One would think that finding a skincare routine that works for you would be a walk in the park, but the hard truth is that it is more like a treacherous climb filled with bumps, breakdowns, and a whole lot of blemishes. That is, considering you have extremely sensitive skin like mine.
My skin journey hasn’t been the easiest, but I have learned through continuous trial and error what works… and what made me question my life choices. Through this journey, I have compiled a list of my ride-or-die products that I have purchased time and time again because they are simply that girl.
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen
Easily the best sunscreen I have ever used. It’s lightweight, color correcting, sensitive-skin friendly, and most importantly, SPF 30. Unlike the other sunscreens I have tried, this one leaves my skin feeling hydrated rather than greasy, which is partly due to it being non-comedogenic and doubling as a light primer. It’s also fragrance-free and doesn’t have a heavy sunscreen scent, so I don’t experience any eye-burning sensations.
This sunscreen is 100% mineral, but doesn’t leave a white cast like traditional mineral sunscreens. Incorporating sunscreen into my daily routine has had a formative influence on my skin’s overall health, but I don’t think I would have achieved the same results without this specific product.
All-in-1 Waterproof Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Once I started implementing this cleansing water into my nightly skincare routine, the difference in my face was noticeable in less than two weeks. Every night before any other skincare step (including washing my face with a cream cleanser), I generously soak a cotton pad with this product and wipe all the makeup, sunscreen, and grime off my face.
Since using this product, I have noticed fewer breakouts and smoother skin. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it simply removes excess dirt and oil without clogging my pores.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (Ultra Lightweight)
According to my Amazon cart history, I have purchased this product 10 times, which doesn’t even include the times I’ve bought it at my local drugstore. I have tried a multitude of moisturizers, from the expensive to the mass-loved, but none of them compare to this tried-and-true.
It’s non-comedogenic and free from any fragrance and oils, making it the perfect match for my sensitive, combination skin.
Tretinoin
If I had a soulmate in the form of an inanimate object… it would be this product. I should preface this by saying that tretinoin is a prescription product due to its potency and strength. Therefore, it is not easily accessible to everyone. However, introducing tretinoin into my nightly routine was groundbreaking in my skincare journey.
When using a retinol, you must remember to trust the process. Because retinol rapidly increases cell turnover, the skin typically goes through a “purging” period. In other words, your skin is going to get worse before it gets better. While the process was tedious, after roughly 6 months of using tretinoin, my skin never looked better, and I haven’t looked back since.
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm
Despite the many times I have been advised not to pop my pimples, the temptation to do so has trumped my rational decision-making more times than I’d like to admit. But luckily, in those times of short-lived triumph, my Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm has been my saving grace. I am specifically referring to the original Rescue Balm, which can be identified by its purple packaging.
This balm contains strong antioxidants and peptides that both nourish and boost the repair of post-blemish skin. Once I put this product on my freshly popped pimple (after cleaning all the gunk off, of course), by the next morning, the blemish is visibly soothed and en route to a speedy recovery.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash
The lovely thing about acne is that it not only occurs on your face, but also on your body. Sarcasm aside, body acne is a nuisance, and in my opinion, is often harder to tackle than facial acne. While my body acne is fairly mild, using the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash in the shower has made a significant difference.
This creamy wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, which is a common medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, making it a great option for those with highly sensitive skin like myself.
Sensitive Skin: Conclusion
These products may not have the “prettiest” packaging, but when it comes to treating my sensitive, acne-prone skin, these products are my rock in the storm. However, what works for me is not always going to work for everyone. But if you’re looking for some old reliables, this list can at least point you in the right direction.