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School is back in session, which means waking up early (ugh) and crafting that new perfect morning routine. So we ventured to CeraVe's Acne Academy, where dermatologists busted pimple-popping myths and celebs like Charli D'Amelio spilled their skincare secrets. GL sat down with the 19-year-old social media star to talk morning routines and skincare struggles.

Girls' Life: OK, if we're being honest, most girls (ourselves included) check their phones as soon as they wake up. Is that one of your morning habits?

Charli D'Amelio: One hundred percent—my alarm is on my phone. Usually, I scroll for as long as I can, but that's every teenager, you know? Then I'll let the dogs out and feed them, make sure they're happy. I drink coffee and if it's a filming morning, I make a Get-Ready-With-Me routine video and put on full-glam makeup. If I'm not working, I try to create a calm atmosphere during my skincare routine. I listen to slow violin or piano—my go-to song right now is "The Last One I Made" by Pim Stones.

GL: Walk us through your skincare routine. What steps do you take?

Charli: I wear a lot of makeup, so I try to keep it as simple as possible. I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin so I always try to wash and cleanse my face with my CeraVe cleanser at least twice a day. Having a good moisturizer and serum is also important. My cleanser, though, is so vital—over the past two years, I was at an all-time high for breakouts between red carpets and events. I would wear full makeup so often. CeraVe is the one brand I can say I've used throughout my entire skincare journey. I can see how much my skin has cleared up.

GL: Wow, that's a lot of change! What advice would you tell your younger self regarding makeup and skincare? 

Charli: I've always loved experimenting with makeup and I always have notifications on for new product drops. If I have a free day, I'll try a crazy purple eyeshadow for fun. But when you're struggling with your skin, you can't always do that. I'd tell my younger self, "Your skin is going to go through changes. That's just part of life, don't let it hold you back. You can still do the makeup you enjoy."

GL: What role do you think skincare plays for girls?

Charli: It's so important. Girls can feel insecure and it's sad—I know I felt insecure too. You have somewhere fun to go, but then you wake up and see, "Oh, I'm breaking out," and don't want to go anymore. Everyone goes through a phase where they'll try to strip their skin barrier thinking a spot treatment will help acne go away. But no, you have to cleanse consistently and find what routine works best for you. My skin plays a part in my mental health. I have those no-makeup days where you can see the bumps and acne on my face, but other days I'm not as comfortable and I'll decide to cover it.

GL: What would you tell our readers who want to start doing a skincare routine?

Charli: Experiment as much as you can and find what you love and what works for *your* skin, even if it isn't what everyone else is doing. Just have fun!

Images: Sarah Kerens/AP Images for CeraVe

by Ally Coy | 9/20/2023