Euphoria's Sydney Sweeney Talks Her 'Game-Changing' Skin Serum

Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney Talks Her ‘Game-Changing’ Skin Serum

The star opens up about her struggles with skincare.

All skin is good skin, which is why good skin care is more of a journey than a destination. We all love one-time tips, but at Byrdie, we’re more interested in how our skin has evolved over time. The products we’ve used for a decade that make up our glowing cocktail of ingredients, the steps we never skip, and all the advice in between. That’s where the action really kicks in. In What I Put On My Face, we bring you rituals, advice, and failed experiments (we’ve all been there) straight from celebrities, founders, and influencers.

I know this goes against what people think of artists and their work, but given my love for Sidney Sweeney’s entire filmography, I may have had some preconceived notions about the young star going into the interview.

On screen, Sweeney almost always plays the popular “girl’s girl.” In HBO’s latest hit, White Lotus, Sweeney is a sarcastic teen who’s read Freud, has a singing talent, and can bake funnel cakes. But in her private life she’s open,

friendly but a little goofy with her friends.

That’s why it’s surprising (albeit a small one) that Sydney Sweeney approached this interview with the same casual enthusiasm she often does at brunches and panel discussions. The topic is also moving: a deep

discussion of teenage (and adult) acne, skin-care mistakes, the frustrations of “holy grail” products, and how it all affected her childhood in Idaho.

Read on for the latest episode of “What I Put on My Face,” hosted by rising Gen Z star Sydney Sweeney.

On Their Skin

I have the most sensitive skin I’ve ever had—I’m even allergic to costume jewelry. Most of the time on set you just wear what you like. I had a pimple on my chest; my ear started bleeding, which was one thing. I got severe

cystic acne, rashes, red spots, and then dryness and burning—everywhere. As I got older and started shaving, I got terrible bumps and razor burns, but I had no idea what they were.

I discovered that it wasn’t the right combination of razor and shaving cream – I’m allergic to many ingredients. So my parents switched me to the BIC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Shaver ($6) because it was affordable, but

The advanced shaver works. It’s perfect for sensitive skin. I didn’t need to use shaving cream because it’s enriched with shea butter and aloe – it worked perfectly for me. So I figured out the lower half of my body. But getting to the top, my face…it was a long journey.

I also think acne is just one of those things, especially when you’re young. When it gets to the face it blows up. No matter how many products, treatments, or what you do…your hormones come into play and you can’t “figure it out” unless you have good genes.

When Skincare Became “Attractive” to Her

Growing up, I didn’t have the ability or resources to go to a dermatologist or get quality treatments, so it took a lot of trial and error. Whatever my mom had in her closet, I used it. Just now,

When I was 19 and working on various shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Sharp Objects, I met some really amazing makeup artists who took skin care seriously. You can act, but you can’t photoshop your face. So they started giving me products and telling me to try this or that. When I was a makeup artist for various shows, I became more interested in skin care.

How does your morning and night routine differ?

I use some of the same products morning and night, but it all depends on where I am and what my skin is like. Since I have combination skin, it can be oily and dry. When I was in Hawaii [shooting the movie White Lotus], it was so nice and amazing that I didn’t have to worry too much. But when I came back to Idaho, it was really dry. I use Bioderma micellar water ($15) every night and morning. It’s water, but it’s better than water! I also use it when I’m not wearing makeup, just to clean my face. In the morning, I use both a scrub and a gel cleanser—I used to only use one or the other, but I’ve found that a mix of both is actually essential for my skin type. I don’t even know if I’m doing this right, but it works for me. I use SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Enhancer HA ($105) and C E Ferulic Acid ($166). At night, I usually use two different SkinCeuticals oils: HA Strengthening Serum ($102) and Hydrating B5 Gel ($83). Then I use the new collagen cream. I used to use a lot of lotion, but now I use this tiny collagen cream instead

I love her. Then I mix La Mer Eye Cream ($40) with La Mer Eye Cream ($245). I like to mix things up, because why not? I blend all of these products with my fingers in the bathroom!

A step she never misses

I use an eye gel mask every morning. I’m currently obsessed with the Peter Thomas Roth style—gold and blue. But every morning, no matter what I do, I apply it. When I use a mask and eye cream, they often say, “What’s wrong with your face?!”

How their skincare habits have changed over time

There was a time in middle school when I was really struggling. I went to the drugstore and bought every acne cream I could find and put it on my face. I had the most horrible, irritated, dry skin ever. I was trying to get rid of cystic acne that wouldn’t go away, and I ended up with scars on my face. I’m lucky – I don’t know how, but I don’t have any scars on my face. Because I pulled myself together, put Neosporin and a Band-Aid on my face, and went to school. Like, it was bad, it was really bad.

The best skincare tip she got

Never forget sun protection! I always put on EltaMD sunscreen ($30) in the morning. I used to break out from sunscreen and couldn’t find a product that helped, but this is great for sensitive skin.

The product that changed everything

This is the serum from SkinCeuticals because it took me so long to find the right combination. It’s hard to find a product that can be used as a primer before makeup. That’s why I firmly believe that the HA serum was a game changer for me.

The product she uses most

Burt’s Bees lip balm ($5), original only. I have so many.

Your most loyal product

Honestly, BIC Soliel razors. I’ve only recently started using real skincare, and BIC Soliel is something you can afford, and my parents can afford it – we’re always looking for good value for money. That’s what it’s about

From day one in my shower.

Your latest skincare obsession

I use the SolaWave ($149). I put on the oil, and then the red light vibrates and you apply it to your face. I do it every night for five minutes, and I really love it. At the end of the day, I like to relax.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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