Skincare

My skincare is something I am asked about frequently. To make it easier, I gathered up everything into 

this post. If I change the products I'm using, I'll update this page! If you have questions about anything else, feel free to contact me.

Although I had been seeing a dermatologist since middle school, I took a break for a few years while I was in college since I didn't make it back to my hometown to see that doctor enough and hadn't tried to find one near my campus. When I came back here in June, I was able to start again. 

I've been on a pretty wide array of things throughout the years that I probably couldn't remember all of them if I tried! This time, I was prescribed Spironolactone and an antibiotic in pill form, as well as Duac gel. She also recommended I use a benzoyl peroxide face wash, which does not require a prescription.

For me, the pills have made the biggest difference. It took a little while for me to start seeing results, but once I did, it was huge. They work more to help on the prevention side of things, rather than clearing up breakouts that are already there.

My acne has never been the type that is affected much by "outside forces" - I don't break out from products and topical products would only help somewhat.

Since I usually shower in the mornings, that's when I use the benzoyl peroxide wash my dermatologist recommended to me. It washes off easier that way without having to bleach any washcloths or towels! I use that every time I shower. 

A few times a week, normally once I notice that my skin's not feeling as smooth, I also use the Aveeno Daily Detoxifying Scrub. It seems like it has a good balance between being gentle but still feeling like it's working. 

After my shower, I put the Duac gel all over my face, and then moisturize with the Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel Creme. This moisturizer is my favorite of all time! I can't recommend it enough, especially to others with oily skin or who dislike the greasy feeling moisturizers often have. It never feels greasy and it absorbs into the skin very quickly.

Since I wear makeup almost daily, my night routine usually begins with removing it. I'm currently using Pond's Dual Cleansing Lotion. I generally use it on my eyes, brows, and lips if I was wearing a longwearing product. Then, I wash my face using the Neutrogena Naturals cleanser + makeup remover.


After that, I've been using the Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector. I haven't been using it particularly long so at this point it's hard to say whether or not it has made a big difference. My dermatologist told me that my acne scars would fade naturally over time anyway, but I'm hoping this will speed up the process!

I use the same Garnier moisturizer at night as in the mornings.

There are a few additional products that I do not use daily, but I felt I should include. Out of these, the one I use most frequently is the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. I use it at night if I didn't wear any makeup that day, and in the morning if I don't take a shower. This is just a sample size, but since I don't use it that often it's lasted quite awhile. I really do like the way it makes my skin feel, and plan to buy a large size when this is gone. 

Every now and then at night I will put face wash on a second time and use the CVS facial cleansing brush. I don't do it that often, it's usually if I either notice that my skin's not as smooth as usual or if I feel like I was wearing a bit more makeup than usual and want to make sure it's all removed. 

If I'm taking swatch photos of multiple products or have some heavy-duty removing to do, I like the Queen Helene Cleansing Cream. It feels very nice on the skin and doesn't irritate it at all, which is great if I'm taking photos! It's also very effective at removing everything, even difficult products.

The Queen Helene Grape Seed Extract mask is one I haven't been using that much, but it's my favorite of the peel-off masks I've tried. It seems to peel off the easiest, and I like the scent. I like peel-off masks if I want to do a mask but don't necessarily want to sit around with one on for a long time. They make my skin feel really soft!

The Mint Julep mask has been a favorite of mine for years. I usually put a pretty thick layer on to make sure everything is covered, so it can take around an hour to get completely dry. I really do love this one - if you have oily skin and/or acne, you should really give it a try.