Smoothing and soothing are technically skincare opposites. And opposites attract. Here’s how I combine the two for best results.
When it comes to my own skincare efforts, smoothing almost always comes before soothing. My skin isn’t naturally sensitive, so I gravitate toward gentle, supportive formulas mainly as backup because I’m typically chasing brightness, clarity, and a more refined texture with acids and retinoids. But even the most carefully calculated routines can backfire. So a soothing arsenal is always helpful.
Every misadventure with actives (and there have been many) calls for a reset: fewer steps, gentler formulas, and a focus on barrier repair. Calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients become essential when skin is red, tight, or on the verge of rebellion.
Below, I’m breaking down how I approach both smoothing and soothing skincare. How to layer, when to pause, and why the combination often leads to skin that feels not just smooth or soft, but actually comfortable.
smoothing
I’m no dermatologist but allow me to make a broadswept statement: resurfacing steps belong in your nighttime routine. Most smoothing ingredients increase photosensitivity, and skin does its best repair work while you sleep. It’s also the time when your barrier is most receptive to the kind of actives that make a visible difference.
That doesn’t mean you need to throw the entire acid aisle into your cart. Start with one or two formulas, ease them in, and listen to your skin. If your cleanser exfoliates, maybe skip the glycolic toner. If your moisturizer contains retinol, keep everything else as simple as possible.
My general rule: never resurface in multiple steps. If I’m using a rinse-off exfoliant, I will follow it with a balancing formula. Also, no exfoliants before retinol.
Key ingredients to focus on:
alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, mandelic), salicylic acid (BHA), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), fruit enzymes (papaya, pineapple, cranberry), azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, retinol, peptides
tried, tested, and worth your time
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant
If exfoliation makes you nervous, start here. As someone who used the brand’s iconic Microfoliant for years, I was pleasantly surprised when the gentler and creamier Milkfoliant launched. It’s been a staple ever since. The powder blend includes coconut milk, oat bran, AHA and BHA acids, plus papaya enzymes. I love it as a morning cleanser. It smooths, brightens, and never strips.
$69 (74g) at dermstore.com or dermalogica.com
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
I’m not a The Ordinary superfan, but this toner is undeniably good. Simple, alcohol-free, and incredibly effective, the 7% glycolic acid helps smooth texture and even tone with consistent use. It’s a great entry point for acid toners and one of the best deals out there.
$13 (240ml) at theordinary.com or ulta.com
Maelove Super Smooth Resurfacing Serum
If you’re after gentle, effective, and affordable, Maelove gets it right. Super Smooth combines lactic, glycolic, and tartaric acids with salicylic acid, plus peptides and antioxidants. Use it two to three nights a week to boost radiance without irritation. Stick with it and your glow-up will be noticed by even the most compliment-stingy friend.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Treatment
Not for the faint of heart, this rinse-off treatment tackles texture, dark spots, and enlarged pores with a potent cocktail of multi-acids. Expect a brief tingling sensation, totally normal. My advice: apply to clean skin, rinse after 10 minutes, and avoid layering other actives that day. Don’t forget SPF the next morning.
$45 (30ml) at paulaschoice.com or sephora.com
Dr. Loretta Resurfacing Enzyme Polish
I firmly believe some skin types benefit from the occasional physical exfoliant. Mine definitely does. This textured polish blends natural exfoliating particles with pomegranate enzyme for instant smoothness. Massage onto damp skin, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse, and marvel. Gentle, effective, and satisfying.
$60 (50ml) at drloretta.com or dermstore.com (use code OMGBART for possible savings)
Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Overnight Treatment
Allies of Skin can be overwhelming, but if you’re looking for a high-performance retinoid that won’t annihilate your skin barrier, this is the one. Retinal, a step up from retinol, meets peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants in a formula that transforms with time. It’s strong, so take it slow. After two months, the results speak for themselves.
$116 (50ml) at allies.shop.us where my affiliate code BART saves you addition 20%
RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream
Legendary, and for good reason. This creamy overnight treatment blends glycolic acid with the brand’s signature Bio-Renewal Peptide to deliver firmer, more radiant skin by morning. It’s intense and not for beginners. I tried it too early in life and learned that lesson fast. Now in my proper age bracket, it’s one of my longest-running staples.
$195 (50ml) at reviveskincare.com and dermstore.com (try code OMGBART for 15% off)
soothing
This is the part I never skip after an overzealous exfoliation night, a long flight, or a stretch of too many glasses of wine and too little sleep. It’s also where I pair smoothing and soothing strategically. For example, after a gentle micro-polish, I follow with a ceramide-rich serum to cushion and support the barrier.
The products below also work as a great framework if your skin runs sensitive year-round or if you’re just trying to fortify your routine during colder months. I’m leaving out sunscreens, since texture and filter preferences are so personal and deserve their own post.
When my skin feels compromised, my mantra is less is more. And by “more,” I mean moisturizing. No actives, no extras. Just cleanse and moisturize. It’s surprisingly effective.
Also, skip niacinamide when your skin is red or reactive. While it’s generally beneficial, it can be too much in the wrong moment. The same goes for retinoids. Moisturizer only. You’ll wake up with better feeling (and looking) skin.
And just to be clear, your moisturizer should never make your skin tingle, burn, or feel tight. If it does, it’s not working. It’s working against you. The right formula should comfort your skin instantly, not test its tolerance.
Speaking of moisturizers… Below, I am making 3 recommendations. This means you pick one if you're so inclined. There is no need to get and layer all of them.
Lastly, this is one of the rare times I’ll suggest skipping fragrance altogether. I’m not a fragrance basher. In fact, I usually love a little scent in skincare. But when your barrier is compromised, even the most elegant aroma can complicate things further. Go unscented until things calm down.
Key ingredients to focus on:
colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, ectoin, panthenol (vitamin B5), beta-glucan, squalane, cica (including madecassoside), calendula, aloe, chamomile, bisabolol, allantoin, zinc
soothing skincare I’ve come to rely on
Glow Recipe Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
I’ve been around for every Glow Recipe launch since the brand’s inception, and this might be my all-time favorite. The texture update makes dispensing much easier, but it still lathers beautifully and cleanses thoroughly without stripping. It also leaves skin feeling soft, calm, and bouncy.
$28 (150ml) at glowrecipe.com and sephora.com
Haruharu Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
I went through a serious phase with the Black Rice hydrating toner, but lately it’s all about this milky probiotic upgrade. More than a toner, the creamy yet weightless formula soothes instantly and absorbs effortlessly. No sticky residue, unlike The Ordinary’s attempt, which I wanted to love but just couldn’t. This one’s a quiet overachiever.
$25 (120ml) at amazon.com or stylevana.com
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Serum
K-Beauty, dermatologist edition. This gentle serum blends ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid with a subtle dose of vitamin C and niacinamide for glow. Lightweight but deeply reparative, it’s perfect for calming stressed skin without sacrificing radiance.
Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm
There’s nothing worse than irritated skin around the eyes. This is why I keep Ceramighty AF on standby. It’s rich but never greasy and instantly restores peace in that super-delicate zone. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it visibly reduces redness and provides instant (and much appreciated) relief.
$62 (15ml) at drunkelephant.com, sephora.com, or lookfantastic.com
Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume
A serum-balm hybrid that deserves your full attention. Loaded with peptides, squalane, exosomes, and calming plant extracts, it wraps your skin in a reparative cocoon. If your skin feels overwhelmed by anti-aging efforts, Skinfix is the reset button. I’ve always loved their foaming oil cleanser, but the moisturizers are just as impressive.
$69 (30ml) at skinfix.com or sephora.com
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
The Goldilocks of moisturizers, especially if your skin needs the most but can handle the least. Medik8 is known for innovative retinol, but this moisture-first formula stands out. It’s infused with probiotic peptides, ceramides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid. Absorbs like a dream, plays well both day and night, and never feels heavy.
$49 (50ml) at dermstore.com (save 20% with code OMGBART)
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Possibly the biggest sleeper hit in the Kiehl’s lineup, this barrier cream is phenomenal. Thick but not greasy, it glides on easily and delivers instant comfort. The no-fuss tube packaging makes it ideal for travel, and yes, it’s one of the most-used moisturizers in my borderline ridiculous stash.
$48 (50ml) at kiehls.com or sephora.com
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it helps fund my skincare experiments and my ongoing fear of running out of moisturizer.
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