.jpeg)
My Skincare Routine: Sensitive, Acne Prone Skin
I have struggled with cystic acne for the past 2 years. It has not been a pleasant experience, nor would one expect it to be. But trust me, acne is no fun -especially in your adult years.
I have gone through quite the rollercoaster ride -from obsessive researching, trying to find the best makeup to cover up my spots and have felt like I tried practically everything on the market (whether is is natural remedies or chemically processed serums, ointments- trust me I've tried it.
It was not until i took a holistic approach to the matter for an extensive period of time that I really saw improvements. I became so fixated on a few elements at a time, that it took me a long time to realize I was missing the bigger picture -despite what evidence was in front of me.
I am still on my journey to achieve clear skin, but I know that I have come along way and thought I would document my progress and journey along the way. Lord knows I have spent countless hours of my life researching until the early morning hours whether it may be youtube videos, blogs, amazon product reviews - you name it. I became obsessed. My hope is to remind you that nobody has perfect skin, and that is okay. I also hope to share with you some staples that I consider holy grails in my skincare routine. I hope this helps!
The trick - KEEP IT SIMPLE. You don't need to have a 20 step Korean skincare routine to have healthy skin. I have tried my best to go the natural route, by also using cruelty-free products and making consciously- informed decisions when purchasing a new product. This has helped prevent me from impulse buying everything on amazon prime.
The only thing that differentiates my morning routine from my nighttime routine is during the day I wear an SPF on top of my moisturizer. At night I may put a spot-cream on depending on how many stubborn spots are lingering around.
***FYI none of these products are sponsored. I have attached links to help make it easier to navigate.
[STEP 1] : Remove Makeup with an Oil Cleanser
[The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (200 ml). Retails for $18 CAD]
The first step in removing my makeup consists of using a cleansing oil. This oil from the body shop breaks down all of my face and eye makeup but does not clog my pores nor does it make my face feel stripped. I used to use coconut oil (almost religiously) as an oil cleanser, but I found that after I stopped using it, a lot of my breakouts disappeared.
Link to Purchase:
[STEP 2: WASH FACE WITH CLEANSING GEL]
[Mario Badescu's Enzyme Cleansing Gel (256 ml). Retails for $18 CAD]
After I have rinsed off the oil cleanser with a warm washcloth, I go in with the Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel. I have found that in the past that cleansers that foam up tend to leave my face feeling stripped and dry. I previously used to use the Aveeno foam cleanser (along with a bunch of other stripping cleansers) however I have found that a gel cleanser like this one that is made with papaya and grapefruit extract makes my face feeling clean but most importantly- balanced.
Link to Purchase:
*** Part of Step 2 involves washing my face with the Vanity Planet Ultimate Skin Spa System.
[Vanity Planet's Ultimate Skin Spa System Retails for $45-52 CAD depending on the colour set]
For the past 8 months I have been using Vanity Planet's skincare brushes to wash my face. I use it daily and I don't find that it is harsh on my sensitive skin. I use the silicone head for daily use, and the brush heads for when I want to exfoliate any dead skin. I exfoliate 1-2 every two weeks. Again, I have used this system for 8 months now and its still as good as new. Just keep in mind that you need to replace the batteries every couple of months (Takes 2x AA batteries- you can opt for reusable batteries, which I will discuss in another post).
Link: to Purchase:
[Divine Essence Organic Rose Water Retails for $10.99 CAD]
After cleansing my skin, I tone my face with Divine Essence Organic rose water. I understand how pretentious it sounds, but I cannot express to you how much I love the scent of rose water and how refreshing it feels. It's really good for when you need to feel refreshed in the summer months. I also use it to set my makeup everyday.
Link to Purchase:
[Kiehls Clearly Correcting Dark Spot Solution Retails for $63 CAD for 30ml]
After toning my face I go in with a serum before applying moisturizer. This serum has really helped lighten the pigmentation left behind from my acne scars. This stuff is ridiculously expensive, and if I had found another product that worked as well as this, trust me I would be all over it. I also like that it does not break me out and helps soothe my sensitive skin.
Link to purchase:
[Premium Nature's Daily Moisturizer Retails for $14.99 CAD]
After applying my serum, I go in with a gel-based daily moisturizer by Premium Nature. This moisturizer absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup. I love that it made with natural ingredients and does not have a scent. I have also ordered quite a few products from this brand and so far have loved their range.
Link to purchase:
[Innisfree it's Real Squeeze Masks Retails for $22 CAD - pack of 15]
For days when I need extra hydration, I use Innisfree's sheet masks. Innisfree is a Korean brand that specializes in skincare and beauty cosmetics. Out of all the masks, my favourite is the Manuka Honey one. Fair warning, it literally smells like beer (as if you slathered beer all over your face) but gives my skin the best glow. If you're into that, check it out.
I buy them in bulk from Amazon as I apply 1-2 a week depending on how dry ad dehydrated my skin is looking, especially useful in the winter months.
Link to purchase :
[Now Essential Oils 100% Tea Tree Oil Retails for $10.69 CAD]
Depending on how bad of a breakout I am having, I will add a few drops of tea tree oil in my moisturizer at night time. Refer to my post on essential oils for more information on tea tree essential oil.
Link to purchase:
[Indian Healing Clay Mask- 100% Natural Calcium Benonite Clay Retails for $10 CAD]
Due to the fact that I wear face makeup, my pores can get pretty congested. Once a month or so I try to use The Indian Healing Benonite Clay as a face mask mixed with apple cider vinegar and water. This takes all the gunk out of your pores and brings it to the surface. The next day your skin will feel so refreshed, but beware- you may experience breakouts in the following days as it brings everything that was once trapped to the surface. I have had this stuff for over a year, and still have tons of product left. Super affordable, and the best value for your money.
Link to purchase:
[Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen with SPF 60 - Retails for $14.27 CAD for 88ml]
What differentiates my morning routine from my evening skincare routine is the fact that I add an SPF after I moisturize and before I apply makeup in the daytime. At nighttime I skip this step. SPF is extremely important, especially if you have acne scarring. I have found that without applying an SPF my spots had gotten darker. I use an SPF 60. Some people have it in their moisturizer and/or foundation, but I like this one from Neutrogena called the Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen. I use this everyday.
Link to purchase:
*(Also available at Shoppers Drug Mart ad Rexall).