Finding A Skin Care Routine That Works
This can be a helpful guide if you have combination-to-oily skin.
I find that good information, quality information on where to start with your skin care journey is rather hard to find if you do not know what you are looking for.
Disclaimer: I am only speaking about my personal experience with breakouts and acne, and the products that helped get my skin under control and improved it dramatically. This advice is meant to be taken with a grain of salt as everyone’s skin and whatever condition they are currently dealing with may be different.
For a very long time I took my skin care advice from celebrity endorsed commercials attached to major brands — I shall not name them here (cause I don’t want to get in trouble) — without actually looking for proof of the actual benefits of what they were selling. And not doing so caused me a lot of heartache and struggles with my skin and therefore my self-esteem.
From a very young age I dealt with breakouts and acne. At about 11 years old I already had pimples appearing on my skin. It improved between ages 12 to 14 but afterwards it was a stressful mess. I remember distinctively the HUGE breakouts I had, the redness that made them that much more apparent, and my desperate self trying every over-the-counter acne treatment out there in order to get them under control.
It wasn’t until I was about 24 or 25 that I figured out a skincare routine that literally changed EVERYTHING, including my acne. Turns out I was actually being too harsh on my skin and that was worsening my acne. My issue was that I was over-stripping my skin and therefore it naturally compensated for it by secreting more oil; it was so much that my pores would get clogged and pimples and severe acne followed shortly after. And in those days, without the knowledge that I have now, I would go back to over-stripping thinking it was the right move.
Here are the things that I learned about my skin and the corresponding products that helped me improve it. I have oily-combination skin that is very prone to breakouts. I learned that over-stripping or drying your skin too much, specially if you have oily skin, will only make things worse. So now I use very gentle cleansers.
- Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Repairing Foam Cleanser
- The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Facial Foaming Cleanser
These 2 cleansers here are significantly different from the ones I used in the past. Back then I would use one that had granules and exfoliated my skin physically. I learned that my skin is quite sensitive and it’s best to avoid those.
3. Skinfood Peach Sake Toner
This was a new one for me. I had never used toner in the past. I didn’t even know it existed until I watched a few YouTube videos that explained what it did. But boy am I glad I found it. This toner here is amazing for your pores, if you have enlarged ones like me, and controlling oil production.
4. Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence
This is another skincare product that I had never heard of before. After doing some research I found out essence helps your next steps (next products) seep deeper into your skin and therefore get better results.
5. Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule
This one right here has been amazing for my acne scars. Unfortunately I was one of those people that picked at their breakouts and that resulted in a lot of scars. I can say I have significantly improved their appearance with this serum.
6. Missha Super Aqua Cell Renewal Snail Cream
This moisturizer has changed my life as well. Along with the serum, this moisturizer has helped my skin gain so much moisture back and I believe in this regard it has helped significantly improve the appearance of my scars as well.
7. Artistry Youth Xtend Protecting Lotion (there are versions for different types of skin for this product — I made sure to get the one for combination-to-oily skin)
This is another moisturizer that I love. This one I feel really helps control the oils on my skin throughout the day. These days when I look at my face at the end of the day, I do not see a ridiculous amount of shine like I used to, and I’m sure this has helped tremendously at preventing new breakouts.
8. Purito Comfy Water Sun Block SPF50+
And lastly, sunscreen. This was also a new one for me. I had no idea that I was better off wearing sunscreen to prevent sun damage and the signs of aging. I only used sunscreen when I went to the beach, but on a regular day I would not put any sunscreen on. Lesson learned.
This may seem like a lot but I found that every product has found it’s purpose and place in my daily routine. Perhaps you may need less products, perhaps you may need even more. It’s a trial and error process, but one that can be significantly alleviated if you do your research first and most importantly, get to know your skin better so you know what to look for. I made a video review of these products on my YouTube channel — I’ll link it here so you guys can check it out.
