Our Founder's Skincare Routine

Our Founder’s Skincare Routine: Helen Coquin’s Glow Guide

I’m so excited to give you an inside look at my personal skincare routine. As someone who’s spent years working in the aesthetics industry, I’ve tested countless products and developed a routine that works wonders for my skin. And let’s be real—as a busy entrepreneur and mom, I need my skincare to be efficient, effective, and full of science-backed ingredients.

I’m all about choosing quality over trends, and today I’m sharing the exact products I use every morning and night to keep my skin healthy, glowing, and protected. Let’s get into it!

Morning Routine: Start Fresh, Stay Protected

My AM routine is all about prepping my skin for the day while keeping it hydrated and protected from the environment. Here’s what I reach for each morning:

1. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
   I start with this gentle but effective cleanser that leaves my skin feeling clean without stripping it. It’s packed with antioxidants and exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, which helps keep my skin clear and smooth.
2. SkinBetter Alto Advanced Vitamin C
   Vitamin C is a powerhouse for brightening and protecting against environmental damage. The Alto Advanced Vitamin C serum is a must for me—it's full of antioxidants that work to repair and shield my skin from free radicals.
• Why Vitamin C? It’s essential for boosting collagen production and brightening skin tone, making it a perfect start to the day.
3. SkinBetter Trio Moisturizer
   Hydration is key, even for normal-to-oily skin. This moisturizer balances my skin and keeps it plump and hydrated all day long. It’s great for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier, which is a big focus in my routine.
4. Revision DEJ Eye Cream
   I use this eye cream on both my undereye area and my lids. It targets fine lines and puffiness, and I love that it helps firm and smooth the delicate skin around my eyes.
• Pro Tip: Applying eye cream to your lids helps prevent sagging and fine lines over time.
5. Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF
   I never leave the house without SPF, and this tinted moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 45 gives me lightweight coverage while protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. It’s like a 3-in-1 product: hydrator, sunscreen, and sheer tint!
6. SkinBetter Compact for SPF Touch-Ups
   Throughout the day, I touch up my sunscreen with the SkinBetter SPF compact. It’s super easy to use, and I love that I can reapply without messing up my makeup.
7. Extras for Depuffing:
   Most mornings, I’ll also incorporate my Wildling Beauty gua sha to help with depuffing and lymphatic drainage. I finish off with the Skinny Confidential Ice Roller for an extra cooling, soothing effect that helps wake up my skin and reduce inflammation.
• Why Gua Sha? This ancient technique boosts circulation and helps reduce puffiness, which is especially helpful after a long night.
8. Clean Skin Club Towels
   Instead of using a face cloth over and over, I opt for Clean Skin Club towels to keep things hygienic. These disposable towels help prevent the spread of bacteria, which is a big win for keeping my skin clear.

Evening Routine: Repair and Restore

My nighttime routine is where the magic happens. It’s all about deep cleansing, repairing, and giving my skin the nourishment it needs to recover overnight.

1. Precleanse
   I always start with a precleanse to remove makeup and sunscreen. This step is key to breaking down all the grime from the day without being too harsh on my skin.
2. Gel-Based Cleanser
   After my precleanse, I go in with a deep cleanser. My favorites are the Revision Brightening Cleanser or the SkinBetter Refined Foaming Cleanser. Both have exfoliating acids that gently cleanse my skin while helping to brighten my complexion.
• Why double cleanse? It ensures all makeup, sunscreen, and impurities are removed, so the active ingredients in my serums and treatments can fully absorb.
3. Exfoliation with SkinBetter AlphaRet Peel Pads (2x a week)
   Twice a week, I exfoliate with SkinBetter AlphaRet Peel Pads. They’re packed with retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to smooth and brighten my skin while boosting cell turnover.
4. SkinBetter AlphaRet Cream
   On the nights I don’t use the peel pads, I apply SkinBetter AlphaRet Cream. This product is a game-changer for me—it combines retinoids with AHAs to keep my skin smooth, clear, and youthful. It’s gentler than traditional retinols but just as effective.
• Pro Tip: Start slow with retinoids if you’re new to them to avoid irritation. AlphaRet’s formulation makes it easier to incorporate without the usual side effects.
5. Revision DEJ Eye Cream
   Just like in the morning, I use this eye cream at night to target fine lines and keep my eye area firm and hydrated.
6. Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream
   At night, I love using a rich cream to deeply hydrate my skin. The Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream is a staple in my routine because it strengthens my skin’s barrier and locks in moisture while I sleep.
7. ANFISA Lip Treatment
   My lips need love too, so I finish off with ANFISA Lip Treatment. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients that keep my lips soft and hydrated, even in dry weather.
8. Occasional Physical Exfoliation
   About once a week, I’ll incorporate a gentle physical exfoliation to polish my skin. While I prefer chemical exfoliants for a more even result, a physical exfoliant is great for giving that extra-smooth finish.
• Why chemical exfoliation? It’s more even and less abrasive, which helps protect the skin’s barrier (aka the stratum corneum).

My Skincare Philosophy: Simple, Effective, and Ingredient-Focused

At the end of the day, skincare is about consistency and quality ingredients. I’ve built a routine that focuses on scientifically backed ingredients that nourish, protect, and repair my skin. From vitamin C and retinoids to hyaluronic acid and SPF, my routine is all about using what works and sticking to it.

Final Thoughts from the Treatment Room
I hope this peek into my skincare routine gives you some inspiration for your own! Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, remember that it’s all about finding what works for you and staying consistent. And don’t forget—always choose products with ingredients that your skin will love!

Until next time, take care of your skin and keep glowing.

Love,
Helen Coquin
Founder of Chic MD