Elizabeth Banks Says This Multi-Tasking Moisturizer Helps Soothe Her Acne-Prone Skin

What I Put on My Face

All skin is good skin, which is why good skincare is more of a journey than a destination. We all love a one-off tip—but, at Byrdie, we’re more interested in how our skin evolves over time. The product we've used for a decade, the ingredient cocktail that made us glow, the step we never skip, and all the advice in between. This is the stuff that makes a real difference. With What I Put on My Face, we’re bringing you the rituals, recommendations, and failed experiments (we’ve all had them) straight from celebrities, founders, and influencers who’ve gone through it themselves.

Turning 50 is a milestone that deserves celebration. Actress Elizabeth Banks is commemorating her next decade of life by partnering with No7 Beauty Company. The Pitch Perfect and The Hunger Games actress is known for looking glamorous on the big screen and red carpet, but off-screen, Banks is on an ever-evolving journey with her skin. And she's not afraid to be honest about it. Since her teens, she's dealt with acne. And over the years, she's turned to many different skincare products to help address her concerns.

Banks first discovered No7 when looking for an affordable, effective retinol that wouldn't wreak havoc on her skin. Ultimately, she fell in love with the brand's products, leading to her latest role as a No7 ambassador. "I learned about No7's heritage and how much research and development they do, and I just thought it was a fantastic line," she says.

Ahead, Banks shares her daytime and nighttime routine, favorite skincare ingredients, and the best beauty advice she's ever received.

About Her Skin

"I'm 50 years old, so I have fine lines and wrinkles. I am grateful for them because they show off all my experience and [how much I laugh]. I also have texture issues, especially on my forehead and chin. I have a little bit of PTSD from having acne when I was younger, and I still deal with acne every once in a while. Acne is something you think will only happen when you're young, but it's never gone away. I'm constantly worried about flare-ups."

How She Got Into Skincare

"Those very first acne breakouts snapped me into attention. When I was 11 or 12 years old, I went to the dermatologist for the first time and got a special face wash. The doctor told me I had to do some stuff to my skin. I thought, Wait, I have to do all of this? "

Her Morning Versus Nighttime Routine

"At night, I go all in. I use a face wash and the No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum ($17), which I love. Since I'm all about moisture, I'll use the Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream ($40). In the evening, I also love to use the Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate ($43) for fine lines and wrinkles. Sometimes, I'll use a hot washcloth on my face at the end of the day. I'll soak in it for a little bit.

My morning routine is all about getting up and going. I'll do a quick wash and then use the No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Day Cream SPF 25 ($40). It has SPF in it, so my skin is hydrated and protected. The day cream also sits well under my makeup, which, on most days, is just a little concealer and a quick cheek color. Sometimes, I'll use the same makeup on my cheeks and lips, and occasionally, I'll do my eyebrows."

The Skincare Step She Never Skips

"I always moisturize my skin [at night]. I have to wake up hydrated."

How Her Skincare Routine Has Evolved Over Time

"I had sensitive skin for a long time, but your skin changes over time, and so should your products. When I learned about No7's Damage Reversal Serum, I was like, Wait, that's what I need. I needed to know I could reverse the damage. For a long time, I also didn't use sunscreen every day. It was an extra step I had to do, and sometimes, I would forget to apply it. Or, it would be the middle of winter, so I thought it was okay if I didn't wear sunscreen. Now, I wear it every day."

Her Most Used Product

"I love all of the No7 Future Renew products. They have helped with texture, moisturizing, and dryness. But the No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Day Cream SPF 25 is probably my favorite. It is super easy, and because it has SPF, I don't have to worry about layering anything with it. The cream has simplified my skincare routine and makes it very easy."

Her Skincare Pet Peeve

"Besides those deep jawline cystic acne breakouts, it's picking my zits. I love doing it even though it is so bad for my skin. Popping your pimples makes you think they will go away faster, but they don't. Instead, they last longer. I constantly have to talk myself out of touching my face."

The One Ingredient That’s Made the Biggest Difference

"Retinol. When I was in my 40s, I went to the dermatologist, and she told me it was time to start using retinol. But my experience with them as an acne-prone teenager was that they were exceedingly drying. I was worried about flaky skin, especially under makeup, because [my skin] looks terrible when it gets dry and flaky. So I was a little nervous about using it at first."

The Best Skincare Advice She's Received

"It's simple, but drink water and get enough sleep. I've heard that advice from so many people over the years, but taking care of yourself has to start from the inside out. When you're young, you can get away with almost anything. Everything shows up on my skin now if I don't take care of myself on the inside. So, that is what I'm truly focused on right now."

Read the original article on Byrdie.