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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.