Inspired by spring and my recent trip to Ulta, I decided it was time for a skincare overhaul to give my face the TLC it deserved. This meant taking a real look at the issues below the surface of my skin and finding some natural ingredient-based products to accommodate my sensitivity. The results? A new level of glow and hydration I’ve never experienced before. Check out the products that I swapped and incorporated into my routine:
Face Wash
Biore Baking Soda Face Wash to Dermalogica Microfoliant and Derma E Hydrating Cleanser
I used Biore baking soda wash out of habit because it worked perfectly for my skin when I was 20. My hormones and stress level have entirely changed since then, so it was no longer cutting it. I constantly deal with flaking and cystic acne (shoutout to my combo skin girls who know the pain). I committed to two products that I absolutely LOVE and rotate based on how my skin was looking. Lizard level flaking and makeup caking on? The Dermalogica daily exfoliant is gentle enough to use more than one day in a row and offers super smooth skin. It even helps reduce the prominence of acne scars (more on that later). The downside? It’s pricey. I also opt for a great hydrating cleanser to balance out the exfoliation on days when I’m PMSing and my skin is more temperamental than normal.
Via Dermalogica
Moisturizer
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy to Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
As much as I’m committed to the power of Lubriderm creams for my eczema and the rest of my body, it sits heavily on my face and constantly gets on my bed sheets. Instead, I opted for a weightless water gel from Dermalogica that soaks into the skin and makes a noticeable difference within seconds. It’s even light enough to go under my makeup without causing streaking. WIN. I’ll save the Lubriderm for the rest of my lizard body.
Via Dermalogica
Toner
None to Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
Tingly mists are life-changing, tbh. I always thought the excessive products like toner were going to further contribute to my cystic acne… but I was so wrong. This toner leaves me feeling fresh and clean, as well as reduces immediate redness. I spritz a little before I apply my serum and again in the morning before moisturizing and putting on my makeup. It’s the perfect “wake me up” and smells AH-MAZING.
Via Dermalogica
Serum
None to Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
I’m finally using a serum, am I an adult yet? Just like toner, I thought serums were an overpriced gimmick and moisturizer could do the trick, then I researched what serums are actually intended for. These are super concentrated solutions meant to target specific skin concerns. My acne scarring is a major issue and I picked a brightening serum to help even out my skin tone. Serums are by far my new favorite skincare product and a beauty regimen essential. Get yourself a serum and love yourself.
Via Derma E
Spot treatments
Kept the Differin because it’s actually working- started using Derma E Scar Gel
My Differin spot treatment gel is an absolute godsend and you will have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands before I give it up. It’s the only thing that penetrates deep enough to reduce cystic and nodular acne swelling while not drying my skin out like previous over the counter spot treatments have done. To address the scarring after Differin does its magic, I added Derma E Scar Gel (notice a theme with my new favorite brand?). This lightweight gel formula rubs into the skin and dries quickly. I slap a layer on up to three times a day and after three weeks of consistent use, I’m starting to see a difference in the severe redness of my scarring. Paired with some green concealer, they’re easy to hide now.
Via Derma E
Weekly Scrubs
None to Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub
I’m the occasional “face mask and treat yo’ self” kind of woman, but I never focused on finding a semi-regular mask or scrub that paired well with my daily routine. The Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub goes on like a cream, but small, eco-friendly granules gently run away dead skin and grime. This would likely dry me out with daily use, but it can be left on like a mask once it’s rubbed into your skin. It’s my new favorite Friday night treat for surviving the week.
Eye Cream
None to Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream
About a year ago, my mom kept staring at me before asking, “When did you get crows feet?” Since then, I’ve been self-conscious about my early wrinkles and constant bags under my eyes but never did anything about it besides slathering on copious layers of concealer. The Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream is like dabbing a little pillow of happiness around your eyes, you get me? The formula is so effective that I’ve occasionally thrown it in my bag for moisture touch-ups on other parts of my skin throughout the day.
Via Derma E
Overall Hydration
Iced Coffee and Red Bull to Minimum of eight cups of water
The best approach to skincare starts inside your body. I started drinking more water and watching my sugar intake, especially around PMS time when I knew I was already going to be dealing with breakouts. Also- regularly clean your phone screen because it’s a petri dish that will wreak havoc on your cheeks.
Via Giphy
May the skincare gods give you the perfect summer glow, collegiettes!