Minimalist Nighttime Skincare Routine with Differin

Last week, I talked about my minimalist morning skincare routine so, this week, we’re getting into what I use at night. Again, we’re dealing mostly with plastic packaging (except for one metal tube + facial oil in a glass bottle) BUT, overall, a lot fewer products that I have to deal with recycling in general. Also, 4 of the 6 products below are used in my morning routine as well.

Oil Cleanse: I bought this with a Macy’s gift card when I had no idea what else to buy. And, you know what? I love it. It smells delightful and is both gentle and moisturizing. Great at helping take off my sunscreen.
Eco Pros: No parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, mineral oil, DEA, petrolatum, paraffin, polyethylene beads, formaldehyde & animal ingredients. Origins also supports reforestation projects around the world and are working to have net zero carbon emissions by 2020.
Eco Cons: Plastic bottle (recyclable).

Second Cleanse: This is a super gentle cleanser that is suitable for both me and my husband. This is the one product that we share so the big bottle works out well.
Eco Pros: Huge bottle that takes a long, long time to go through. Paraben and fragrance free.
Eco Cons: Plastic bottle (recyclable).

*An effective double cleanse allows me to keep a makeup remover and toner out of my product rotation.*

Moisturize: This is new to the mix but so far, so good! Definitely meant for dry skin like mine. It’s hella expensive which is why I’ll only continue to repurchase with Sephora gift cards.
Eco Pros: Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free. Fragrance free.
Eco Cons: Plastic container.

Treat: Ah. My magical Differin. Differin is a prescription strength retinoid that is now OTC. While it’s primarily used to treat acne, derms also say that it can help with anti aging and skin texture/pigmentation issues. I use it for all three… the occasional acne on my cheeks, sunspots on my nose (it’s been GREAT for this), and a preventative for wrinkles. This itty bitty $12 tube lasts over a month (ideally it should be used daily with a pea size amount over the entire face) and allows me to pare down the rest of my routine to the bare essentials. While it gives your skin the “glow from within” look, it also causes dryness (especially if your skin is already dry like mine)… hence the sandwiching between moisturizers.
Eco Pros: Allows me to have less products overall.
Eco Cons: Have to TerraCycle the tube.

Moisturize More: I picked this up in France last year and didn’t quite know what to do with it. After starting Differin, this became a wonderful spot moisturizer for Differin dryness AND a great moisturizing mask. This could also work as a moisturizer during the winter. Multitasking for the win.
Eco Pros: In a metal tube (but I still TerraCycle this).
Eco Cons: Not exactly “natural”.

Seal It In: I tried the mini pack of all three Herbivore facial oils and I this one is my favorite. The scent is a bit more subtle than Lapis and Orchid and I find that it sinks in quickly. Overall, it gives a lovely, glowy look to the skin and seals all the moisture in.
Eco Pros: Glass bottle. No synthetic ingredients, parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, phthalates,?chemicals, fillers, animal testing,?mineral oils, petroleum. Herbivore frequently donates a portion of certain products to causes like the ACLU.
Eco Cons: Must TerraCycle dropper.