying. when you have so many obsessive rules for yourself you're not really living life to it's fullest!
If you look at any elderly person and think they're ugly because they're wrinkly and they aged poorly because they have wrinkles, you're vain. Those obsessed with preventing wrinkles and telling others they're getting wrinkly are annoying af and vain as hell. Wrinkles are normal, people who have wrinkles are beautiful. They're not aging poorly, they're aging.
The bane of my existence is redness. If I wasn't red I would be ready in no time, but it takes ages to cover well, without using anything really heavy.
I started getting into skin care a bit more now because I just emerged out of a depressive episode of a few years and well let's just say taking care of my skin wasn't happening. And I feel kinda confused with All the products and ingredients combos and it seems everything is just so obsessive with avoiding aging and weird self whipping. It took me a bit back how people talk like sun is the ultimate evil and being in the sun (even with sun screen) is s crime. It's honestly confusing and such a downer. I just wanna take better care of myself.
I definitely will always use a satin pillowcase for my hair, lol. I'm sure it's fine for my skin, but boy it makes a HUGE difference for my dry curly hair. Plus it feels nice and cool all night.
Oh good! I just bought my daughter one for Christmas, and when I heard James complaining about them I thought, “crap I just wasted my money on that gift.” I’m glad it actually can be a good thing 🙏🏼
I'm not sure about my skin, but my hair had a glow up after I switched to a silk pillowcase! Less frizz, shinier, just generally easier to manage. I don't mind the feeling, but I can totally understand how it could be unpleasant as well.
Honestly I’ve never cared for the order and always went like you. And I used to use medicament creams so I had to do ns skincare order according to them
I get horrible nightmares sleeping on my back too…it’s worth the wrinkles not to be terrified at night lol ❤ great video and super informative as usual. Your amazing!
@@JamesWelsh It's down to breathing changes. Different pressure on the ribcage, and mild airway obstruction as your tongue slides back in your throat. That causes you to try harder to breathe (and may cause snoring/gasping), which brings you out of deeper sleep to where you are aware of your dreams. Pretty fascinating, though scary.
It's so nice to finally have someone explain skincare to me and it is the truth not some made up selling tactic to get me to buy their sponsored products. Thank you please keep doing these kinds of videos
My mom (100% Korean) just freaked out on me a few weeks ago when I was visiting her because I use multiple brands vs her whole routine with one brand (she's currently in LOVE with Atomy brand). Which their eye cream is sooooo nice but I've worked for a lot of different makeup and skin care companies and have favorites from each and have found layering my favorites makes my skin the happiest.
I relate to everything in this video exept the silk pillow cases... I ADORE THEM 😭 Now I can't stand cotton ones bc I'm so used to the cool smooth feeling of silk. But this is why I love your videos. It's good to hear honest opinions like this.
Right? It sounded more like he talked about polyester satin. I use bamboo viscose sheets that are satin (structured like silk) and it is unbelievably comfortable and I never feel hot or cold with it and it makes my hair and skin shine.
I have a silk pillow too rather than cotton because that cotton and other little things stuck in there gets attatched in my hair. I guess having clean hair is worth the unclear skin honestly.
I don't follow the 'only use products for your skin type' rule! That's how I have found some of my favorite products lmao. A lot of products meant for combo-oily, acne-prone skin are hella drying and I love a lot of the ones for normal to dry skin!
I did this for my benefit with chemical exfoliants. I got dry/dehydrated skin, but for some reason, the normal (not heavy duty) exfoliants for oily skin just work better for me. Just the exfoliants, not the other products🤣
I'm exclusively a side sleeper. I wake up with a (cotton 😂) pillow crease almost every day, but it's the only way I feel comfortable. I spend plenty of time taking care of my skin during the day. Sleep is for rest, not worrying about wrinkles.
I absolutely love silk pillowcases! They are so lovely and cooling and smooth, I paired it up with simba pillow and it is the best combo ever for hot sleeper. Since I started using silk pillowcase any cotton one feels too hot and too rough. But it is of course a personal preference
To those people who can do 10 step Korean skincare routine, you're so lucky. I only can do five step as my skin is too sensitive😭😭😭 The more products I use, the more breakout happened. Therefore, I need to simplify my skincare routine.
I feel this, my cheeks are so easily irritated they can't even handle a 3 step skincare routine 😭 I end up skipping sunscreen quite a lot cause my cheeks can't tolerate cleansing on a regular basis, including using just an oil cleanser that rinses off clean. I'm so jealous of people whose skin isn't like this
I have sensitive skin but still manage to do 9 out of the 10 steps. I'm still on the lookout for a good ampoule that won't duplicate the actives I am already using in the other products.
So happy to hear someone talking about layering, because of my 'goldfish' memory I often put skincare on in the 'wrong' order and I still have skin and even I do say so myself, my skin looks good. As for simplifying, I definitely have done that, simply because I cannot be asked with million of steps.
There’s an app called ‘skincare’ that helps you keep track of your skincare and it orders them for you so you know what to put on first, it also tells you what products you shouldn’t use together.
YES!! I bought a silk pillowcase, used it 1 night & hated the feel of it. Never used it since! 😭 I switch up my skincare all the time, I also go with how my skin is feeling at the time, one night might be just essence and moisturiser then the next night might be a 10-step routine. I just go with how my skin is feeling, I think being less structured actually takes the pressure off!
I would say that since I'm using prescription tretinoin and azelaic acid + benzoyl peroxide, I don't chase after trendy skincare products anymore. I am not an influencer. I just wanna be aging well. But I appreciate many things from your content since skincare is not one size fits all aproach for many of us. So it is nice to see different opinions about products from influencers and experts.
@@crisangelafanador557 I use it in a cleanser form. And I don't use tretinoin and BPO in the same routine. Usually, BPO is used in the morning, and Tret is used at night.
Those products are my holy grails (plus a good moisturizer and SPF). Most of the skincare we see is just a way for the industry to brainwash us to waste a lot of money.
@@not_potaytoes_hobbit I'm not saying that a lot of them are unnecessary. But they feel redundant to me since my products right now are pretty effective and targeted towards my concerns. I don't have much money to buy all that stuff, since prescription stuff here in my country is quite affordable. So, I have to be grateful for that 🥰
I also don't follow the "simplify your routine" rule. I like sitting at my vanity at night and applying 8 to 10 products as my self-care and calm down from the day before I get into bed. And I love switching things out and trying new products. The only issue is impact on my wallet 😆
Totally agree, I have an elaborate routine every night, i dont mind spending that much time applying so many products because it’s my time to unwind from the day 😁💕
HOW DO YOU HAVE THE TIME? I just wanna go to bed and sleep, I don't have the will to do all of that, and then in the morning I do have the will but still no time because of work and uni 😂
James! Great video - I’m a nurse and I want to tell you about why you felt like your were going to swallow your tongue. If you’ve ever noticed that when people snore, it’s when they’re on their back? Well it’s because as we sleep, the muscles in our throat, mouth, and neck all relax. When it gets so severe that you can no longer breath in that position it’s called sleep apnea. This doesn’t happen to people who sleep on their sides because your body doesn’t have to fight gravity. The reason you probably had horrible sleeps as well as night terrors is probably because your body wouldn’t let you fully fall asleep (in order to keep breathing) and so you were stuck in between wake and sleep which is how night terrors happen. Good on you for recognizing that your quality of sleep is so much more important than maybe not getting a wrinkle. Cheers from Canada
My very worst skincare habit is skipping sunscreen, which I do probably one day out of five in the winter when it's cloudy and dark. I also have a bad habit of not putting my sunscreen on until I'm about to go out, even though I know you're supposed to wear it inside too unless you aren't around windows. And I don't reapply it unless I'm spending a lot of time in the direct sunlight. I'm not sure I can ever be convinced to reapply it, honestly. Like, I have a bloody life to live, I'm just not here for being chained to my sunscreen bottle every day of my life. Maybe I'll make applying my sunscreen early in the day one of my New Year's resolutions.
Same for everything you said. I think it's okay if we're not reapplying during the day or not wearing sunscreen inside. It's more when you're outside and there is a lot of sun that it can be more damaging, but wearing a hat that covers your face from the sun can help a bit
I myself quite rarely apply a sunscreen cause I’m such a coach potato and in 99% I go out only once a day - to walk out my dog and it usually happens after a sunset. And I feel guilty of not applying sunscreen every day as everyone around tells me, but I always feel like it’s such a waste of product in my case.
I noticed James said in a recent video that he doesn’t apply SPF if the UV levels are low (which they are in a British winter). I see zero benefit in putting SPF on if I’m literally inside my house for most of the day. The effect that a glimmer of sun through a window at a very specific moment is going to have such a minimal effect on my skin that it’s not worth fretting about layering on SPF inside the house
@@Mataylor17 please understand I mean this in a genuine and curious way: I thought that it was proven that sunscreen reducing vitamin d was a myth? Your post makes it sound like sunscreen reduces the amount of vitamin d we absorb. I do totally agree that as a whole, vitamin d deficiency can be an issue especially in areas that go prolonged time without sun. Also, why do you say sunscreen isn’t the holy grail it’s made out to be? Everything I’ve read and researched sunscreen and retinol/retinoids are pretty much the holy grail (besides genetics that is). Can you point me in the direction of where you learned that? I can’t seem to find anything when I Google it. Thanks!
I stopped worrying about the order of layering products when I heard a dermatologist say that your skin will benefit from it even if you put it on in the "wrong" order. I like to layer mine thinnest to thickest as well but it's not a huge deal, I just like the way it feels when I apply that way. My skin hates me if I just use a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It's just not enough for my skin
After spending too much time in a toxic skincare community (skincareaddcition, you know it is you) I have pretty much thrown all the “rules” out the window and my skin is soooo much happier for it. Turns out my skin likes it when I put on a ton of products or switch products around.
SAME! I never felt like I had to follow any set of rules. I have atopic dermatitis (in the past severe) and because of it I have used a minimal skin routine for years, a cleanser and the same two moisturizers... no actives at all, no serums, no toners no nothing ahahah Funny enough my skin texture and hydration is at it's best when switching products up to my pleasure as long as I am consistent with it. I'll evaluate what to use based on the look of my skin, if it does flare with dermatitis, that is when I will go back to basics and make it extremely simple until the skin barrier is healthy again :)
I'm 30 and I have wicked adult acne, so exfoliation is still essential in my routine. I did have to cut out Retinol and Retinoids because they were making my breakouts much worse. most of my skincare routine nowadays is hydration and gentle moisture barrier relief (ceramides) and it feels so much better than when I used to attack it with actives all the time.
@@ladygravenly I feel left out🥺 you responded to like a good handful of people right questions 🙁...... Lol. Jk 💕 but I see you're into skin care as much as I am. I'm kind OCD with it. If I don't have time to do my routine before I leave for work. All day I feel anxious
@@Bia-lm8it I know right! that's definitely what kept me using it. but eventually I cut it out and honestly my skin has felt so much better. I'll probably reintroduce retinol in some form to my routine in a few years when the acne is under more control, but the flare-ups and cystic breakouts have massively and noticeably decreased since cutting out Retinol.
Many are still against physical exfoliation but I love it 😍 I use it on my face maybe twice a month and oh boy does it make my skin feel smooooooooooth
@@WendeCrow I really fine gentle one is great for flaky skin. But yeah, just don't go crazy with it or do it every day (unless your skin can 100% handle it). I personally prefer just using a hot washcloth for physical exfoliation because my skin gets angry at anything else.
I feel like media is so pushy that you need to have a billion steps. I honestly don’t use toner. Partially because money but I can say the skin care community has really broadened my horizons on how to use my skin care and what to use. Thank you for your honest content ♥️
I'm recovering from a shopping addiction that is mainly skincare related, and I'm currently "shopping my stash", I figured I LOVE me an 8 steps routine, and also I mix actives like retinoids and Faded every couple days, my skin loves it, why not, skin cycling is boring to me
I never use moisturizer before SPF. the 2 layers of cream products in the morning makes my skin feel ick. my makeup would be sliding all over and id be a greasy mess by the afternoon. Also I don't double cleanse when I only wear sunscreen. A lot of oil cleansers are so elegant now, they give a thorough cleanse, rinse off clean and leave my skin soft.
I like that you mention about not to simplify your skincare routine. It’s true. I used to over using skincare products resulted to acne. I’m now picky what I use for my skin.
As a 44-year-old with extremely dry dehydrated skin who is now on tretinoin, if I streamlined my ski care I would probably look like the Sahara desert on my face. Using multiple serums during the winter and even two moisturizers plus oil at night in the last 6 months has completely transformed my skin. I say use as many products as you want as long as your skin likes it.
Right?? My skin is boss (literally) and tells me what I can and canNOT do! lol Agree with you...in the winter, I have to LOAD up on everything. It's sad but it's working. 🤩
I'm much younger, but I've found that using the Cetaphil dry to very dry skin cream at night has helped with winter flaking and dryness. It's pretty rich and takes a few min to dry down, but it's the only thing that keeps the flaking to a minimum.
As far as pillowcases go, I was surprised by the comfort level of linen. It's a little more textured than cotton, but it absorbs sweat without feeling swampy; it's been a game changer for my husband who sweats in his sleep.
I always thought the silk pillow thing was for hair so there's less friction when you sleep so your hair doesn't get as messy or develop split ends and single strand knots.
I had a surgery on my abdomen 2 weeks ago and I am not medically allowed to sleep on my stomach for a few weeks. Honestly, this is the only reason I have committed to sleeping on my back. The moment I am told it's safe to sleep on my belly, I'm doing it, it's the most comfortable position for me personally!
This video helped me being more chill about the whole skincare thing. Thank you! And I mean: "do what feels best for you" should be applied to everything in life.
despite not having a skincare routine of my own, i absolutely Love watching your videos about it! i especially love your honesty about what products you use (inc. botox!) and the channels motto! keep bringing us the good stuff :)
If you wash just your face, that counts as a skincare routine. Unless you literally do nothing to it at all, you have a skincare routine, just maybe a very minimalistic one.
I’ve also stopped using chemical exfoliants on a specific routine. I used to use them every other week but now I feel like I can tell when my face needs it and it always so refreshing to feel the huge difference afterwards.
Totally agree with silk pillow and side sleeping, I take ages to fall asleep and I'm also a light sleeper so forcing myself on sleeping on my back only damages my health since I will not get a good night of sleep.
I'm exactly same way with the sleeping position and pillow. And I cannot simplify my routine either cause I have dry skin, so especially during the winter I must: 1. Cleanse. 2. Apply hyaluronic acid. 3. Apply another serum. 4. Eye cream. 5. Moisturizer. Then I'm lit baby!
I honestly feel like everyone's skin, genetics, daily habits, hormones, DNA, skin cells are all different! My mum taught me and I follow a non complicated skin routine. If I did a 26 step process like celebs on vogue my face would be covered in eczema, spots you name it! Everyone should just follow the rule of you do you honey!! Also, if you have wrinkles, stretch marks, scars etc, congrats, ageing is such a privilege that others don't get to experience and is a beautiful thing. Some of the most interesting people I know are much older than me with so much life experience!!
Getting a goodnight's sleep has to be better for your skin & health than sleeping on your back. I stopped following the rule that I have use products for my skin type only. I now look for products based on skin concern.
I think that so much of this is down to personal preferences and your own needs. I'm more comfortable sleeping on my back, for example, I don't like the feel of products on my face (especially when I'm going to bed!), and skin care for me is a means to an end rather than an enjoyable ritual for self-care. We're all different, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy channels like this one- it's a great way to learn about products or techniques that might work for your unique self and circumstances without being pressured into copying a specific routine.
I’m very close to 30 and I have also relaxed on the exfoliants. I thought I was just being lazy but like, honestly…? I think I’ve just gotten to a good place w my skin. I’m also getting older and my skin is changing, so I don’t really have the same issues I used to. It was nice to hear someone else be on that same page ❤
One skincare rule I see alot is to "Change your routine with the season". I do not do this. I know the products that work best for my skin depending on what it is needing and I change it up when I need to based on what my skin wants.....not on the season.
I love when you share your personal skincare routine and what you do amd what you dont! I agree with the exfoliating step, I'm 27 and I have acne but SA dries my tf out! Even after slugging, so I when with a PHA toner and a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and it has been the best of the best for my skin! Of course a rich moisturizer at night with occasional slugging 😇 i love my skin, skin texture has improved so much (still fighting the redness of the acne) but it's all good, this is my skin and I'm not in a rush to clear it out 🤗 this skincare journey has taught me to be patient, and I couldn't be happier with the results! ❤❤❤ thank you James 😍
I hate sleeping on my back cause it causes intense pain in my lower back. I can only stay in that position for like 10 mins before it's aching, my favorite position is like on my side with a lifted leg so I'm like a flat running pose 😅 I also hate the feel of a silk pillow but I stick with it for my curly hair case my bonnet falls off
I always love the way you emphasize that there is no such thing as a one size fits all and don't try to push certain ways of doing skincare on everyone as if it was the gospel! I definitely don't sleep on my back BUT I always shower before I go to bed, and usually most of my moisturizer has been absorbed by the time I go to sleep so I feel like I have a pretty clean area to sleep on. That being said, I definitely wouldn't care about getting wrinkles just from sleeping anyway. I am much more worried about being physically unable to perform tasks in my old age due to illness or just my body breaking down, so I try to take care of my health and that involves good sleep. So I religiously follow my own personal neuroses about not getting my bed "dirty" by not wearing outside clothes in or on it, and wiping my face on a dedicated face towel and I feel like that's enough. I also tend to favour gentler products or products with no fragrances in them, my favourite brand by far is cosrx and I also think lumene has some stellar, gentle products.
I’ve found that “less is more” is way better for me personally. The least I will do daily is a witch hazel cleanse and a moisturizer, followed by rose hip oil. If I’m feeling like I have the time and the spoons for more steps I will do a salicylic acid balm over my acne zones before the moisturizer, or I’ll replace the rose hip for a retinol.
i’m a side sleeper and i hate silk pillowcases… i’ve tried my best to love them but i also hate that slip and slide feeling.. so THANK YOU for validating my feelings 😂♥️
the layering one!!!!! i use like 8 to 10 products at night and probably 5-7 in the day time. i cannot tell you how many hoursssss i’ve spent researching how to layer them. and especially whenever i add a new product 😅 such a headache
the sleep one is so assuring , i always freak out that ill get wrinkles bc i dont sleep face up .... my stomach/side is just so much more comfortable for me ..
Totally relate to what you said about the pillows! Lets be honest if it make us sleep bad its not good for our skin because good sleep is crucial for beauty and health
I’m so glad I’m not the only one when it comes to exfoliating. I never exfoliant anymore. It did nothing for my skin except make it really bad. Since stopping exfoliation my skin has never been better.
James! I love a cold pillow side too, and I know some people hate the slippery shiny nature of silk pillowcases, but I love it. I got one first, years ago, because of my long FULL OF STATIC hair, and I thought it might help (it didn't much) but now I'm like some crazy princess who finds cotton too rough on my face, yes my face sticks to the pillow if it's got nice moisture product on it, but hey. Lovely lovely smooth smooth silk 💗
Omg I agree with you on the sleeping with your back thing! I also have gotten sleep paralyzes sleeping on my back, nightmares and I tend to snore when I'm sleeping on my back. I'm a side sleeper and always will be. My face is fine 🙂 Moisturizer/spf is where it's all
I got myself a silk pillow case. Used it for 2 weeks but I slid around of a night time. At one point I woke up with the pillow under my shoulders and my head back like I was ready for CPR. Since then its not been back on.
James, you are not alone! I refuse to sleep on my back because of very bad night terrors/sleep paralysis that I've had ONLY while being in that position! I've also woken myself up occasionally with loud snoring while sleeping on my back as well.
OMG, the nightmares when I try to sleep on my back!!! I thought I was the only one I love my side sleep with another pillow in between my thighs. Bliss lol.
Your my favorite skincare TH-camr and frankly the only one I care to watch now due to the fact that your so charismatic and honest or transparent about things and it actually really helps! Hope this message finds you well, keep doing what you do, your great at it! :)
I absolutely agree with you regarding all the points you discussed. I never really followed any of the trends that were "trending" because whenever I tried to follow them, it didn't really help my skin much. Instead I followed whatever felt right and my skin adjusted pretty well to that. Even before sandwich method became a thing, I used to follow it, not knowing what exactly it did, just cause it felt nicer and my skin loved it. Thank you so much for sharing your views on the current trends of skincare. Much love ❤
Gosh yes, sleep paralysis always happens to me 1) when i sleep on my back and 2) when I'm exhausted. When the 2 combine it's hell. Sleep paralysis is the worst.
You are very correct about nightmares when sleeping on your back. I've researched a bit into it and it seems that the blood flow increase in the back regions of the brain sort of activates that issue.
Still dealing with acne close to my 30s so the exfoliation helps. It's hormonal so sometimes it doesn't help a lot but enough that it doesn't get as bad as it used to five years ago, which I'm thankful for. I used to follow a very multi-step routine, but sometimes my energy is low or I only do it whenever I decide to wear makeup (because of my skin isn't truly clean the acne gets worse). My minimum is four products, which is a cleanser, niacinamide, retinol and moisturizer. On makeup days I'll add toner, exfoliant and mucin, minus the retinol. It just depends on what's best for my skin at the time! Very nice video! I always appreciate your honesty on this channel. You're one of my favorites!
At 35 I got horrible lines from side sleeping that aged my face a decade. I got one of the pillows you showed and its the comfiest thing ever and has done more for my skin than years of tret or any Botox could do 😆 I sleep fine on my side with it. Hope you never get those lines like I did, that was the worst!
Ok this is what I needed!! I’ve spent all night (I’m sick so sleep sched is wack) trying to figure out what order to do my skincare and StReSsiNg~ so now I’m just going to do what feels right as long as washing my face is first and sunscreen is last🎉
when it comes to layering products - there is a little problem. If you use very oclusive stuff, and then put the serum, it may not absorb through some 'heavy' ingredients
I actually love that the latest skin care trends are simplifying, obviously not an option for a skincare influencer but for the rest of us it's so much more accessible. I find it less overwhelming and more attainable, especially with executive dysfunction and mental health issues. Right now I have three steps that are slightly different morning and night, but are just Cleanse, Treat, and Moisturize/SPF. Morning: cleanse with Cerave SA cleanser, benzoyl peroxide treatment (still experimenting with different brands), then Cerave moisturizing sunscreen. Night: same cleanser, Cerave retinol serum, and Cerave night hyaluronic acid moisturizer. I've been doing this for months now longer than I've ever actually stuck to a routine before. I'm thinking about throwing in a periodic chemical exfoliant as an extra step for skin texture, but otherwise I feel a sense of relief that it's actually working, and with drugstore products too.
I’ve always been a back sleeper and I’ve also gotten sleep paralysis quite frequently for as long as I can remember 😳 I had no idea there was a correlation
I also get sleep paralysis if I sleep on my back. From what I gathered, I don't breathe well on my back, and if I start sleep apnea, it triggers nightmares and sleep paralysis. I have been sleeping on my side since I figured it out, and never got it again (whist before it used to be daily). I hope you'll manage to sleep on your side and that it'll solve your issue. It's definitely not a nice thing to experience
Thank you, thank you and thank you for saying you don’t like silk. I hate silk with every fiber of my being because it’s just so icky feeling. I have tried it so many times and it has never worked for me. So, I thank you again kind sir!
I love having a million steps for my weekend routine. It helps me get out of “work” mode to “me” mode. Generally during the week I’m just so exhausted, but I still skin cycle. It’s the only way I can make the Tret work with my skin, contrary to what my dermatologist would like (she wants me to work up to every day-my skin cannot handle that yet. I had the worst day when I tried to get there recently. Just peeling and irritated af and it looked like I got smacked in the face). Idk, aside from the rule about cleanser and sunscreen, you just gotta do what works for your skin because ultimately you’re the one who has to wear it. Oh, and my sleep apnea would like to laugh at not sleeping on your face. It’s to the point my spine doc knows how my back is feeling by whether or not I’ve described flailing around at night since I have a tendency to downplay my pain. Idk how I’m supposed to control an involuntary body process lol.
If it’s too late and I’m exhausted, I won’t go in with a 10 step routine. It’s not realistic, but if I’ve got time, I’ll do it! The only reason sleeping on my back has worked out for me is because I slept on my stomach consistently throughout my 20’s until I injured my back. I remember the neurosurgeon telling me it’s the worst sleeping position for your back, and it was hard to convert at first but I didn’t have much of choice. I feel like the mattresses have vastly improved between now and then though, and if someone is a back or stomach sleeper, it’s fine. We won’t all wake up one day looking like a bunch of raisins…we’re just prolonging the process!! 😂
All of Jame's sleep issues he describes when sleeping on his back of snoring, having nightmares, and sleep paralysis makes it sound like he needs to do a sleep study for sleep apnea, I suffered from the same things before having to go for a test. Cpap machine if you have sleep apnea makes you have the deepest of sleeps, it's amazing. Granted it does leave marks on your face like a pillow does when you get up in the morning.
"aLl yOu nEeD iS a cLeAnSeR, mOiStUriSeR aNd sUnScReEn" my combo skin (normal type but with dry rosacea on the cheeks) and the beginnnig of fine lines in my late 20s beg to differ lmao. Definitely use what works for *you*, and as long as you can afford it + enjoy using products giving you superior results, sticking to the bAsiCs is just mid-tier advice
@@Jess-737 Fr, I gotta add a hydrating serum for AM and both a hydrating serum and lactic acid serum for PM because I have the lovely combination of dry+adult hormonal acne.
Finally- someone else who hates silk pillowcases! I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me because I didn’t get why people liked that feeling of “cold/clamminess” with silk pillowcases ! I snore on my back too… whew! My feelings have been validated! 😂 thanks so much!❤
I will say the satin pillowcases are have really helped with my hair post perm, so that I don’t get too frizzie between washes. And I do feel like less of my skincare gets absorbed into the pillowcase than with others.
Yes! I dont have a set routine anymore - I just go by what i need that day/week. Being less rigid about the routine has helped me evaluate what I need, instead of what I want to do. Also, I only wash with water in the morning, I'd be so dry otherwise 😬
I will not use vitamin C products, my face and neck just don’t like it. I am ok with my regimen and I am 60 and have no wrinkles! Thank you for your content
since i stopped watching most skincare content, and left social media completely, my skincare routine has been simpler and it’s been so easy to maintain my skin. i had cystic acne when i was obsessed with ‘fixing’ my skin. now days i’ll get spots still, but i care less and have a way more basic routine so they go away much quicker without scarring. also much easier on the bank account to just have to replace a few products every few months
It’s the exfoliating one for me! I’m also in my thirties and have noticed I don’t need to exfoliate as much as I did a few years ago. I felt guilty but my skin still looks great, I’m always getting compliments. We’re all getting old, do it with grace ladies and gentlemen!! 😘
Absolutely. A uniform face with no wrinkles when older dosent make sense to me. I think a few wrinkles give you more character. I've earned all my wrinkles. I have a simple beauty beauty routine. I want to grow old with grace. Not a blabk expressionless face.
That’s so interesting because I’m in esthetics school rn and they tell us mature skin needs more exfoliation because the cell turn over significantly slows down
Oh my gosh, I am so feeling you on this topic… I felt everything was getting so lost, complicated and unnecessary. Had to streamline/rotate my products and simplify downed only things that were effective. Refreshing video!
i've always had trouble with large pores, blackheads, and cysts especially during college. i used to use cleanser, toner, niacinamide, and a couple of other things before finishing with moisturizer. different face masks, different brands, pretty much anything i thought would help my combo skin. but even with all of that, my skin never really seemed to clear up, and i always had hormonal acne on my chin. during the pandemic, i pretty much said fuck it and gave up, using only micellar water and rinsing it off with water. and honestly my skin has never been better??? ever since, my routine has pretty much just been spf, micellar water and water to rinse it off. if i'm in a really cold and dry area, i'd put on some moisturizer but besides that, i feel like simplifying my skincare routine to almost bare bones was more beneficial for my skin than using a bunch of different stuff.
I don’t wear sunscreen every day. Or even most days 😅😬 I work from home and I live in a northern latitude so I don’t see much sun anyway. With that being said - If I know I’m going to be outside for an extended period of time I will absolutely put some on my face and exposed skin. I just don’t understand these folks that are super obsessed about wearing it 24/7. Even wearing it inside and underneath clothes even. People got lives to live!
Ohhh phew! So pleased I don’t need to get too bogged down in layering in a certain order ... I stand in front of my products in confusion most days!!! Also how did I not know you put retinol on dry skin??? Is that why it keeps rolling off???!!! Also perfect timing from the doggies ..... frizzy hair ..... woof! Thank you James fab advice as always xxx
I hate sleeping on my back, so I'll take some squishing to wake up without an angry back. I definitely agree about exfoliating. When I was younger, I was so brutal to my skin, with alcohol astringents and these god awful gritty scrubs. Now, I use only BHA, and not on any schedule. My rosacea is so much happier!
Omg so good to hear you say you don’t exfoliate that much as I’ve completely reduced my exfoliation! I have dry skin and although my skin was really nice when I exfoliated more frequently, I felt like it was encouraging cell turnover a bit too much and I started feeling a bit like a snake shedding it’s skin 😂😂😂gross. But also being chronically ill I need the most manageable routine and can’t be making more work for myself for skin no one’s gonna see anyway 😂 I felt a bit like I was letting myself down after creating good habits so good to know you’re advocating just trusting instincts and whatever works for you 🥰
I actually really like physical exfoliation 😬 even though I was told in my job working for a skincare company that it causes “micro tears” (which is bs). Just find a gentle one! I really like the good molecules pineapple exfoliating powder, which you can add more/less water to to make it the roughness that you like.
This is such good advice, especially about listening to your skin regarding actives, etc. I used to use Paula’s Choice salcylic acid every other day RELIGIOUSLY, with my retinoid on the other days and a day off once weekly. Once my skin got to a place where I was seeing a reduction in pores/refining, I’ve needed the salcylic acid less and my retinoid has really done the heavy lifting ever since.
I really enjoy trying different skincare and finding new favourites, I love tk maxx and the Korean skincare I find there and trying out all the essences and toners and ampoules etc and then I just work out what my skin needs on that day and do whatever I feel it needs or whatever I feel like doing as like a kind of meditation almost, it's just me time and ill do what I want!
i use physical exfoliation with a scrub net i bought from black creators on etsy.. honestly its less irritating on my skin than most chemical exfoliants and it makes my skin feel so silky smooth. i generally only use it when i've done a lot of physical work and worked up a sweat during the day
I'm so happy to see someone talking about not sleeping on their back. sometimes when I'm exausted, I just want to throw myself onto the bed with my face squished into the pillow and pass out for 10 hours. I will accept my wrinkles way sooner than I'll accept uncomfy sleeps.
I love squishing my face into my pillow. I can't sleep on my back, it feels like work.
Preach it!
Agreed. I also feel like any doctor or Derm worth their salt will tell you that good restfull sleep will do 1000x more for your skin and health than the "damage" sleeping on your side will do.
🙌🏼
Absolutely. It's not even healthy to sleep in just one position.
I had to take medication that would make me sleep on my back like a stone the whole night. And with time my asthma got worse and I woke up stiff as a woodstick. The doctor told me that it's very bad for the lungs and muscles if you just sleep on your back.
So I don't care about the TH-cam dermatologists that just wanna shill their expensive silk pillowcases anymore.
Nearly 40, I've done the face crushing belly sleep of the dead my whole life. Minimal fine lines. SPF and solid skincare routine, yall. 🖤
Lol seriously, getting a good night’s sleep is more important for your skin’s health and appearance anyway, and I can’t sleep on my back!
Best description of a good night's sleep I've ever heard 🤣 love this 😎💃 SPF is my favourite step 😍
I'm the same way and I sleep so good and have restful night's sleep all the time, not changing it.
Same. 37 year old lifelong belly sleeper and I’m constantly told how great my skin is
Literally same
There is a weird like obsession with never aging and I started doing skincare cause I wanted to like,,, take better care of myself to feel better and honestly like,,, don't smile don't frown don't sleep on your side wash your pillowcases every night use a silk pillow case sleep on your back if you forget sunscreen scold yourself til you always remember never skip a night never sleep in make up etc. It's so exhausting. Let yourself forget. Let yourself age. Your life will continue if you have wrinkles or redness or acne or scars. Just keep yourself healthy
i cant sleep in my makeup bc it immediately makes me break out the day after but i totally agree with everything you're saying. when you have so many obsessive rules for yourself you're not really living life to it's fullest!
I will consider myself one of those people who became obsessed with anti-aging, but i agree 100% with what ur saying
If you look at any elderly person and think they're ugly because they're wrinkly and they aged poorly because they have wrinkles, you're vain. Those obsessed with preventing wrinkles and telling others they're getting wrinkly are annoying af and vain as hell. Wrinkles are normal, people who have wrinkles are beautiful. They're not aging poorly, they're aging.
The bane of my existence is redness. If I wasn't red I would be ready in no time, but it takes ages to cover well, without using anything really heavy.
I started getting into skin care a bit more now because I just emerged out of a depressive episode of a few years and well let's just say taking care of my skin wasn't happening. And I feel kinda confused with All the products and ingredients combos and it seems everything is just so obsessive with avoiding aging and weird self whipping. It took me a bit back how people talk like sun is the ultimate evil and being in the sun (even with sun screen) is s crime. It's honestly confusing and such a downer. I just wanna take better care of myself.
I definitely will always use a satin pillowcase for my hair, lol. I'm sure it's fine for my skin, but boy it makes a HUGE difference for my dry curly hair. Plus it feels nice and cool all night.
Does wonders for your hair, I agree.
Right! I love my satin pillowcase for my hair 🫶🏽
I’ll never give up my silk pillowcase for my hair. They’ll need to cremate it with me 😅
100% I will never go back to normal pillow cases
Oh good! I just bought my daughter one for Christmas, and when I heard James complaining about them I thought, “crap I just wasted my money on that gift.” I’m glad it actually can be a good thing 🙏🏼
I'm not sure about my skin, but my hair had a glow up after I switched to a silk pillowcase! Less frizz, shinier, just generally easier to manage. I don't mind the feeling, but I can totally understand how it could be unpleasant as well.
Honestly I’ve never cared for the order and always went like you. And I used to use medicament creams so I had to do ns skincare order according to them
I get horrible nightmares sleeping on my back too…it’s worth the wrinkles not to be terrified at night lol ❤ great video and super informative as usual. Your amazing!
Thank you! I know a few other people who get nightmares sleeping in their back too! I wonder if there’s a reason to it!
Same. I start having nightmares even before falling in deep sleep. It's a very strange feeling.
@@JamesWelsh I don't know maybe subconsciously we feel vulnerable? Or maybe our heart does something different. It is odd!
@@natsl3049 it is! so strange!
@@JamesWelsh It's down to breathing changes. Different pressure on the ribcage, and mild airway obstruction as your tongue slides back in your throat. That causes you to try harder to breathe (and may cause snoring/gasping), which brings you out of deeper sleep to where you are aware of your dreams. Pretty fascinating, though scary.
I love it when we get a random "woof" from one of the pups. 😊
It’s my naughty boy Bishop! He’s started barking at the postman!
@@JamesWelshhow can you call him naughty? he’s so cute
A dog lover. Yes!!!
It's so nice to finally have someone explain skincare to me and it is the truth not some made up selling tactic to get me to buy their sponsored products. Thank you please keep doing these kinds of videos
My mom (100% Korean) just freaked out on me a few weeks ago when I was visiting her because I use multiple brands vs her whole routine with one brand (she's currently in LOVE with Atomy brand). Which their eye cream is sooooo nice but I've worked for a lot of different makeup and skin care companies and have favorites from each and have found layering my favorites makes my skin the happiest.
I relate to everything in this video exept the silk pillow cases... I ADORE THEM 😭 Now I can't stand cotton ones bc I'm so used to the cool smooth feeling of silk. But this is why I love your videos. It's good to hear honest opinions like this.
Right? It sounded more like he talked about polyester satin. I use bamboo viscose sheets that are satin (structured like silk) and it is unbelievably comfortable and I never feel hot or cold with it and it makes my hair and skin shine.
Same. I feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud.
I can't go back to not having silk sheets and pillows, it feels like everything else is made of glass and shrapnel
I have a silk pillow too rather than cotton because that cotton and other little things stuck in there gets attatched in my hair. I guess having clean hair is worth the unclear skin honestly.
I loooove my silk pillowcases
I don't follow the 'only use products for your skin type' rule! That's how I have found some of my favorite products lmao. A lot of products meant for combo-oily, acne-prone skin are hella drying and I love a lot of the ones for normal to dry skin!
I wish 😫 I’ve tried this and my skin feels suffocated from the heavier normal-dry products.
@@hannahl1477 totally been there too!
I look for the ones that are non-comedogenic, and patch test everything :)
it’s tough out here for us 😮💨
this is good advice. I brought down the cost of my skincare, by doing this.
I did this for my benefit with chemical exfoliants. I got dry/dehydrated skin, but for some reason, the normal (not heavy duty) exfoliants for oily skin just work better for me. Just the exfoliants, not the other products🤣
@@fearless6947 same! I was surprised lmao
I'm exclusively a side sleeper. I wake up with a (cotton 😂) pillow crease almost every day, but it's the only way I feel comfortable. I spend plenty of time taking care of my skin during the day. Sleep is for rest, not worrying about wrinkles.
I absolutely love silk pillowcases! They are so lovely and cooling and smooth, I paired it up with simba pillow and it is the best combo ever for hot sleeper. Since I started using silk pillowcase any cotton one feels too hot and too rough. But it is of course a personal preference
What he described sounds like satin which is way different than silk
To those people who can do 10 step Korean skincare routine, you're so lucky. I only can do five step as my skin is too sensitive😭😭😭 The more products I use, the more breakout happened. Therefore, I need to simplify my skincare routine.
Same, if I try to introduce new products or steps my skin will hate me for it. The simpler the better
I feel this, my cheeks are so easily irritated they can't even handle a 3 step skincare routine 😭 I end up skipping sunscreen quite a lot cause my cheeks can't tolerate cleansing on a regular basis, including using just an oil cleanser that rinses off clean. I'm so jealous of people whose skin isn't like this
I have sensitive skin but still manage to do 9 out of the 10 steps. I'm still on the lookout for a good ampoule that won't duplicate the actives I am already using in the other products.
Same here my skin is only able to handle a 3 step skin care routine without my face being either beat red in a few hours or me breaking out😂
Same! I bought a serum that doubles as a primer. Good effect on the skin, but I’m breaking out.
So happy to hear someone talking about layering, because of my 'goldfish' memory I often put skincare on in the 'wrong' order and I still have skin and even I do say so myself, my skin looks good. As for simplifying, I definitely have done that, simply because I cannot be asked with million of steps.
I love simple skincare. It's just as effective imo
There’s an app called ‘skincare’ that helps you keep track of your skincare and it orders them for you so you know what to put on first, it also tells you what products you shouldn’t use together.
@@ActingAndyis it still just called skincare? Struggling to find it :)
YES!! I bought a silk pillowcase, used it 1 night & hated the feel of it. Never used it since! 😭
I switch up my skincare all the time, I also go with how my skin is feeling at the time, one night might be just essence and moisturiser then the next night might be a 10-step routine. I just go with how my skin is feeling, I think being less structured actually takes the pressure off!
It feels weird the first time you switch from cotton to satin/silk, but you get used to it and feels better in the long run from my experience.
Agree. You get used to it
I would say that since I'm using prescription tretinoin and azelaic acid + benzoyl peroxide, I don't chase after trendy skincare products anymore. I am not an influencer. I just wanna be aging well. But I appreciate many things from your content since skincare is not one size fits all aproach for many of us. So it is nice to see different opinions about products from influencers and experts.
watch out with benzoyl peroxide. trentinoim and benzoyl cancel each other out and tretinoin stops working.
@@crisangelafanador557 I use it in a cleanser form. And I don't use tretinoin and BPO in the same routine. Usually, BPO is used in the morning, and Tret is used at night.
Those products are my holy grails (plus a good moisturizer and SPF). Most of the skincare we see is just a way for the industry to brainwash us to waste a lot of money.
@@not_potaytoes_hobbit I'm not saying that a lot of them are unnecessary. But they feel redundant to me since my products right now are pretty effective and targeted towards my concerns. I don't have much money to buy all that stuff, since prescription stuff here in my country is quite affordable. So, I have to be grateful for that 🥰
I also don't follow the "simplify your routine" rule. I like sitting at my vanity at night and applying 8 to 10 products as my self-care and calm down from the day before I get into bed. And I love switching things out and trying new products. The only issue is impact on my wallet 😆
Totally agree, I have an elaborate routine every night, i dont mind spending that much time applying so many products because it’s my time to unwind from the day 😁💕
HOW DO YOU HAVE THE TIME? I just wanna go to bed and sleep, I don't have the will to do all of that, and then in the morning I do have the will but still no time because of work and uni 😂
@@lo4568 Exactly. If I can get some moisturizer on before I climb in bed I feel accomplished.
Word. It's not a routine, it's a ritual!
@@lo4568 My workplace just have to wait honestly 😂
James! Great video - I’m a nurse and I want to tell you about why you felt like your were going to swallow your tongue. If you’ve ever noticed that when people snore, it’s when they’re on their back? Well it’s because as we sleep, the muscles in our throat, mouth, and neck all relax. When it gets so severe that you can no longer breath in that position it’s called sleep apnea. This doesn’t happen to people who sleep on their sides because your body doesn’t have to fight gravity.
The reason you probably had horrible sleeps as well as night terrors is probably because your body wouldn’t let you fully fall asleep (in order to keep breathing) and so you were stuck in between wake and sleep which is how night terrors happen.
Good on you for recognizing that your quality of sleep is so much more important than maybe not getting a wrinkle. Cheers from Canada
My very worst skincare habit is skipping sunscreen, which I do probably one day out of five in the winter when it's cloudy and dark. I also have a bad habit of not putting my sunscreen on until I'm about to go out, even though I know you're supposed to wear it inside too unless you aren't around windows. And I don't reapply it unless I'm spending a lot of time in the direct sunlight. I'm not sure I can ever be convinced to reapply it, honestly. Like, I have a bloody life to live, I'm just not here for being chained to my sunscreen bottle every day of my life.
Maybe I'll make applying my sunscreen early in the day one of my New Year's resolutions.
Same for everything you said. I think it's okay if we're not reapplying during the day or not wearing sunscreen inside. It's more when you're outside and there is a lot of sun that it can be more damaging, but wearing a hat that covers your face from the sun can help a bit
I myself quite rarely apply a sunscreen cause I’m such a coach potato and in 99% I go out only once a day - to walk out my dog and it usually happens after a sunset. And I feel guilty of not applying sunscreen every day as everyone around tells me, but I always feel like it’s such a waste of product in my case.
I noticed James said in a recent video that he doesn’t apply SPF if the UV levels are low (which they are in a British winter). I see zero benefit in putting SPF on if I’m literally inside my house for most of the day. The effect that a glimmer of sun through a window at a very specific moment is going to have such a minimal effect on my skin that it’s not worth fretting about layering on SPF inside the house
You’re being realistic. I’m not committed to replying 400 times a day. 😂
@@Mataylor17 please understand I mean this in a genuine and curious way: I thought that it was proven that sunscreen reducing vitamin d was a myth? Your post makes it sound like sunscreen reduces the amount of vitamin d we absorb. I do totally agree that as a whole, vitamin d deficiency can be an issue especially in areas that go prolonged time without sun.
Also, why do you say sunscreen isn’t the holy grail it’s made out to be? Everything I’ve read and researched sunscreen and retinol/retinoids are pretty much the holy grail (besides genetics that is). Can you point me in the direction of where you learned that? I can’t seem to find anything when I Google it.
Thanks!
I stopped worrying about the order of layering products when I heard a dermatologist say that your skin will benefit from it even if you put it on in the "wrong" order. I like to layer mine thinnest to thickest as well but it's not a huge deal, I just like the way it feels when I apply that way.
My skin hates me if I just use a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It's just not enough for my skin
I’m 44 no wrinkles side sleeper. I’m afraid I’ll aspirate on saliva!! You’re not alone in irrational fears James- we’re all big babies!
I have choked on my own saliva many times and it’s scary.
After spending too much time in a toxic skincare community (skincareaddcition, you know it is you) I have pretty much thrown all the “rules” out the window and my skin is soooo much happier for it. Turns out my skin likes it when I put on a ton of products or switch products around.
SAME! I never felt like I had to follow any set of rules. I have atopic dermatitis (in the past severe) and because of it I have used a minimal skin routine for years, a cleanser and the same two moisturizers... no actives at all, no serums, no toners no nothing ahahah Funny enough my skin texture and hydration is at it's best when switching products up to my pleasure as long as I am consistent with it. I'll evaluate what to use based on the look of my skin, if it does flare with dermatitis, that is when I will go back to basics and make it extremely simple until the skin barrier is healthy again :)
Me too!
Haha yes I used to always be in that sub but holy shit it was so toxic and judgmental!!!!
As l said l don't want my face to look like a blank piece of paper. I like to have a few wrinkles. No lines. No
What’s toxic about it? I’ve only been the Asian Beauty sub
Love him saying " ..but I love my routine!!! I love my products, that's my job!! " 💕 do what makes you happy :) we love you always
Haha exactly he’s doing the lords work for us all, keep going please 😂
I'm 30 and I have wicked adult acne, so exfoliation is still essential in my routine. I did have to cut out Retinol and Retinoids because they were making my breakouts much worse. most of my skincare routine nowadays is hydration and gentle moisture barrier relief (ceramides) and it feels so much better than when I used to attack it with actives all the time.
Hang in there! You're not alone and progress will happen.
In my 30s as well and dealing with acne but at the same time I still want to get the anti aging benefits from using retinol or retinoids 😢
@@ladygravenly I feel left out🥺 you responded to like a good handful of people right questions 🙁...... Lol. Jk 💕 but I see you're into skin care as much as I am. I'm kind OCD with it. If I don't have time to do my routine before I leave for work. All day I feel anxious
@@Bia-lm8it I know right! that's definitely what kept me using it. but eventually I cut it out and honestly my skin has felt so much better. I'll probably reintroduce retinol in some form to my routine in a few years when the acne is under more control, but the flare-ups and cystic breakouts have massively and noticeably decreased since cutting out Retinol.
@@ladygravenly thank you 😭💜
Many are still against physical exfoliation but I love it 😍 I use it on my face maybe twice a month and oh boy does it make my skin feel smooooooooooth
Me too! I even use one with the dreaded walnut shell powder. Hint: it's fine if you don't smush it murderously into your skin.
This! Yes! 20x Yes! 🎉 everything has its limits. All in moderation with appreciation.
Honey and brown sugar for me! I won't buy a product just for that, and my skin likes it :)
@@tdelioncourt1268 love honey and sugar as a scrub ❤❤
@@WendeCrow I really fine gentle one is great for flaky skin. But yeah, just don't go crazy with it or do it every day (unless your skin can 100% handle it). I personally prefer just using a hot washcloth for physical exfoliation because my skin gets angry at anything else.
I feel like media is so pushy that you need to have a billion steps. I honestly don’t use toner. Partially because money but I can say the skin care community has really broadened my horizons on how to use my skin care and what to use. Thank you for your honest content ♥️
I'm recovering from a shopping addiction that is mainly skincare related, and I'm currently "shopping my stash", I figured I LOVE me an 8 steps routine, and also I mix actives like retinoids and Faded every couple days, my skin loves it, why not, skin cycling is boring to me
I never use moisturizer before SPF. the 2 layers of cream products in the morning makes my skin feel ick. my makeup would be sliding all over and id be a greasy mess by the afternoon. Also I don't double cleanse when I only wear sunscreen. A lot of oil cleansers are so elegant now, they give a thorough cleanse, rinse off clean and leave my skin soft.
I like that you mention about not to simplify your skincare routine. It’s true. I used to over using skincare products resulted to acne. I’m now picky what I use for my skin.
As a 44-year-old with extremely dry dehydrated skin who is now on tretinoin, if I streamlined my ski care I would probably look like the Sahara desert on my face. Using multiple serums during the winter and even two moisturizers plus oil at night in the last 6 months has completely transformed my skin. I say use as many products as you want as long as your skin likes it.
Right?? My skin is boss (literally) and tells me what I can and canNOT do! lol Agree with you...in the winter, I have to LOAD up on everything. It's sad but it's working. 🤩
I'm much younger, but I've found that using the Cetaphil dry to very dry skin cream at night has helped with winter flaking and dryness. It's pretty rich and takes a few min to dry down, but it's the only thing that keeps the flaking to a minimum.
As far as pillowcases go, I was surprised by the comfort level of linen. It's a little more textured than cotton, but it absorbs sweat without feeling swampy; it's been a game changer for my husband who sweats in his sleep.
Linen softens and smooths out over time through use. Be rough with it when you wash it, it can take it beautifully and will be even nicer for it!
I always thought the silk pillow thing was for hair so there's less friction when you sleep so your hair doesn't get as messy or develop split ends and single strand knots.
I had a surgery on my abdomen 2 weeks ago and I am not medically allowed to sleep on my stomach for a few weeks. Honestly, this is the only reason I have committed to sleeping on my back. The moment I am told it's safe to sleep on my belly, I'm doing it, it's the most comfortable position for me personally!
This video helped me being more chill about the whole skincare thing. Thank you! And I mean: "do what feels best for you" should be applied to everything in life.
despite not having a skincare routine of my own, i absolutely Love watching your videos about it! i especially love your honesty about what products you use (inc. botox!) and the channels motto! keep bringing us the good stuff :)
If you wash just your face, that counts as a skincare routine. Unless you literally do nothing to it at all, you have a skincare routine, just maybe a very minimalistic one.
I’ve also stopped using chemical exfoliants on a specific routine. I used to use them every other week but now I feel like I can tell when my face needs it and it always so refreshing to feel the huge difference afterwards.
Totally agree with silk pillow and side sleeping, I take ages to fall asleep and I'm also a light sleeper so forcing myself on sleeping on my back only damages my health since I will not get a good night of sleep.
I'm exactly same way with the sleeping position and pillow. And I cannot simplify my routine either cause I have dry skin, so especially during the winter I must: 1. Cleanse. 2. Apply hyaluronic acid. 3. Apply another serum. 4. Eye cream. 5. Moisturizer. Then I'm lit baby!
I honestly feel like everyone's skin, genetics, daily habits, hormones, DNA, skin cells are all different! My mum taught me and I follow a non complicated skin routine. If I did a 26 step process like celebs on vogue my face would be covered in eczema, spots you name it! Everyone should just follow the rule of you do you honey!!
Also, if you have wrinkles, stretch marks, scars etc, congrats, ageing is such a privilege that others don't get to experience and is a beautiful thing. Some of the most interesting people I know are much older than me with so much life experience!!
Getting a goodnight's sleep has to be better for your skin & health than sleeping on your back. I stopped following the rule that I have use products for my skin type only. I now look for products based on skin concern.
I think that so much of this is down to personal preferences and your own needs. I'm more comfortable sleeping on my back, for example, I don't like the feel of products on my face (especially when I'm going to bed!), and skin care for me is a means to an end rather than an enjoyable ritual for self-care. We're all different, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy channels like this one- it's a great way to learn about products or techniques that might work for your unique self and circumstances without being pressured into copying a specific routine.
I’m very close to 30 and I have also relaxed on the exfoliants. I thought I was just being lazy but like, honestly…? I think I’ve just gotten to a good place w my skin. I’m also getting older and my skin is changing, so I don’t really have the same issues I used to. It was nice to hear someone else be on that same page ❤
One skincare rule I see alot is to "Change your routine with the season". I do not do this. I know the products that work best for my skin depending on what it is needing and I change it up when I need to based on what my skin wants.....not on the season.
I love when you share your personal skincare routine and what you do amd what you dont! I agree with the exfoliating step, I'm 27 and I have acne but SA dries my tf out! Even after slugging, so I when with a PHA toner and a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and it has been the best of the best for my skin! Of course a rich moisturizer at night with occasional slugging 😇 i love my skin, skin texture has improved so much (still fighting the redness of the acne) but it's all good, this is my skin and I'm not in a rush to clear it out 🤗 this skincare journey has taught me to be patient, and I couldn't be happier with the results! ❤❤❤ thank you James 😍
I've come to the conclusion that sleeping well and feeling comfortable and cozy when I sleep is so much more important to me than not having wrinkles.
Yes! Good for you. Its the most important action you do.
I hate sleeping on my back cause it causes intense pain in my lower back. I can only stay in that position for like 10 mins before it's aching, my favorite position is like on my side with a lifted leg so I'm like a flat running pose 😅
I also hate the feel of a silk pillow but I stick with it for my curly hair case my bonnet falls off
Hahaha my partner and I both sleep like that - we call it "flying leg", superman styles apparently 😅😂
I always love the way you emphasize that there is no such thing as a one size fits all and don't try to push certain ways of doing skincare on everyone as if it was the gospel!
I definitely don't sleep on my back BUT I always shower before I go to bed, and usually most of my moisturizer has been absorbed by the time I go to sleep so I feel like I have a pretty clean area to sleep on. That being said, I definitely wouldn't care about getting wrinkles just from sleeping anyway. I am much more worried about being physically unable to perform tasks in my old age due to illness or just my body breaking down, so I try to take care of my health and that involves good sleep.
So I religiously follow my own personal neuroses about not getting my bed "dirty" by not wearing outside clothes in or on it, and wiping my face on a dedicated face towel and I feel like that's enough.
I also tend to favour gentler products or products with no fragrances in them, my favourite brand by far is cosrx and I also think lumene has some stellar, gentle products.
I’ve found that “less is more” is way better for me personally. The least I will do daily is a witch hazel cleanse and a moisturizer, followed by rose hip oil. If I’m feeling like I have the time and the spoons for more steps I will do a salicylic acid balm over my acne zones before the moisturizer, or I’ll replace the rose hip for a retinol.
i’m a side sleeper and i hate silk pillowcases… i’ve tried my best to love them but i also hate that slip and slide feeling.. so THANK YOU for validating my feelings 😂♥️
the layering one!!!!! i use like 8 to 10 products at night and probably 5-7 in the day time. i cannot tell you how many hoursssss i’ve spent researching how to layer them. and especially whenever i add a new product 😅 such a headache
the sleep one is so assuring , i always freak out that ill get wrinkles bc i dont sleep face up .... my stomach/side is just so much more comfortable for me ..
Totally relate to what you said about the pillows! Lets be honest if it make us sleep bad its not good for our skin because good sleep is crucial for beauty and health
I’m so glad I’m not the only one when it comes to exfoliating. I never exfoliant anymore. It did nothing for my skin except make it really bad. Since stopping exfoliation my skin has never been better.
James! I love a cold pillow side too, and I know some people hate the slippery shiny nature of silk pillowcases, but I love it. I got one first, years ago, because of my long FULL OF STATIC hair, and I thought it might help (it didn't much) but now I'm like some crazy princess who finds cotton too rough on my face, yes my face sticks to the pillow if it's got nice moisture product on it, but hey. Lovely lovely smooth smooth silk 💗
Omg I agree with you on the sleeping with your back thing! I also have gotten sleep paralyzes sleeping on my back, nightmares and I tend to snore when I'm sleeping on my back. I'm a side sleeper and always will be. My face is fine 🙂 Moisturizer/spf is where it's all
Ur voice is sooo calming....u r like a meditative skincare expert....u made my day!!
I sleep well on the special pillows and sleeping on my back has helped with puffy eye issues.
I’m so glad I’m not the only person who has problems with silk pillow cases. Thank you, James. ❤️
I got myself a silk pillow case. Used it for 2 weeks but I slid around of a night time. At one point I woke up with the pillow under my shoulders and my head back like I was ready for CPR. Since then its not been back on.
James, you are not alone! I refuse to sleep on my back because of very bad night terrors/sleep paralysis that I've had ONLY while being in that position! I've also woken myself up occasionally with loud snoring while sleeping on my back as well.
OMG, the nightmares when I try to sleep on my back!!! I thought I was the only one I love my side sleep with another pillow in between my thighs. Bliss lol.
Your my favorite skincare TH-camr and frankly the only one I care to watch now due to the fact that your so charismatic and honest or transparent about things and it actually really helps! Hope this message finds you well, keep doing what you do, your great at it! :)
Ohh andd lastly, your skin can prove what your saying to be true even if certain things just work better for you
Amen! I also stopped following skincare trends and try actually listening to my skin.
I absolutely agree with you regarding all the points you discussed. I never really followed any of the trends that were "trending" because whenever I tried to follow them, it didn't really help my skin much. Instead I followed whatever felt right and my skin adjusted pretty well to that. Even before sandwich method became a thing, I used to follow it, not knowing what exactly it did, just cause it felt nicer and my skin loved it. Thank you so much for sharing your views on the current trends of skincare. Much love ❤
Gosh yes, sleep paralysis always happens to me 1) when i sleep on my back and 2) when I'm exhausted. When the 2 combine it's hell. Sleep paralysis is the worst.
100% agree about silk pillowcases omg, especially in Australia that wet sticky feeling is too much. I WANT my pillow case to absorb my sweat!!
Excellent video. Finally I see a more realistic video from an influencer. Right on in everything you said!
You are very correct about nightmares when sleeping on your back. I've researched a bit into it and it seems that the blood flow increase in the back regions of the brain sort of activates that issue.
Still dealing with acne close to my 30s so the exfoliation helps. It's hormonal so sometimes it doesn't help a lot but enough that it doesn't get as bad as it used to five years ago, which I'm thankful for.
I used to follow a very multi-step routine, but sometimes my energy is low or I only do it whenever I decide to wear makeup (because of my skin isn't truly clean the acne gets worse).
My minimum is four products, which is a cleanser, niacinamide, retinol and moisturizer. On makeup days I'll add toner, exfoliant and mucin, minus the retinol. It just depends on what's best for my skin at the time!
Very nice video! I always appreciate your honesty on this channel. You're one of my favorites!
what about sunscreen?
@@fearless6947 when i go out yes, i use the innisfree daily one. this is mostly when i'm at home and don't plan to leave the place
Knowing your skin enough to be able to curate your routine based on its current needs is really good
At 35 I got horrible lines from side sleeping that aged my face a decade. I got one of the pillows you showed and its the comfiest thing ever and has done more for my skin than years of tret or any Botox could do 😆 I sleep fine on my side with it. Hope you never get those lines like I did, that was the worst!
Which one is it that you use?
Yeah please lemme know!
@@vickytime3855 I’m personally loving the one from Sleep and Glow! I’m a side sleeper and their Omnia pillow is a life change for me
Ok this is what I needed!! I’ve spent all night (I’m sick so sleep sched is wack) trying to figure out what order to do my skincare and StReSsiNg~ so now I’m just going to do what feels right as long as washing my face is first and sunscreen is last🎉
when it comes to layering products - there is a little problem. If you use very oclusive stuff, and then put the serum, it may not absorb through some 'heavy' ingredients
I actually love that the latest skin care trends are simplifying, obviously not an option for a skincare influencer but for the rest of us it's so much more accessible. I find it less overwhelming and more attainable, especially with executive dysfunction and mental health issues. Right now I have three steps that are slightly different morning and night, but are just Cleanse, Treat, and Moisturize/SPF.
Morning: cleanse with Cerave SA cleanser, benzoyl peroxide treatment (still experimenting with different brands), then Cerave moisturizing sunscreen.
Night: same cleanser, Cerave retinol serum, and Cerave night hyaluronic acid moisturizer.
I've been doing this for months now longer than I've ever actually stuck to a routine before. I'm thinking about throwing in a periodic chemical exfoliant as an extra step for skin texture, but otherwise I feel a sense of relief that it's actually working, and with drugstore products too.
I’ve always been a back sleeper and I’ve also gotten sleep paralysis quite frequently for as long as I can remember 😳 I had no idea there was a correlation
I also get sleep paralysis if I sleep on my back. From what I gathered, I don't breathe well on my back, and if I start sleep apnea, it triggers nightmares and sleep paralysis. I have been sleeping on my side since I figured it out, and never got it again (whist before it used to be daily). I hope you'll manage to sleep on your side and that it'll solve your issue. It's definitely not a nice thing to experience
Thank you, thank you and thank you for saying you don’t like silk. I hate silk with every fiber of my being because it’s just so icky feeling. I have tried it so many times and it has never worked for me. So, I thank you again kind sir!
I love having a million steps for my weekend routine. It helps me get out of “work” mode to “me” mode. Generally during the week I’m just so exhausted, but I still skin cycle. It’s the only way I can make the Tret work with my skin, contrary to what my dermatologist would like (she wants me to work up to every day-my skin cannot handle that yet. I had the worst day when I tried to get there recently. Just peeling and irritated af and it looked like I got smacked in the face). Idk, aside from the rule about cleanser and sunscreen, you just gotta do what works for your skin because ultimately you’re the one who has to wear it.
Oh, and my sleep apnea would like to laugh at not sleeping on your face. It’s to the point my spine doc knows how my back is feeling by whether or not I’ve described flailing around at night since I have a tendency to downplay my pain. Idk how I’m supposed to control an involuntary body process lol.
I love that you mentioned the pillow recommendations. I tried these and similarly, strongly disliked silk. So glad someone else felt that way. 😂
If it’s too late and I’m exhausted, I won’t go in with a 10 step routine. It’s not realistic, but if I’ve got time, I’ll do it! The only reason sleeping on my back has worked out for me is because I slept on my stomach consistently throughout my 20’s until I injured my back. I remember the neurosurgeon telling me it’s the worst sleeping position for your back, and it was hard to convert at first but I didn’t have much of choice. I feel like the mattresses have vastly improved between now and then though, and if someone is a back or stomach sleeper, it’s fine. We won’t all wake up one day looking like a bunch of raisins…we’re just prolonging the process!! 😂
All of Jame's sleep issues he describes when sleeping on his back of snoring, having nightmares, and sleep paralysis makes it sound like he needs to do a sleep study for sleep apnea, I suffered from the same things before having to go for a test. Cpap machine if you have sleep apnea makes you have the deepest of sleeps, it's amazing. Granted it does leave marks on your face like a pillow does when you get up in the morning.
"aLl yOu nEeD iS a cLeAnSeR, mOiStUriSeR aNd sUnScReEn" my combo skin (normal type but with dry rosacea on the cheeks) and the beginnnig of fine lines in my late 20s beg to differ lmao. Definitely use what works for *you*, and as long as you can afford it + enjoy using products giving you superior results, sticking to the bAsiCs is just mid-tier advice
@@Jess-737 Fr, I gotta add a hydrating serum for AM and both a hydrating serum and lactic acid serum for PM because I have the lovely combination of dry+adult hormonal acne.
Finally- someone else who hates silk pillowcases! I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me because I didn’t get why people liked that feeling of “cold/clamminess” with silk pillowcases ! I snore on my back too… whew! My feelings have been validated! 😂 thanks so much!❤
I will say the satin pillowcases are have really helped with my hair post perm, so that I don’t get too frizzie between washes. And I do feel like less of my skincare gets absorbed into the pillowcase than with others.
Yes! I dont have a set routine anymore - I just go by what i need that day/week. Being less rigid about the routine has helped me evaluate what I need, instead of what I want to do.
Also, I only wash with water in the morning, I'd be so dry otherwise 😬
I will not use vitamin C products, my face and neck just don’t like it. I am ok with my regimen and I am 60 and have no wrinkles! Thank you for your content
I'm the same :3 vitamin C hates me.
What's your routine?? I don't use vit c much either. It burns my skin after shaving :(
since i stopped watching most skincare content, and left social media completely, my skincare routine has been simpler and it’s been so easy to maintain my skin. i had cystic acne when i was obsessed with ‘fixing’ my skin. now days i’ll get spots still, but i care less and have a way more basic routine so they go away much quicker without scarring. also much easier on the bank account to just have to replace a few products every few months
Thanks for your comment, care to share your routine? :)
It’s the exfoliating one for me! I’m also in my thirties and have noticed I don’t need to exfoliate as much as I did a few years ago. I felt guilty but my skin still looks great, I’m always getting compliments. We’re all getting old, do it with grace ladies and gentlemen!! 😘
Absolutely. A uniform face with no wrinkles when older dosent make sense to me. I think a few wrinkles give you more character. I've earned all my wrinkles. I have a simple beauty beauty routine. I want to grow old with grace. Not a blabk expressionless face.
I cut it down to 2 to 3x a week and noticed a great difference! Used to do it every day 🙃
That’s so interesting because I’m in esthetics school rn and they tell us mature skin needs more exfoliation because the cell turn over significantly slows down
Oh my gosh, I am so feeling you on this topic… I felt everything was getting so lost, complicated and unnecessary. Had to streamline/rotate my products and simplify downed only things that were effective. Refreshing video!
i've always had trouble with large pores, blackheads, and cysts especially during college. i used to use cleanser, toner, niacinamide, and a couple of other things before finishing with moisturizer. different face masks, different brands, pretty much anything i thought would help my combo skin. but even with all of that, my skin never really seemed to clear up, and i always had hormonal acne on my chin. during the pandemic, i pretty much said fuck it and gave up, using only micellar water and rinsing it off with water. and honestly my skin has never been better??? ever since, my routine has pretty much just been spf, micellar water and water to rinse it off. if i'm in a really cold and dry area, i'd put on some moisturizer but besides that, i feel like simplifying my skincare routine to almost bare bones was more beneficial for my skin than using a bunch of different stuff.
For some ppl this is the better option. Im with you. But ive forsure seen the lengthy routines help other people
Love your honesty and expressing your personal opinion, thanks!♡
I don’t wear sunscreen every day. Or even most days 😅😬
I work from home and I live in a northern latitude so I don’t see much sun anyway.
With that being said - If I know I’m going to be outside for an extended period of time I will absolutely put some on my face and exposed skin.
I just don’t understand these folks that are super obsessed about wearing it 24/7. Even wearing it inside and underneath clothes even.
People got lives to live!
Lol underneath clothes 🤣🤣
Ohhh phew! So pleased I don’t need to get too bogged down in layering in a certain order ... I stand in front of my products in confusion most days!!! Also how did I not know you put retinol on dry skin??? Is that why it keeps rolling off???!!! Also perfect timing from the doggies ..... frizzy hair ..... woof! Thank you James fab advice as always xxx
I hate sleeping on my back, so I'll take some squishing to wake up without an angry back. I definitely agree about exfoliating. When I was younger, I was so brutal to my skin, with alcohol astringents and these god awful gritty scrubs. Now, I use only BHA, and not on any schedule. My rosacea is so much happier!
Thank you Mr Welsh - I learned something today. I never knew that retinol is supposed to go on dry skin! That will be a game changer for me.
Omg so good to hear you say you don’t exfoliate that much as I’ve completely reduced my exfoliation! I have dry skin and although my skin was really nice when I exfoliated more frequently, I felt like it was encouraging cell turnover a bit too much and I started feeling a bit like a snake shedding it’s skin 😂😂😂gross. But also being chronically ill I need the most manageable routine and can’t be making more work for myself for skin no one’s gonna see anyway 😂 I felt a bit like I was letting myself down after creating good habits so good to know you’re advocating just trusting instincts and whatever works for you 🥰
ROFL I love listening to James' videos, including when I am falling asleep. It's hard to do this when they're so entertaining I start giggling
I actually really like physical exfoliation 😬 even though I was told in my job working for a skincare company that it causes “micro tears” (which is bs). Just find a gentle one! I really like the good molecules pineapple exfoliating powder, which you can add more/less water to to make it the roughness that you like.
This is such good advice, especially about listening to your skin regarding actives, etc.
I used to use Paula’s Choice salcylic acid every other day RELIGIOUSLY, with my retinoid on the other days and a day off once weekly. Once my skin got to a place where I was seeing a reduction in pores/refining, I’ve needed the salcylic acid less and my retinoid has really done the heavy lifting ever since.
I really enjoy trying different skincare and finding new favourites, I love tk maxx and the Korean skincare I find there and trying out all the essences and toners and ampoules etc and then I just work out what my skin needs on that day and do whatever I feel it needs or whatever I feel like doing as like a kind of meditation almost, it's just me time and ill do what I want!
i use physical exfoliation with a scrub net i bought from black creators on etsy.. honestly its less irritating on my skin than most chemical exfoliants and it makes my skin feel so silky smooth. i generally only use it when i've done a lot of physical work and worked up a sweat during the day