Hi y'all!
So, I've struggled with my skin since I was about 19. In my teens I had perfect skin. I rarely had a breakout, and if I did, it was so mild that it was barely noticeable. Around the year I turned 19, my face practically exploded with breakouts. I was SO scared. I had no idea what was happening to me or my body. Because of the fact that I had baby skin almost all throughout my teens, it felt like I was getting punished in my early adult years (this may sound dramatic, but it's the way that I felt). Not only did I have skin that I did not recognize, I had a skincare routine that just wasn't cutting it anymore.
I have tried HUNDREDS of products. Yes, hundreds. Anything from Proactiv, to Clarisonic, to La Roche Posay, to Sisley and beyond. While I did like some of their products, it just wasn't working for me.
The biggest breakthrough in my skin was when I went on birth control. I was terrified of it because I know some of the risks it may bring and I am quite the hypochondriac. I was sick of trying different antibiotics in attempt to rid of skin of these horrible bumps. Over the course of several months, my doctor had prescribed me Clindamycin, Minocycline, Doxycycline, Spironolactone; none of these worked. If anything the side effects to them were way worse than the positive outcome that they were supposed to bring. He repeatedly told me that he believed the source of my breakouts were due to an imbalance in hormones and he wanted me to try birth control. When I finally felt like I was about to give up I said hey, screw it, why not one more.
It wasn't exactly smooth sailing once I began taking the birth control. I started with Aviane and was on it for about 2 years. It absolutely helped me clear the bumps and small whiteheads. While taking that I was trying to clear up the snow scarring that I was left with. I was fortunate enough to just have red hyper pigmentation rather than texture issues.
So, from here I essentially had to create a skincare routine that was for acne preventative, anti-aging, and dark spot correcting all at once. I will be the first one to tell you it was NO joke. I'm not the kinda girl that tries something for a couple days and then stops, I will use that entire bottle and maybe been then some. It wasn't like I just used something for a few weeks and then scrapped it, I actually gave so many products a chance and a real chance. I've finally felt like I have a routine down that hits all these points.
I'll start with my Retin-a. I use Retin-a Micro Gel (Tretinoin Gel). I use this bad boy 2x a week MAX. This stuff is no joke. I got it prescribed by my dermatologist and let me say, it is amazing. It's a form of Vitamin A that helps to reduce acne and scarring by creating new skin cell turnover. When using this you need a pea-sized amount AT BEST. I only use this 2x per week because it makes me extremely dry. While my skin has gotten use to it over the past year, the days after using it my skin still can be dehydrated and dry.
Face Wash:
I've been using Limelight by Alcone Dream Clean which has Aloe + Soapberry in it. It is for Normal/Dry skin which is absolutely my skin type. This face wash is very light weight and amazing for my sensitive skin, I use this every night and morning.
Toner:
Khiel's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free toner is my favorite. It's gentle enough for my dry skin but still helps regulate my facial PH balance. Simple, easy and to the point. I use this directly after washing my face with a cotton round.
Serum:
I use a mix of two. Limelight by Alcone has a Calm Balm serum which has Aloe + Kendi Oil in it. This balm works in conjunction with the face wash. I began using both together and have noticed a tremendous difference. I love the texture of this right on my skin after I've just washed my face. After using this, because of the fact that I am so dry, I follow it up with MAC's Moisture Infusion serum. This is another lightweight serum that helps my skin from dehydration.
Moisturizer:
Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins has been my go to. I feel like this is one of the only moisturizers that my skin actually drinks up and makes me look glowing in the morning. It's filled with tons of minerals with Vitamins C and E, Chestnut Extract, and Wheat Germ! It's also paraben, sulfate, and phthalates free which is a huge plus for me.
MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15. I use this as my daytime moisturizer after my serums.
Oils:
Josie Maran Argan Oil is my absolute favorite oil I've ever tried. It hydrates me more then any oil ever. Short and sweet this is an incredible product. When I use this I use it right after washing my face and right before my serums.
Organic Vitamin E oil I use on occasion. It's mean to lighten dark spots as well so I try to use it at least 2x a week.
So I thought I'd give you guys the run down in a list form just for convenience.
Nightly routine (the days I use Retin-A) :
Wash face with Limelight by Alcone Dream Clean
Retin-A Micro Gel
MAC Moisture Infusion
Limelight by Alcone Calm Balm
Origins Night-A-Mins Moisturizer
**The days I don't use the Retin-A my nightly routine is exactly the same without the use of Retin-A.
Morning Routine:
Wash face with Limelight by Alcone Dream Clean
Limelight by Alcone Calm Balm
MAC Moisture Infusion
MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15
xx,
Sean ♥
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