Graphic by: Frances Cavanaugh
I have always been intrigued by skincare and the many different products available, but loving skincare can be a struggle when your skin itself does not care.
When it comes to caring for your skin, the best way to describe the process is trial and error. Finding the right skincare products and routine will take time and a lot of wrongs when it comes to products and applications. Even though skincare does take patience, that does not mean it cannot be accomplished.
When I started my skincare routine, I was in middle school and I tried it all. From charcoal face wash to tea tree oil to clay masks and more, I used any and everything. Even though I tried so many products, I did not do enough accurate research, which caused me to strip my skin of its natural oils many times.
I have oily skin, so I chose products that will help my skin not be as oily or shiny but also hydrate and protect my skin. My current routine consists of five steps, two times a day:
1. Wash My Face
I wash my face with La-Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser. This is helpful for oily skin as it cleanses the face while also protecting the skin barrier.
2. Use Serum
Next, I tap the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum onto my face, focusing mainly on my T-zone. This helps minimize the appearance of pores and evens the skin.
3. Spray Face
I then spray my face with the Heritage Store Rosewater Spray. This product helps to hydrate the skin.
4. Eye Cream
Next, I lightly tap and rub the e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream to my eye bags. This step helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles while also hydrating the skin.
5. Sunscreen or Moisturize
Lastly, if I am doing this skincare routine in the morning, I rub the e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 to last me throughout the day. It helps protect the skin from UV radiation while also priming it for makeup application.
If I am going through these steps at night, I use the e.l.f. Cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturizer. This is a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates the skin, and is great for oily skin to prevent the clogging of pores.
Skincare Progress
After using the majority of these products for a few months now, I can see my skin has gotten better and I do not feel embarrassed of my oily skin. I do not break out as much, and my skin is not as oily as it used to be, but hydrated.
If I can provide more insight for those who are starting their skincare journey or just want to know more information, is that everyone’s skin is different.
Not every product would work on everybody and that is okay. Do your research for your skin type! Know your concerns and what you want to target. Is it acne? Oiliness? Aging? Redness? Dryness? Dark spots? Know which products will target these concerns and which products not to use together.
Skincare also does not have to be expensive as there are plenty of great drugstore products that are very affordable compared to high-end, expensive products. Also, make sure to test your products before using them since you will not know how your skin will react to them.
Most importantly, make sure to use sunscreen every day, throughout the day. Sunscreen is very important, especially since we live in Houston where it is hot and sunny. Apply it to protect your skin from UV radiation. Cleanse your face twice a day as well, especially before bed and make sure to moisturize.
Other Recommendations
More helpful brands that I have heard and purchased from include: The Inkey List, CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Good Molecules and The Ordinary.
For a list of other products, here are some you might enjoy:
The Inkey List: Salicylic Acid Cleanser
The Inkey List: Oat Cleansing Balm
The Inkey List: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe: Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe: Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe: Renewing SA Cleanser
CeraVe: AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
CeraVe: Daily Moisturizing Lotion
La Roche-Posay: Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay: Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Good Molecules: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Ordinary: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution e.l.f. Skin: Holy Hydration! Face Cream – SPF 30
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