Solange Knowles Got Real About Her Skin Woes in This Instagram Post

1. Cleanse

The first step in any good skincare routine is cleansing. In the morning, opt for a lightweight cleanser that's gentle and water-based to freshen up your skin. This option from CeraVe is great for most "normal" skin types. Or, at night, you can use an oil cleanser to help remove makeup and sunscreen from throughout your day.

2. Exfoliate

Once you're finished cleansing, you'll want to exfoliate, which is key to maintaining radiant skin. By getting rid of dead skin cells, exfoliating regularly will speed up skin turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, keep your pores clear, and enhance the absorption of your anti-aging skincare products.

You can choose between chemical exfoliators, such as glycolic or lactic acid serums, which contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or physical exfoliators, which use gentle abrasives like sugar or coffee to buff away dead skin. We like the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub for Sensitive Skin!

Peels and wash-off masks — like this option from LOOPS — also fall into this category and should always be applied to clean skin. This is particularly important for chemical peels since they require a specific pH level to properly exfoliate, meaning layering them on top of other products may reduce their effectiveness.

To cash in on the benefits of exfoliation without going overboard, do this step two to three times a week, either in the morning or at night. Keep in mind that over-exfoliation can damage your skin barrier.

3. Apply Serums

Next, move on to applying your serums. These lightweight formulas contain high concentrations of active ingredients designed to combat wrinkles, boost collagen, and increase overall skin health.

For the best anti-aging benefits, we recommend using a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten your complexion. The Olay Super Serum (one of our anti-aging faves!) has Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Collagen Peptide, Vitamin E, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid — covering a ton of bases for you with one product!

Later, at night, use a retinol serum to encourage cell turnover and reduce fine lines. It's important to note that if you're using retinol, sunscreen should always be applied because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays.

4. Moisturize

After serum application, you can help lock in hydration and seal the benefits of your previous products by putting on moisturizer. You can search for moisturizers that are formulated with active ingredients like ceramides, collagen, or hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin barrier. The Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is definitely a moisturizer favorite among B+C staff!

During the daytime, opt for a lightweight moisturizer that has SPF to protect against UV damage. And before bed, you can lather on a richer anti-wrinkle cream that has peptides or ceramides to support skin repair.

If you happen to use facial oil, you can always mix a few drops into your moisturizer to create a quicker skincare routine. Otherwise, apply facial oils after you moisturize.

5. Use Eye Creams

Last but not least, eye cream is a critical final step for any good anti-aging skincare routine. The delicate skin around your eyes is typically the first to show signs of aging.

Use a lightweight formula that's hydrating but doesn't feel heavy during the daytime. And just like your evening moisturizer, you can apply a richer eye cream at night. Looking for something to use? The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum is one of our favorite eye creams!

When selecting an eye cream, look for products with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump or retinol to smooth fine lines and increase collagen production. Plus, for an extra boost, wear an eye mask a few times a week to refresh tired eyes.

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable at any age, but especially if you're getting older. Not only does it protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can lead to skin cancers, but it also prevents visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and lower skin elasticity.

For the best protection, pick out a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wear it every single day, even if you're just going about your daily activities.

2. Retinol

Next up is retinol, a form of vitamin A that's one of the most researched and impactful ingredients if you're looking to reduce skin aging signs.

It can smooth fine lines, treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. Moreover, this skincare ingredient can help unclog your pores and prevent breakouts! Need we say more?

You can buy retinol in over-the-counter products or stronger, prescription-strength formulas. If you're new to this product, though, it's best to start slow. Use it a couple of times a week as you let your skin adjust because it can cause irritation or peeling in the beginning.

Additionally, retinol should only ever be applied at night since it increases sensitivity to the sun.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3, is a favorite in the skincare world. It can reduce fine lines, even out skin tone and texture, and boost skin elasticity.

Plus, this ingredient may calm down redness while brightening your complexion and encouraging moisture retention.

That's why it's a particularly great choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It works well with other active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C as well, meaning it can easily be incorporated into your routine with serums.

4. Vitamin C

Speaking of vitamin C, this antioxidant also works wonders when it comes to brightening your complexion and dealing with hyperpigmentation. If you have sun damage and dark spots or dark under-eye circles, vitamin C can reduce their appearance.

To get the most out of this ingredient, add it to your morning skincare routine. You can apply a vitamin C serum or cream first before putting on moisturizer and sunscreen.

5. Caffeine

Another way to give your skin a pick-me-up is caffeine. This antioxidant has a tightening effect on the skin and could lessen the appearance of sun damage. Not to mention, it can reduce puffiness and brighten around your eyes.

Buy a caffeine-infused eye cream (we love this one!) and incorporate it into your morning regimen to give your skin an energizing boost.

6. Hyaluronic Acid

If you're looking to hydrate and soothe irritated skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the way to go. Despite having "acid" in its name, it's very gentle and attracts moisture to your skin, ensuring it stays plump and smooth.

Hyaluronic acid is versatile in that it can be used in the morning or evening. The next time you're at the store, search for moisturizers, serums, or sunscreens that include it as an ingredient. Or, put on a hyaluronic acid serum before other treatments, like retinol, to lock in moisture.

7. Peptides

Peptides, which play a key role in increasing collagen production, are naturally found in our skin. Some topical peptides may help temporarily relax winkles; meanwhile, others promote skin turnover for a fresher complexion.

You can find peptides in everything from serums and moisturizers to toners, too, making this ingredient very convenient to add to your skincare routine.

8. Ceramides

Finally, ceramides are critical for keeping your skin barrier well-hydrated and strong. They lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, protect against irritation, and improve overall skin texture. So, ceramides are considered a must-have in any skincare regimen.

Look for ceramides in cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens to work them into your routine.

Is 'ACOTAR' a BookTok famous series?

BookTok is the reason we love the ACOTAR series so much. All it takes is a quick search on TikTok to see how many fan theories, memes, and hot takes exist within its realm. Have an intense dislike for the way Feyre's siblings failed her after their mother died? There's a video for that. Want to see hilarious depictions of the Suriel? You won't be disappointed!

But, I've never read anything in the series? What's it about? 

We thought you'd never ask! A Court of Thorns and Roses introduces readers to the thin line that separates humankind from the mythical world, but boundaries are crossed when a young woman named Feyre unknowingly commits a grave offense. As her family's only hope for survival, she slays a wolf who happens to be a close friend of one of the many high fae in ACOTAR.

As repayment for her "terrible" deed, she's whisked away from everything she knows to live the rest of her life in the spring court. But Feyre soon learns that politics and evil aren't just relegated to humans because she's subject to torment that turns her into what's she still trying to understand.

Throughout each book, we watch as Feyre comes to grips with who she thought she could trust, her perception of herself, and the consequences of each choice she makes.

Knowing this, what will ACOTAR book 6 be about? 

Don't panic, but ACOTAR'ssixth book doesn't have a plot yet! The only sliver of hope we have stems from Sarah J. Maas' appearance on the TODAY show last year. She said, "I know much more about what’s happening in this one. And then the next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them.”

Has Sarah J. Maas shared a release date for ACOTAR book 6? 

Sorry, but she hasn't shared a release date for ACOTAR book 6 either! The TODAY show speculates "readers will have to wait a year or two" which makes sense.

What theories do fans have about the next book? 

Fans believe Sarah J. Maas dropped a massive hint about what to expect in her collab video with Spotify last year. Instagram user @just.innis wrote, "Hear me out: spilled the tea, spring, two rings on the same fingers (rose and blue), flowers and doors behind her, "a looong book" ("...Azriel’s wings are the biggest." if you know what I mean), soon... 👀📚🤯."

If you're not familiar, E! News reported this could be an indication that Feyre's sister Elain and Azriel, one of Rhysand's right-hand-men, will get the love story fans have been waiting for. Most fans are in agreement because this Reddit thread dives deeper into the potential lore. @plantsandanimalsdude wrote, "I think …. Elain will decide to reject her mating bond and choose Azriel, taking control over her life after losing her humanity and engagement to a man SHE chose."

A separate Reddit thread starts off with a belief ACOTAR book 6 will be a follow-up to Nesta's story (Feyre and Elain's eldest sister). User@PrestigiousFun782wrote, "...it's pretty clear that Nesta's plot is not done yet. For that my theory is that she will learn a lot about her powers and maybe she would leave the night court..."

However, nothing's set in stone. The only thing Sara J. Maas promised is that ACOTAR book 6 is "going to be a long book."

OMG, I want to catch up on ACOTAR! Where do I start?

• A Court of Thorns and Roses(Book One) — An introduction to Feyre, the high faes, and danger!
• A Court of Mist and Fury(Book Two) — An exploration of Feyre's conflicted feelings about marrying Tamlin, her growing understanding of Rhysand, and an even darker evil
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book Three) — A tale of 'sleeping with the enemy' to gain important intel that'll save Feyre's new home, albeit with damning consequences that changes everything
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (Book Four) — A story of rebuilding and healing after mass devastation
  
• A Court of Silver Flames (Book Five) — A close look at Nesta Acheron's journey as she learns to accept who she is, how she'll spend the rest of her life, and who she'll come to love