The one thing that’s still making me take care of myself, is my skin care routine. A month before my school closed down, I decided to wean my skin off Curology. Curology cleared my skin of all acne and blackheads, and it simplified my skin care routine after years of stacking useless products that would do nothing but harm my skin. But I didn’t want to continue to rely on it or even change my formula. I had dark spots and scars from months before Curology, and I still have most of them.
After picking up tips for months from @MakeupforWOC, @caveofbeauty, and @LABeautyologist on Twitter, I decided to make an Ulta purchase with their guidance.
1. Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Purifying Foam Cleanser
I’ve had this face wash for a while, even before I started following them. I had it because I had oily skin and huge pores. This face wash hasn’t made me breakout, dried out my skin, or had any negative effects whatsoever. I feel like it brightens my face, actually. If I’m not lazy, I’ll do the 60 second rule for a completely clean face.
2. Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner
I needed a new toner, and I heard about this one on Twitter. It’s hydrating, smells nice, and affordable. There’s not much to say about it other than I like it better than other toners I’ve used, and I’ve used plenty.
3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Learning how to use The Ordinary products correctly will have you feeling like you have a doctorate in chemistry. I still remember when I made my first purchase from them about two years ago. I had no idea what was even going on. To buy from The Ordinary, you have to read the description closely and make sure you’re not using too many exfoliating products or that you’re using certain products only once a day.
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the products that I’ve been using from The Ordinary for years. I put it on my skin, wet my hands, and then rub it in to make it more effective. It keeps my skin hydrated and yes, moisture is still important when you have oily skin. It’s a staple in my skincare routine that I use twice a day.
4. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The holy grail for oily and acne prone skin. Niacinamide has controlled my oiliness, helped my pores, and keeps my skin free from breakouts. My biggest fear from stopping Curology was that I would break out all over again. Acne absolutely shatters any confidence I have, so I got Niacinamide because I knew it would do the job. It’s been over three weeks since I started this skincare routine, and I think Niacinamide can get most of the credit for my pimple free face.
5. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
I wanted either an essence or a serum to add and @caveofbeauty made me buy it. This product is mostly made out of snail mucin (as you can expect from the name), and I love what it has done for my skin. The Ulta website says it’s meant to “…aid in skin repair, hydration, brightness, and tone. Like a multivitamin for your skin, this replenishing essence contains nutrients to repair skin damage, boost elasticity, and maintain skin moisture.” My scars and dark spots have been getting a lot brighter in the few weeks I’ve been using it, and I can’t wait to see how else it helps in a few months.
6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin
I’ve been using this moisturizer since before I had this skin care routine. It’s been one of my continued products for many months now, and I don’t think I’ll ever use another brand of moisturizer. I use it for my face but it can also be used on the rest of your body. It has no scent, it has more hyaluronic acid and other helpful ingredients, it’s a keeper.
7. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
Yes, even though I stay indoors all day, I still put on SPF. Those UV rays are still making their way through the windows and honestly, it just feels wrong to end my skincare routine without SPF. It’s been ingrained in my brain from esthetician Twitter, and this is my life now. I wouldn’t really recommend this sunscreen because it leaves a white cast, but I still use it in tiny amounts because it cost money, and I’m going to finish it.
Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be this complicated, especially if you don’t have any concerns. Remember, what works for me might not work for you. I was led to these products by licensed estheticians that I trust, and even though I can’t afford a private consultation with them, the advice they give in general is really helpful. They’re the reason I don’t have to rely on Curology for the rest of my life, and my acne scars from over 8 months ago are finally clearing up in three weeks.