Glow Up Guide: My Top Skincare Secrets for a Healthy Glow

(My Best Products: Yves Rocher & Beauty of Joseon & Alternatives)

 

Disclaimer: I’m not a dermatologist, but I’m sharing what has finally given me the results I’ve been searching for my sensitive skin. After years of trial and error, I’ve finally found a routine that truly works for me—and I’m excited to share it with you!

I’ve always struggled with redness and breakouts, thanks to my sensitive skin. Like many of you, I spent years trying countless products, hoping for something that would finally give me clear, glowing skin. But after a lot of trial and error, I’ve discovered a routine that works for me, and I truly believe it can help others too!

Before we dive into the products I love, I want to emphasise the importance of being mindful of the ingredients in your skincare. Many products contain harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which can disrupt hormones and potentially affect your overall health. That’s why it’s essential to read labels and choose products with clean, natural ingredients wherever possible.

To help you navigate ingredient labels, I recommend using the YUKA app. This app lets you scan product barcodes or search specific ingredients to see if they contain harmful chemicals. YUKA rates products on a scale of 1 to 100 higher scores indicating a lower risk of harmful ingredients and categorise them as “Poor,” “Bad,” “Good,” or “Excellent” to give you a quick understanding of a product’s health impact. Plus, the app offers healthier alternatives if you’re looking for cleaner options.

Please note: The availability and accuracy of product information within the YUKA app can vary depending on your location, as regulations and formulations differ from country to country.

I’m passionate about sharing healthy, effective skincare solutions, and after testing these products with my sensitive skin, I’m confident they can work for you too. I’ve double-checked them using the YUKA app to ensure they’re clean, safe, and free from hormones-disrupting chemicals. You can also check out my Tiktok page @cee_ozkan to see a quick tutorial on how to use the YUKA app and get the best experience. Now, let’s get into the Glow Up Guide! Save this for when you’re ready to build your new skincare routine.

 

Cleansing Is Key

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It’s the first step toward glowing, healthy skin, so don’t skip it!

My Cleansing Routine (Same Product, Different Approaches)

I use the same cleanser morning and night: Yves Rocher Purifying Cleansing Gel with Micro-Alga (for normal to combination skin). This gel cleanser has a light, fresh scent and lathers nicely, leaving my skin feeling clean and balanced, never tight or dry. Since I don’t wear makeup, my morning routine is simple, and this cleanser works perfectly for that.

• Morning Cleanser: In the morning, I typically just use one pump of the Yves Rocher cleanser and focus on gently massaging it into my skin for about 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Yves Rocher Le Gel Nettoyant Ultra-Fraîcheur Pure Algue – 390ml

• Evening Double Cleanser: Double cleansing helps to remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and pollution, ensuring your skin is truly clean before you apply your nighttime products. In the evening, I start with the Yves Rocher cleanser, then follow up with the SNP Prep Cicaronic Face Mask. I love using this mask after cleansing because it adds a boost of hydration and calms any redness. 

SNP Prep Cicaronic Face Mask

Alternative Cleansers:

• Yves Rocher Pure Mint Purifying Cleansing Gel with Micro-Alga (for combination to oily skin): Like the one I use, this cleanser is refreshing and oxygenating. 

Yves Rocher Le Gel Nettoyant Purifiant Pure Menthe – 390ml 

• Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser, Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins: Great for sensitive skin—gentle yet effective. This cleanser has a lovely, silky texture and is packed with antioxidants from kale, spinach, and green tea. 1 pump is more than enough as it lathers nicely.

Youth Of People Superfood Cleanser

• Beauty of Joseon Double Cleansing Duo: Offers deep cleansing without stripping moisture. This duo consists of a gentle oil cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a foaming cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. 

             Deep Double Cleansing Duo 

Exfoliation: Gentle but Effective

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and leaves the skin looking fresh and smooth. I prefer to exfoliate twice a week, at night, for that extra glow. This repairs the skin and rejuvenates while asleep. Helps with my nighttime skincare products to absorb better.

Exfoliators I Love:

• Yves Rocher Pure Alguem The Ultra-Fresh Radiance Scrub: This scrub has a fine, grainy texture that effectively removes dead skin cells without feeling harsh. I use this one twice a week, usually in the morning if my skin feels particularly dull, but it can be used daily if needed. 

Yves Rocher Le Gommage Éclat Ultra-Fraîcheur Pure Algue

• Beauty of Joseon Refining Pore Care Duo: This duo includes a [Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask] and a [Ground Rice & Honey Glow Mask] that work together to deeply cleanse and minimise the appearance of pores while removing dead skin cells. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and revitalised. 

Refining Pore Care Duo – Beauty of Joseon

Alternatives:

• Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel: This is a gentle exfoliator with a unique gommage texture that hydrates and softens. This gel gently rolls up as you massage it into your skin, lifting away dead skin cells. Plus, it smells amazing! 

Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel – Beauty of Joseon  

• Huda Beauty Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub: This scrub has a creamy texture with very fine exfoliating particles. It feels incredibly smooth and leaves my skin feeling baby-soft, but never irritated.

            Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

 

Hydration: Keep It Plump and Glowy

Hydration is vital for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. After cleansing, I love to use toner pads depending on my skin’s needs. Toner pads help keep your skin hydrated and balances your pH levels. When my skin feels particularly in need of extra care, I’ll use a daily sheet mask before using toner pads. My toner pads will change accordingly. My serum and moisturiser always stay the same.

Toner Pads:

• Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads: These pads are a game-changer for my sensitive skin. They’re incredibly soothing and hydrating, perfect for everyday use, both in the morning and evening. 

Cee’s Beauty Secret – Amazon StoreFront  

Alternatives:

• Mediheal Tea Tree Trouble Pad: Great for acne-prone or sensitive skin. 
• Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pad: Helps firm and restore skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving elasticity. 
• Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad: For a smooth, bright finish. These pads help to even out skin tone and boost radiance. 

Cee’s Beauty Secret – Amazon StoreFront  

Serums: Targeting Skin Concerns

I love a good serum, that not only hydrates, protects my skin from pollution and harmful chemicals that may float in the air. They target specific skin concerns and keeps everything together.

My Go-To Serums:

• Yves Rocher Elixir Botanique, Fortifying Anti-Pollution Daily Serum: This lightweight serum absorbs quickly and helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of pollution. Great for all skin types! 

Yves Rocher Sérum Quotidien Fortifiant Anti-Pollution  

Alternative:

• Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum, Rice + Alpha-Arbutin: A powerhouse serum that targets pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Rice extract is known for its brightening and hydrating properties, while alpha-arbutin helps to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

Glow Deep Serum : Rice +Alpha-Arbutin – Beauty of Joseon  

Moisturisers: Day and Night Care

Moisturising is key for keeping the skin soft, hydrated, and radiant. These day and night moisturisers help brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines, and keep the skin radiant. I’ve been using these moisturisers for two years, and I’ve noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I’m incredibly happy with the results!  

My Top Picks:

• Yves Rocher Elixir Botanique Detoxifying Smoothing Care (Day): This detoxifying day cream is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and with a smooth, radiant finish. 

Crème lissante visage – Soin Lissant Détoxifiant Jour • Yves Rocher

• Yves Rocher Elixir Botanique Recovery Sleeping Care (Night): This night cream is a bit richer and provides intense moisture while I sleep, helping to restore and hydrate my skin overnight. 

Yves Rocher Soin Récupérateur Détoxifiant Nuit 

Alternative:

• Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream: This cream has a luxurious and thick texture and contains ginseng, which is known for its anti-aging and skin-revitalizing properties.

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

Skincare Tools: Enhance Your Routine

Facial massages are a game-changer! Not only do they help reduce puffiness, but they also enhance product absorption and relaxation. Ideally, I recommend incorporating facial massages into your routine every night for optimal results. For the beginners, aim for 2-3 times per week and gradually increase.

Benefits:

• Improved Blood Circulation: Massaging stimulates blood flow, helps bring oxygen to your skin cells, improving skin tone.
• Reduced Puffiness: Helps reduce fluid retention around the eyes and face, especially in the morning.
• Improved Lymphatic Drainage: Facial massage helps to drain the toxins and promotes healthier complexion.

• Enhanced Product Absorption: Massages help your skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Relaxation: It’s a calming and relaxing experience that also reduces stress.

Tools I Recommend:

• Jade Roller: This cooling tool is fantastic for reducing puffiness and improving circulation. I use it in an upward motion on my face and neck, focusing on areas that tend to hold fluid.
• Gua Sha Tool: This ancient Chinese technique uses a smooth stone to gently scrape the skin, promoting lymphatic drainage and improving circulation. I use this tool with facial oil, gently scraping along my jawline, cheeks, and neck.
• Your Hands: No tools? No problem! You can perform an effective massage with just your fingertips. I use my fingertips to gently tap around my eye area to reduce puffiness, and I use circular motions on my cheeks and forehead.

 

Here is my link to my skincare tools:  Cee’s Skincare Tools

Tips for Facial Massage:

• Cleanse your face: Ensure your skin is clean before massaging to avoid introducing bacteria.
• Apply a lubricant: Use a facial oil or serum to minimise friction and allow your hands or tools to glide smoothly over your skin.
• Use gentle pressure: Avoid applying too much pressure, especially around the delicate eye area.
• Be consistent: Incorporate facial massage into your routine 2-3 times per week for optimal results.

By incorporating these tools and techniques into your weekly routine, you can elevate your self-care and enhance the results of your skincare efforts.

Eye Care Essentials:

I used to neglect my eye area until I found the Yves Rocher Anti-Fatigue Eye Roll-On. After two years of consistent use, the dark circles under my eyes are significantly lighter, and the area looks much smoother and more hydrated. I’m finally loving my under-eye area. 

My Go-To Eye Product:

• Yves Rocher Elixir Botanique Radiance Anti-Fatigue Eye Roll-on: This cooling roll-on feels incredibly soothing on the skin. I gently apply the eye cream with the eye roll-on then using my ring finger, tapping it around my eye area for extra care, avoiding direct contact with my eyes.

Tip: For even better results, keep this eye roll-on in the fridge at all times or overnight and use it in the morning for its best results. The cold effect helps to further reduce puffiness under eye area.

Yves Rocher Roll-On Regard Défatigant Éclat  

Alternative:

• Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum, Ginseng + Retinal: This eye serum helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. It also brightens the under-eye area by reducing dark circles and improving skin tone. Ginseng is known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties, while retinal is a form of vitamin A that helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Revive Eye Serum : Ginseng + Retinal – Beauty of Joseon

Sun Protection: Never Skip SPF!

Sun protection is a MUST. Don’t wait until it’s too late—sunscreen can prevent premature aging and even skin cancer.

My Go-To Sunscreen:

• Yves Rocher Elixir Botanique Multi-protection UV Shield SPF 50+: This sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for preventing sun damage. 

Tip: This sunscreen has a slightly thick consistency and can become sticky, so I recommend mixing it with your daily moisturiser for a smoother application.

Crème de jour avec protection UV – Bouclier UV multi-protection • Yves Rocher  

Alternative:

• Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40: This sunscreen has a lightweight, silky texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a natural, dewy finish. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin, making it perfect for everyday wear. 

Daily Relief Sunscreen – Beauty of Joseon

Important Note about Sunscreen: Not every sunscreen is created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another. When choosing a sunscreen, look for a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free formula. If you have dry skin, opt for a more hydrating cream. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect sunscreen for you, but it’s worth it!

Don’t Forget Your Neck!

Your neck deserves just as much love and attention as your face! The neck is often neglected as I have neglected my neck as well. I’m guilty! As we grow older, the skin on our neck gets thinner and more delicate. A dedicated neck cream can make a difference in maintaining it and smoother appearance. 

My Recommended Neck Cream:

• Vichy Neovadiol Face & Neck Cream: I recently started using this neck cream, and I’ve already noticed some positive changes, that my neck feels softer and more hydrated. It has a rich, yet easily absorbed texture. I apply this cream to my neck using upward strokes, massaging it gently until it’s absorbed. I’m excited to see the long-term results! 

Vichy Neovadiol Face & Neck Cream

Weekly Pampering: Masks for Extra Care

Sunday is my self-care day, where I indulge in longer baths to cleanse my skin, along with sheet masks and night masks. Masks are a fantastic way to give my skin the extra hydration it craves after a long, stressful week. They help combat dryness, dullness, and even breakouts, while also calming and soothing my skin. I use daily sheet masks as often as my skin needs them, and I typically use a night mask 2-3 times a week.

My Favorite Masks:

• Daily Sheet Masks: SNP Prep Cicaronic Daily Sheet Mask: This mask has transformed my skin! It’s noticeably plumper, more hydrated, and has a healthy glow. I’ve never been so impressed with a sheet mask. It contains cica and hyaluronic acid, which are known for their soothing and hydrating properties.

SNP Prep Cicaronic Daily Sheet Mask 20ml (0.67 fl oz)

Wash-Off Night Mask:

• Yves Rocher Bright Botanical – Brightening Anti-dark Spot Sleeping Mask: (Note: This product may be limited only available in Türkiye.) This is another great mask to use twice a week or every evening if you feel your skin needs the extra care. It helps to brighten my skin by reducing the appearance of dark spots and evening out my skin tone. 

Yves Rocher Bright Botanical – Brightening Anti-dark Spot Sleeping Mask 

Alternative:

• Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask (10 Masks): This mask contains three types of hyaluronic acids for deep hydration and centella asiatica, a soothing ingredient known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Centella Asiatica Calming Mask (10 Sheets) – Beauty of Joseon

Lifestyle Factors for Glowy Skin

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on my go-to skincare routine, let’s talk about how other aspects of your lifestyle can enhance that natural glow. Healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use, it’s about how you care for yourself overall.  Here are my top lifestyle tips for achieving glowy, healthy skin:

• Eat a Healthy Diet: Make sure your diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy, radiant skin.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day or buy yourself a water bottle where you can track your water intake. Here’s a link of the water bottle I use daily to keep me on track: Cee’s Water Bottle
• Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, and lack of rest can lead to dull, tired-looking skin. Best way to have the best sleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down. 
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can affect your skin, so incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or even a relaxing skincare routine to unwind.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts blood circulation and overall health, which can give your skin that natural glow. Aim for at least 30 minutes of beginner or moderate exercises. This could be walking or swimming and etc.
• Use the YUKA App: Regularly check the ingredients in both your beauty products and food to ensure you’re avoiding harmful chemicals and toxins. I personally use this daily as I have recently been diagnosed with fibroids which means I have to take extra care in what beauty products and foods I consume day to day.

My Main Tip: Use the YUKA App My top piece of advice is to download the YUKA app which is FREE, available for Apple and Android users. It’s a game-changer when it comes to checking the safety of the products you’re using. You can scan your current products and find out if they contain any harmful ingredients. Once you know, you can easily switch to healthier alternatives that will benefit your skin and your overall health.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram @inspiredbyceejournals or send me an email. I’d love to hear about your skincare journey and what’s been working for you. 

Achieving glowing, healthy skin isn’t about one miracle product, it’s about finding a routine that works for you and sticking with it. Over time, consistency, the right ingredients, and healthy habits will give you the radiant skin you deserve. Remember, take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and routines to see what makes your skin really glow!

I hope these tips help you glow up the way they helped me!

Disclosure: Please note that most of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.