Skincare Routine + Products for Problem Skin and Acne Scarring
I’ve spent the last couple years searching for the right mix of products and the perfect routine to achieve a clear and even skin tone. (Thank you high school hormones for the acne scars).
I’m excited to invite Y'all into my routine and share the love that is, truly, skincare heaven. Keep in mind that these products are mostly natural (which works best for my combination/sensitive skin) and generally high quality (which means not everything is under five bucks).
This post is also in collaboration with Clarisonic (my new best friends) and HerCampus. (You may find a special code somewhere in this post. Just saying, Clarisonic has your back...)
Good Morning, Beautiful?
I wholeheartedly believe you look incredible when you wake up, but me..? That’s another story. All jokes aside, my mornings are generally minimal because the skincare party is poppin' at night.
Waking up, I normally take my showers first thing to help jumpstart my day. My main goal after showering, which I’m sure is universal, is to moisturize until I feel like I just bathed in shea butter.
Pictured below are my two favorite out-of-shower moisturizers that help calm my eczema and keep the rest of my body glowing. (Shoutout to Nivea for holding down the fort, but products like this Carol’s Daughter Monoi Cream Oil is what keeps the skin ‘summertime fine’ all year).
Next up, getting my face in order... I prefer, like many others, to refrain from cleansing my face in the morning because the life of the skincare party is at night! (Scroll down to read more about my nighttime routine).
‘Cleaning’ my face in the morning is as simple as a splash of water and my favorite toner of all time, Thayer’s Witch Hazel with rose water. All I need is a few swipes with a cotton pad and my skin is feeling awake and refreshed.
Lynn Tip: I’m sure you’ve heard once before that washing your face in the morning is not always mandatory. I suggest keeping your routine light and refreshing, rather than product-heavy, in order not to strip your face of too much moisture. Even for oily skin types, it could be dangerous over-cleansing (or exfoliating) your face throughout the day.
‘Goodnight’ for You = Party Time for Your Skin
As for many others, nighttime is by far the most important part of the day for my skin. With built-up dirt from walking to and from class plus the occasional face re-touch, I take my routine very seriously in order to keep it clear.
So, since my routine is pretty bulked up at night, I’ll save you the extra fluff and go down my mental list step-by-step.
1. Grab the makeup wipes
My wipes of choice are your standard Equate makeup wipes from Walmart. (The purple packaging, meant to soothe sensitive skin, is my favorite).
2. Time to cleanse!
Cleansing my skin has never been something I skip or take for granted. I could be exhausted and still make my way to the sink to care for this baby face.
Thankfully, I’ve partnered up with Clarisonic to share what I believe is one of the secrets to clear and smooth skin! Believe me, there are plenty of skincare products and gadgets that knowingly lack in benefit but this Mia 1 device from Clarisonic is no such ‘gadget.’
When I was in high school, I would sneak my moms Clarisonic device at night to keep my skin popping so, needless to say, this brand and concept is nothing new.
Thanks to Clarisonic, I was finally able to own my own Mia 1 device (sorry mom) with an extra acne cleansing and deep pore brush head for some serious cleansing power. (I’m also trying and LOVING the acne and blemish gel cleanser—by far one of my favorite acne cleansers to date).
Real quick, let's dig deep into this Mia 1 because it truly is the star of my skincare show. With one speed that's suitable for all skin types, it’s perfect for removing the dirt and oils that can't easily be removed with just our hands.
Let me just say that the radiance brush head (pink) feels extremely gentle on my skin and is perfect for those who can’t always handle tools with rough bristles. The acne (green) and deep pore (blue) brush heads are also heavenly and do exactly what you can imagine.
(I plan on alternating between the three depending on the condition of my skin throughout the month, alongside the pore and blemish gel cleanser).
Do you ever have those moments where you use something and realize you can’t ever ‘go back’ to life without that ‘thing?’ Well, after revisiting for a few weeks, this device has officially caused that ‘moment.’
My cleansers of choice, pictured below, are my go-to’s and deserve all the credit for my somewhat even skin tone. Championing for first place is my Yes to Carrots cream cleanser alongside Origin’s Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask and Alba Botanica’s Acne Dote face and body scrub.
3. Lock in the moisture
After cleansing, I like to apply my toner of choice (Thayer’s Witch Hazel), while my pores are still open, and follow up with something a bit controversial for combination/oily skin types.
I apply oils to my face. Yes, I said OIL.
Applying oils to an already oily t-zone may not be the moisturizer of choice, but it has dramatically changed the tone of my skin and lightened the look of stubborn dark spots.
Bio Oil and SunKissAlba’s new Radiant Glow Oil by DermaE are my favorites but aren’t the only choices alongside Tarte’s Maracuja Oil and Coconut Oil (on occasion).
Seemingly easy routine, right? Although I have a lot of products in my ‘product drawer,’ I love how simple my routine is year-round. Now that it’s fall, this Clarisonic Mia 1 is going to come in extra handy with a face mask and oil to keep my skin from drying out.
Thanks to HerCampus and Clarisonic, you can receive 15% off other well-known devices and products by visiting this page and using the code HERCAMPUS. They also offer special monthly payment plans, upon credit approval, to help you pay for your own device!
This post may have been filled with recommendations and product names but, overall, my routine fits my skin perfectly after years of searching for the right combination.
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect mix of products and tools, always do your research and invest in quality over quantity.
Your skin will thank you for treating it like royalty, take my word for it. With that said, share this post to spread the love and comment below any of your favorite products/routine habits that work for you!