Throughout my teenage years on and off and part of my college life, I’ve suffered from terrible breakouts on my skin that wouldn’t disappear. Constant visits to dermatologists, ordering various products online and having them fail after a few months, and (sometimes painful) agony erupting on my skin caused me embarrassment and frustration. After all these years, I’m proud to say I’ve finally discovered (with some assistance from a medical professional) a good skincare routine that LASTS. It’s been nearly one year since I began this new routine (also incorporating some older products that have always worked for me), and I have not experienced a single major breakout.
Below are several products apart of my daily routine that is effective and I enjoy using!
ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi MD, Gentle Cleanser
This product was recommended to me by a dermatologist, and I haven’t looked back since! ZO Skin Health’s Gentle Cleanser is suitable for ALL skin types, which is especially important for people with susceptible skin, like me. I only use a dime-size amount morning and night since the formula is heavily concentrated. Another bonus is that it helps remove any excess residue, which is great when needing to wash off makeup properly, or else your skin may become irritated due to lack of removal. One of the product’s key ingredients, Glycerin, always leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Skin that is too dry sometimes also can suffer from acne and breakouts because of the skin’s need to overcompensate for the lack of oil. The oats and combination of botanical extracts will never leave your skin too oily or too dry.
Tatcha’s rice polish product is an enzyme, exfoliating powder which aids in leaving the skin looking bright and fresh. I do not recommend using this product daily because of its enzymatic properties, including rice bran and papaya that may scrub your skin too deep. I use this product only about twice per week or when I notice a pimple trying to emerge beneath my skin’s surface. This potential problem could result in some hyperpigmentation, which my skin is prone to as well. After using this product consistently, I’ve witnessed the near disappearance of pesky hyperpigmentation, which can sometimes take months or years to vanish entirely. The product’s design or producing a healthy skin turnover can be attributed to quick results that may otherwise take longer.
Tatcha, The Rice Polish: Calming
The sister product to Tatcha’s Deep Rice Polish, I utilize interchangeably and usually right after the deep enzyme powder when I want my skin to relax and breathe even more. Its key ingredients like green tea and algae leave the skin feeling soft and rid of any dullness. This product is also helpful in alleviating hyperpigmentation too, considering not overworking the skin. As instructed on Tatcha’s official website, only ½ teaspoon and massaging onto one’s skin for fifteen seconds is needed.
Consisting of strictly alpha hydroxy acids, Mad Hippie’s Exfoliating Serum’s strict utilization for hyperpigmentation (and wrinkles). I’ve found immense success with this product specifically because even though it is more potent, my skin hasn’t suffered any reaction as it may have used similar products in its category. Some of its main ingredients, like Glycolic and Lactic Acid, along with Apple Stem Cells and Goji Berry, are all vital in treating damaged skin. After washing with the ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser, I use less than a dime-sized amount (only at night) and massage thoroughly into my skin throughout. I am also careful not to rub near my eye or lip area accidentally. After waiting for it to marinate for ten minutes, I apply a good moisturizer, ensuring that my skin does not remain too dry. I also use a substantial amount of sunblock in general because of this product’s disclaimer of heightened photosensitivity, as stated on the bottle.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer is probably the most self-explanatory item on this list but is one of the most essential too. I’ve used this CeraVe Moisturizer for many years without encountering an issue. Applied morning and night after each skincare regimen secures skin hydration. As listed on the product’s website, it is non-comedogenic, oil, and fragrance-free, which is a primary key when researching and using skincare products, depending on your skin type.
TreeActiv Invisible Acne Spot Treatment
As indicated in the product’s title, I use this cream SPARINGLY because of how strong it is due to Tea Tree and Peppermint’s likes in its formula. I take less than a pea-size amount on a cotton swab and place it directly on top of a budding pimple or blackhead, dabbing the product into the proper area until the product is entirely into the skin.
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Like CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, I’ve also been able to stick with this product over the years because it is specifically designed for acne and hyperpigmentation-prone individuals. This product’s incredible characteristic is that it improves skin’s unevenness while protecting you from the sun. Every time I go outside, even for just a quick car ride, I apply this product abundantly at least fifteen minutes before encountering the sun (as advised for most sunblock brands). The integration of Niacinamide and Zinc Oxide protects and improves skin’s tone and texture too. The higher the SPF, the more effective.
*The products on this list may not work for you and all opinions regarding these products are my own. This article is not a paid or sponsored post. It is important to consider consulting a licensed skincare professional and conduct intense research before attempting any of these products and introducing new products to your skin, in general.