Refine Your Routine: The ultimate guide to perfecting your skincare routine
It’s a complicated thing….
Skincare has always been complicated for me. My journey to clear skin started when I was in middle skin. Since then, I’ve hopped from one dermatologist to the next, all around the Dallas area. While each doctor gave a different prescription, one thing has always remained the same. MY SKIN! Nothing ever really worked long-term. It was always a temporary fix. Some antibiotics, an ointment or cream, a medicated face wash, none of which ever really worked. As I transitioned into adulthood, stress began to play a major factor in my breakouts. With each pregnancy, my acne became worse due to hormones. Leaving behind scar after scar. Taking me on a constant roller coaster of caring and not caring. Some days I would try my best to cover the scars with makeup and some days I just didn’t care. Regardless of how I chose to hide it, my confidence always took a hit during those times of severe breakouts.
pictured: me in August 2020 when my breakouts were at its worse!
pictured: me in August 2020 when my breakouts were at its worse!
In June 2020, after being at home for a few months due to COVID-19, I began breaking out with large, painful, hard pimples. They covered my cheeks, chin, and forehead. Not only was I under a lot of stress from the changes in my day-to-day life, I now had to deal with the insecurity that came with every breakout. Luckily, an African American dermatologist joined a local practice. So, I ran to her office! After a few months and a couple of visits, I started the journey to what is now a long-term solution to what I thought would be a lifetime problem.
5 months after using the products and medications suggested by my dermatologist
3 months after ending the use of prescribed acne medications but still consistently using my personalized skincare routine
Despite my struggles, I never established a consistent skincare routine with quality products. I always tried what my friends used or what was suggested after taking an online quiz. Despite having spent a ton of money on products and dermatologist appointments, no one ever seemed to really ask about my skincare regimen. Nor did I understand the importance of even having one.
While the new Doctor was great, she didn’t actually cure my acne. What she did was provide me with a skincare regimen (along with much-needed medication) that made a difference in how I took care of my skin. Something none of the previous dermatologists ever did. By helping me understand my skin type, how certain products will react to my skin, and the importance of the product’s ingredients, eventually, I was able to venture away from her recommendations and add new products to my routine. And do so with confidence.
April 2021 discoloration is mostly gone. My complexion is starting to even out.
Sidenote: I am wearing light coverage foundation in this picture.
February 2022! the result of 2 consistent years of quality skincare, healthy food, Lots of water and minding my business!
Sidenote: I am wearing makeup in this picture HOWEVER my skin was still clear and poppin’ underneath!
Here are a few tips I learned that helped me create a personalized skincare routine
Moisturizer is personal!
Moisturizer is your skin’s water. So, it should hydrate your skin. When looking for a good moisturizer, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin
Take time to learn about your skin type.
Your complexion will thank you later! Hyperpigmentation has always been an issue for me but I also have really oily skin. Working with a dermatologist allowed me to better understand what issue to address first in order to have effective, long-lasting results.
It is possible to have a couple of different skin types, like combination/oily or combination/dry. Observe how your skin is at different times of the month, especially around your cycle and during life changes/transitions. Things change and so can your skin, so keep up!
Sunscreen is your most valuable weapon!
While addressing my hyperpigmentation, I underestimated the power of good sunscreen. Spots would slowly fade and then come back. Exposure to the sun can bring discoloration back to the surface of your skin, causing you to start the process all over again. Find a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 (I use 50) and use it daily. Sunscreen not only fights against discoloration but also prevents damage to collagen.
Stress is your skin’s worst enemy!
Stress triggers a response from your sympathetic nervous system. Which then releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into your body. Cortisol causes increased oil production in your skin glands, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
You are what you eat…
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in foods like fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats are consistently associated with fewer wrinkles and less age-related dryness. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation, acne breakouts, and premature aging of the skin.
Avoid high alcohol consumption & smoking
Smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly impact the skin and volume-related facial aging. So use with caution.
Skin-related issues can be genetic but you still need to drink your water!
Recent studies revealed that genetics account for up to 50 -60% of skin aging. While the remaining 50-40% is due to non-genetic factors. While you cant control all skin factors, you can control some…so drink your water!
Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed and helps maintain your skin's elasticity. People who drink large amounts of water are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles, and soft lines and are less likely to show as many signs of aging as those who drink little amounts of water.
Creating your routine: Products to use and how to use them.
If you’re prone to breakouts a good skincare routine can help you minimize that. Consistently removing excess oil and keeping your pores clear, can help you see your skin’s true potential
I know we’ve all seen product hauls, leaving us to believe skincare is complex, expensive, and time-consuming. But it doesn’t have to be complicated in order to be effective. All You need is just a few minutes twice a day. Along with a little research, you can find all the products you need without blowing your budget.
Step 1: find a gentle cleanser and use it well!
Using only your fingertips or a soft washcloth, thoroughly cleanse your face. Be sure to wash your jawline and neck. Remember, be gentle!
Helpful tip: Before cleansing, I remove my makeup with Neutrogena makeup wipes. I don’t wear makeup every day. On the days that I do, I do a double wash at night: Cleanse, rinse well, and repeat. This extra cleanse ensures I wash away all traces of makeup and dirt every night.
I prefer a foaming cleanser. One that will give me a good lather. La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser & Fresh Foaming Cleanser by Neutrogena are two of my current faves. They are both affordable and efficient. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel is also worth trying.
Step 2: Find a toner that works well with your skin.
Many consider this step optional. I normally use a toner every other night. Toners can be harsh on the skin if overused or used improperly. However, when used right, they have many benefits. Such as removing excess oil, tone, hydrate, and helping address blackheads and blemishes. Toners are great for oily skin types. When looking for a toner keep an eye on the alcohol content. Alcohol-free products are always best. Apply your toner using a clean cotton ball. I use these Exfoliating Cotton Ovals to apply my toner. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Face Toner for Oily Skin & La Roche-Posay Effaclar Face Salicylic Acid Toner Clarifying Solution are great ones to try.
Step 3: Acne medications - If applicable
After your toner has dried completely, or after you've washed and thoroughly dried your face, smooth on your acne treatment creams as directed.
The two products that helped clear my acne were both prescribed to me by my dermatologist. I used both products for 6 months before discontinuing its use.
Step 4: Apply Moisturizer.
A daily moisturizer is necessary to maintain your skin's moisture barrier and to prevent environmental damage to your skin. Your moisturizer doesn't have to leave you feeling slick and greasy. Find a moisturizer that works well with your skin type. Choose one that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Meaning it won't clog your pores!
Here are my top moisturizers:
Cetaphil SPF 50 moisturizer –Protecting my skin from sun exposure is key to treating my acne scars. The more sun exposure,e the harder it will be to lighten the dark spots left from previous breakouts. If I plan to get a little extra sun, I up my sun protection by using a moisturizer with SPF 50.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer – This moisturizer provides me with great sun protection with SPF 30. Along with coverage, the tinted moisturizer works great as a primer for my foundation!
Derma-E Hydrating Face Cream – My skin is the definition of a combination. It is extremely oily. However, I have random dry spots. Mostly around my mouth and nose. I use this moisturizer to spot treat those pesky spots, without adding unnecessary moisture to oily spots.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream – I absolutely love this moisturizer. Hydro Boost is super light and replenishing. This moisturizer is made with hyaluronic acid which is found naturally in the skin. This unique ingredient boost skin cells' hydration improving the look and feel of dry skin over time.
Derma-E Hydrating Eye Cream - This eye cream not only provides moisture but plumps the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s gentle and easy to distribute.
Step 5: sunscreen
Many acne treatment medications and exfoliating ingredients make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. So, ensuring your face is protected from the sun is a good part of your skincare routine. Many moisturizers already contain SPF, giving you sun protection while you moisturize. If your moisturizer doesn't contain SPF, then you should consider a separate sunscreen product.
If you want to combine your moisturizer and sunscreen, here are my top 3 favorite options:
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer
if you like to apply them separately, here’s one to try:
PCA Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45
My Morning Routine & Products
1. Cleanse
La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser – This gentle cleanser will moisturize and cleanse without stripping my face of much-needed moisture.
2. Moisturize with w/sunscreen
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 - I use this as a daily facial moisturizer. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly. It’s formulated with antioxidants & vitamin E, which help prevent the signs of premature skin aging.
Derma-E Hydrating Face Cream – My skin is the definition of a combination. It is extremely oily. However, I have random dry spots. Mostly around my mouth and nose. I use this moisturizer to spot treat those pesky spots, without adding unnecessary moisture to oily spots.
My Nighttime Routine & Products
1. Cleanse
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Foaming Cleanser – By the end of the day, I need a great cleanser! This cleanser removes all traces of makeup, dirt, and grime with just one wash.
2. Moisturize
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream – Again, I absolutely love this moisturizer!
My Alternative Nighttime Routine & Products
My skin is very sensitive. while I like to use products with retinal, I have to use them sparingly. Every other night I implement this routine with the following PCA Skin products:
1. Cleanse
Blemish Control Bar - This skin purifying cleansing bar is for oily skin or those with acne. It Clears pores of oil and softens the skin. Reduce existing acne breakouts and prevent future acne breakouts with 2% salicylic acid. Its Purifying ingredients include eucalyptus oil. I absolutely love this cleanser! My skin is sensitive and it did take a minute for it to adjust to this product. after a few weeks of using it, I had to add it to my routine. this product is extremely popular and always sold out. So if you see it, grab it!
2. Tone
Nutrient Toner - this toner is perfect for all skin types. It has a pumpkin wine base and it is designed to refine the appearance of pores, gently exfoliate and provide added nutritional benefit to the skin. Vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and other advanced ingredients gently exfoliate to create a healthy glow
3. Apply Serum
Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum - Great for all skin types, This smoothing blend of ingredients provides deep, long-lasting hydration on three levels: on the surface, deeper in the skin, and by increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production. It gives instant hydration and smoothing on the surface of the skin. Deeper hydration and fine line reduction with the addition of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. Its proprietary blend HA-Pro Complex encourages the skin to create its own hyaluronic acid, resulting in long-term anti-aging and hydration.
4. Moisturize
ReBalance Face Cream - Great for normal and sensitive skin, this moisturizer is a nourishing, light moisturizer that hydrates calms, and soothes. Its hydrating formula helps keep skin calm and balanced. Has powerful antioxidant protection and a unique, feather-light texture.
Skin Care Tools
Nano Ionic Face Steamer - A few nights a week I use a facial steamer to help improve my complexion and for relaxation! Steamers help enhance circulation, Soften debris inside the pores for easier removal, and helps reduce acne and blackheads. This steamer has worked very well. it’s easy to use and small enough to stash away. So far, I have no complaints.
PIXNOR Facial Cleansing Brush - whenever I need a little help exfoliating I grab this cleansing brush. I don’t use it every day but whenever I need it, it works great! Consistent and correct exfoliation can give you visibly brighter skin with a more even skin tone. this brush has 7 different face brush heads which help provide a full range of cleansing. Moving you a little closer to maintaining and achieving beautiful skin.
Products worth mentioning
Here is a list of products I have tried and loved. I don’t use these products on a regular basis. However, I do think they are worth mentioning! remember, when creating routine find products that work for you and keep it simple. While I may love these products, my skin loves me more when I only use a select few products for a certain amount of time.
PCA Skin Detoxifying Charcoal Mask
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