Sydney Sweeney from Euphoria talks about her 'game-changing' serum for skin

Sydney Sweeney from Euphoria talks about her 'game-changing' serum for skin

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 a one-time tip, but at Byrdie we're more interested in how our skin develops over time. The products we've been using for a decade make our radiant ingredient cocktails, the steps we never skip, and all the advice in between. This is what really makes a difference. 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 due to my love for Sidney Sweeney's entire filmography, I may have come into this interview with some preconceived notions about the young star . On screen, Sweeney almost always played the popular "girl among girls." In HBO's latest hit "White Lotus," Sweeney is a sarcastic teen who's read Freud and has enough vocal chops to bake funnel cakes. But privately, she's open, friendly, and a little silly to her friends.

That's why it's a surprise (albeit a small surprise) that Sydney Sweeney approaches this interview with the kind of casual enthusiasm that's common at brunch and panel conversations. The topic hits home, too: an in-depth discussion of teen (and adult) acne, skincare fails, the frustrations of "holy grail" products, and how it all impacted her childhood in Idaho.

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

about her skin

The most sensitive skin I've ever dealt with - I'm even allergic to fake jewelry. On set, most of the time you just wear what you like. I'd get a zit on my chest; my ears would start bleeding, that's one thing. I got severe cystic acne, rashes, red spots, then dryness and burns - everywhere. As I got older and started shaving, I started getting severe bumps and razor burn and I had no idea what they were.

I found this was not the right mix of shaving and my shaving cream - I am allergic to many of the ingredients. That's why my parents switched me to the BIC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Shaver ($6) because it's affordable but performs like a premium shaver. It's great for sensitive skin. I don't need to use shaving cream as it is rich in shea butter and aloe vera - it works great for me. So I figured out the lower part of my body. But at the top of the mountain, my face...it's been a long journey.

I also think acne is just one of those things, especially when you're young. When it gets to your face, it explodes. No matter how many products, treatments, anything you do…your hormones are at play and you can’t easily “figure it out” unless you have good genes.

The moment skincare becomes *attractive* to her

Growing up, I didn't have the opportunity or resources to go to a dermatologist or receive quality treatments, so it was a lot of trial and error. Whatever my mom had in her closet, I played with it. It wasn’t until recently, when I was 19, working on shows as diverse as The Handmaid’s Tale and Sharp Objects that I met amazing makeup artists who took skin care seriously. You’re acting, but you can’t Photoshop your face. So they started giving me products and telling me to try this or that. I became more interested in skin care through working as a makeup artist on various shows.

How are their morning and evening routines different?

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 get oily and dry. When I was in Hawaii [shooting the movie "White Lotus"], it was so delicious and awesome that I didn't have to worry too much. But when I got home to Idaho, it was really dry. I use Bioderma Micellar Water ($15) every night and every morning. It's water, but it's better than water! I also use it when I'm not wearing makeup, just to cleanse my face.

In the morning, I use both a scrub and a gel cleanser - I've only used one or the other in the past, but I've found that mixing the two is actually crucial 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 Booster HA ($105) and C E Ferulic Acid ($166).

At night, I usually use two different SkinCeuticals oils: HA Intensive Serum ($102) and Hydrating B5 Gel ($83). Then I use the new collagen cream. I used to wear a lot of lotions but now I use this very small collagen cream instead and I love it. Then I use La Mer. I mixed Ole Henriksen Eye Cream ($40) and La Mer Eye Cream ($245) together. I like to mix things up because why not? I mix all of these products with my fingers in the bathroom!

A step she would never miss

I always use an eye gel mask every morning. I’m currently obsessed with Peter Thomas Roth styles – both gold and blue. But every morning, no matter what I do, I put them on. Many times when I apply while wearing a mask and eye gel, they say, “What’s wrong with your face?!”

How her skin habits have changed over time

There was a time in middle school where I really struggled. I went to the drug store and bought every acne cream I could find and slathered it all over my face. I would get the most horrible, irritated, dry patches of skin. I would try to clear up cystic acne that wouldn't clear up and then I would get scars on my face. I'm lucky - I don't know how, but I don't have any scars on my face. Because I dug in, put Neosporin and a Band-Aid on my face, and went to school. Like it's bad, really bad.

The best skin care tips she's ever gotten

Never forget sunscreen! I always apply EltaMD Sunscreen ($30) in the morning. I used to get breakouts from sunscreen and I couldn't find any product that worked, but this is great for sensitive skin.

A product that changes everything

This is SkinCeuticals serum because it took me a long time to find the right combination. It’s hard to find products that can be used as a primer before applying makeup. This is why I really think the HA serum is a game changer for me.

Products she uses most

Burt's Bees Lipstick ($5), originals only. I have so many.

her most loyal product

Honestly, the BIC Soliel shaver. I've only recently started using real skincare and BIC Soliel is something you can afford and my parents can afford too - we're always looking for products that are good value for money. So this has been in my shower since day one.

Your latest skincare obsession

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