This week's ep is my full skin cycling routine, what your skin barrier actually is, and why I now own half the products I used to. I'm not a dermatologist, I'm a 35-year-old with oily, acne-prone skin who has tried everything. And this is what worked for me.

Your skin doesn't know the routine. I learned this the annoying way. I'd been skin cycling for years, my skin was the best it had ever been, and then I got excited and skipped a recovery night. Tingling. Tight. Red. My skin barrier, very politely, telling me to sit down.

This is for you if:

• You bought a retinol, used it every night like the packet said, and decided you "can't use retinol"
• Everything you put on your face suddenly stings and you can't work out why
• You're in your 30s dealing with breakouts AND fine lines (rude)

In this episode:

• What is the skin barrier, and the signs yours is damaged
• Skin cycling explained, and why it works
• Exfoliation night: BHA vs AHA for oily or dull skin, and the 15-minute rule
• Retinoids for beginners plus the sandwich method
• Recovery nights: why the boring nights matter most

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Everything I use (not sponsored) 🧴
Shop my Skin Essentials list: linked here 

Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08W2HG4WP?tag=stephpase-22
Micellar water: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C44X5JML?tag=stephpase-22
BHA exfoliant: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CJH3R48Z?tag=stephpase-22
Azelaic acid: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DG1DQ2S7?tag=stephpase-22
TXA serum: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CQ4ZM4VT?tag=stephpase-22
Barrier serum: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CMR74JMG?tag=stephpase-22
Hydrating serum: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07NNVZNQR?tag=stephpase-22
Face spray: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DCBWM7GT?tag=stephpase-22
Moisturiser: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FMDRCHXV?tag=stephpase-22
Face towels: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D5HZHW9B?tag=stephpase-22
Differin (adapalene): ask your pharmacist or doctor. I get mine from the iHerb website. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Episode Links:

1. Episode - Stop Asking What’s Causing your Acne (Ask this instead)

Listen on Spotify 

Listen on Apple

1. The 2027 Planner Collection is now live! My Skincare routine lives in mine. Shop now.

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Follow Stephing Up

I’m Steph Pase, your (somewhat) organised bestie in your ears. This podcast is about growth that’s messy, building a life that actually fits you, and what happens when life doesn’t go to plan. We’ll talk mental health, motherhood, business, ADHD and how to stop being such an asshole to yourself.

New episodes drop every Monday morning.
So set your reminder. Pop in your headphones. Because we’re Stephing Up together.

If today's episode helped, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify is honestly the best thing you can do to help us reach more women. 

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Let’s Hang:

Stephing Up on Instagram: @stephing.up        

Steph Pase on Instagram:  @stephpase_         

Steph Pase on Youtube:  @stephpase.                

Shop Planners + Organisation: Steph Pase Planners  

Shop Steph’s book “Mastering my Messy Life”:    Penguin Books Australia 

Steph’s Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/justanothermummyblog/list/17TTU785IMM53