About a year ago, I wrote my first article for HerCampus. It was called “Skin Care during a Pandemic.” I wanted to write an updated article about it, seeing that my skincare routine has changed in the past year. We’re still living in a pandemic, and maskne is still an issue for many. While I still get some pimples, I feel like my skincare routine does a great job of preventing and getting rid of acne. My biggest skin issue now is scarring from all the pimples I’ve had. My current skincare routine is structured to fade those pesky scars.
I follow 8 steps for my skincare routine: cleanser, exfoliator, toner, acne ointment, serums, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Over the past year, my skin has changed from very oily skin to combination skin, but more on the dry side. So, I had to change my skincare routine based on my new skin type. Let’s get to my new skincare routine!
- Cleanser: The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
I use this cleanser in the morning and night. I feel like it has definitely helped reduce the excess oiliness on my skin and minimized the number of breakouts I had. This is a great cleanser, and I recommend this to people who struggle with breakouts and oily skin. However, I might switch back to my CeraVe cleanser after I finish The INKEY List one. I paid $9.99 for 150 mL of The INKEY List cleanser and $14.99 for 473 mL of the CeraVe cleanser. So, cost-wise, the CeraVe cleanser is the better option. I might also make the switch because I need a cleanser that helps with my dry skin, not just my oily skin, since my skin is mostly dry now.
2. Exfoliator: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
I use this exfoliator twice a week (usually on Sunday and Thursday). This exfoliator is strong and should only be used twice a week. Use this exfoliator carefully as it may cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin. I really like this product since it targets my scars. I have seen a difference in my scarring after I started using this.
3. Toners: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner and Micellular Water
I use the Micellular Water in the mornings and the Neutrogena toner at night. I really like the Neutrogena toner because it takes off excess dirt, oil, and dry skin that my cleanser doesn’t remove. I don’t use this toner twice a day because it feels very strong, and I don’t want to risk drying out my skin. I like using the Micellular Water in the mornings because it is refreshing and gives me a good base before the rest of my skincare routine.
4. Acne Ointment: Up & Up Max Strength Acne Medication
I use this in the morning and night. I mostly put this on my cheeks because that’s where I usually break out. This ointment works well with preventing acne. At night, I’ve put this on acne that I could feel forming, and the pimple would pretty much be gone by the morning. The ointment contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, so I would be careful if you have sensitive skin. It can dry out your skin if it is sensitive.
5. Serums: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
I use this serum in the morning and night. I put a drop on each cheek because that’s where I have the most scarring. I definitely recommend this product for acne scarring. I have seen visible differences in my scars after using it.
6. Eye Cream: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
I use this cream in the mornings, though; you can use this in the mornings and nights. This is the same eye cream that I used last year as I really liked this eye cream! I can tell that it has reduced my under-eye darkness and puffiness.
7. Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
I use this cream in the mornings and nights. I would use this a year ago, but there was a time where I stopped using it because my face wasn’t dry. After my skin type changed, I went back to using it because it really helped to moisturize my skin in a way that didn’t make it too oily.
8. Sunscreen: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen
I use this sunscreen in the mornings. This is also the same sunscreen that I used last year. Sunscreen is an essential part of your skincare routine. The sun’s rays can be very damaging to your skin and lead to skin cancers like melanoma and carcinoma. It is VERY important to protect your skin by using sunscreen.