skincare
10 years ago, I embarked on a journey to find the perfect skincare routine. I’ve struggled with cystic acne since I was a young teenager, so as you can imagine, I’ve tried about a million different methods and products to get rid of it. Now, I follow this routine to keep my acne at a minimum.
Being my own guinea pig, I tested hundreds of different skincare products and brands. I found that the super expensive products are great, but not worth the spending. I also found that the super cheap products are not terrible, but it pays to spend a little bit more.
As always, I’m only recommending products that I have purchased several times and will continue to purchase as I run out.
Full Skincare Routine
This routine was carefully crafted to keep my skin hydrated and clear. It is not a bad idea to start with the bare bones version of this routine and add products in slowly as your skin adjusts (see “Minimal, Bare Bones Routine” at the end). If you start using all the products at once, your skin will probably be angry but it will calm down eventually.
A.M.
Cleanse with La Roche Posay Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Apply a few drops of Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum to face and neck
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Protect yourself with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen: I use a liberal amount of sunscreen on my face and neck every morning. I put any excess on the back of my hands (I actually put the excess of any facial product I use on the back of my hands)
P.M.
First cleanse with PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil: Massage the oil on dry skin, then get your hands wet and continue massaging. You will feel dirt come out of your pores. Rinse before second cleanse. Preferably with warm water.
Second cleanse with La Roche Posay Hydrating Facial Cleanser: Once or twice a week, I replace my second cleanser with the CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser. I find that it helps keep the acne away almost completely.
Apply few drops of the Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum: Once or twice a week, I highly recommend replacing this step with a prescription tretinoin (do this on a different day than the salicylic acid cleanser, if using). I’ve found that tretinoin speeds up the healing process from a new pimple and tones scarring.
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Apply CeraVe Healing Ointment if needed: I get dermatitis on my face :) Usually this is caused by stress! I know it sounds strange, but this diaper rash ointment makes it go away quickly.
Product list for the full routine:
Minimal, Bare Bones Routine
If you do not know where to start when it comes to skincare, this routine is a great place to start. I believe it is best to start with a very minimal, bare bones routine and alter it as your skin tells you what is working and what is not.
A.M.
Cleanse with La Roche Posay Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Protect yourself with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen
P.M.
Cleanse twice with La Roche Posay Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Moisturize with La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
I have very sensitive skin that is quick to dry out, so all of these products are very gentle. I also wash my face with warm/hot water to easily wash away dry skin.
I won’t claim to have the perfect skincare routine, though I do hope to feel like I can claim that one day… but this combination of products has worked better than anything I’ve tried before.
I will update this post if anything in my routine changes..
w/ Love,
Anni
