Skin care is one of my favorite topics. I love shopping for new products and discovering what works best for my skin.

My previous skin care posts: Skin Care Routine (2020) and Body Care Routine & Feminine Hygiene (2020).

(Note: this routine is subject to change in the next few months).

My skin in the wintertime is slightly drier but oddly shinier. This year, my skin has been on some wild ish with more hormonal breakouts than ever before. It became so bad that I went back to see my dermatologist immediately. Water intake and diet are the key, and I’ve been slacking. I’ve been under a lot of stress this year as well. My skin type is still acne prone and oily. Right not, I’m trying to use the most basic and gentle products until my skin balances out, and then I can purchase the more high-end/stronger products when I know my skin can take it.

Pre-Cleanse.

I’m still using DHC Deep Cleansing Oil- $26.59 as my pre-cleanse, and I don’t plan on using anything else ever. It’s a great make up remover and doesn’t clog my pores. I was a little skeptical using it the first time, but it really does help break up the dirt, oil, and makeup.

Cleanse.

I finally found a gentle but effective facial cleanser for my oily skin. After doing some research, I found that gel cleansers are best for oily skin and cream cleansers are best for dry skin. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser- $12.91 gets the job done.

Mask.

I only apply a mask once or twice a week. I’m currently using New York Biology: Dead Sea Mud Mask- $16.10. The Indian healing clay mask is a little too aggressive to use right now and may irritate my skin so I’m taking a break from that.

Tone.

I’m still using the Heritage Store Rosewater Toner w/ Hyaluronic Acid- $11.99. After the double cleansing process, my skin might feel a little dried out, so the toner helps bring that suppleness back into the skin.

Acne Treatments.

(Note: Both are prescribed by my dermatologist.)

AM Treatment: Azelaic Acid in the morning. I apply a pea-sized amount onto my face to make sure the product last as long as possible, also because a little goes a long way. Azelaic Acid helps to soothe inflammation, treats sunspots, and melasma.

PM Treatment: Tretinoin Cream every other night. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells. If you didn’t know, our skin cells tend to repair themselves overnight. Tretinoin cream improves fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, and skin color. I apply a pea-sized amount to my face. I’ve been using Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin cream since October 2021, so I’m still waiting to start seeing improvements. It could take up to three months or so for the products to start working.

Also, I take Spironolactone (one pill, twice a day) which is also prescribed by my dermatologist. When used in combination with my birth control pills it will help treat hormonal acne from the inside.

Moisturize.

AM Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion- $16.89. I’m actually using the wrong moisturizer for my skin type so this product will be changing soon. I didn’t realize until I was making this post. Most likely, I’ll switch to the CeraVe Ultra-Light Lotion w/ SPF 30-$14.83. The lotion is very light weight, almost too light weight in my opinion. It feels like I’m rubbing water on my face.

PM Moisturizer: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion- $12.39. CeraVe products are so popular and highly recommended because they contain 3 important ceramides and hyaluronic acid all while being pretty affordable products.

Facial Oil (to seal in the moisture).

I sadly had to throw away my favorite facial oil- FLOW Perfectly Balanced Facial Oil- $28 because it had expired. In the meantime, I decided to purchase the Spring Valley Vitamin E Skin Oil- $3.96 after I seen one of my favorite youtubers raving about it and I’m highly disappointed. It’s not pure vitamin e. One of the main ingredients mixed in this oil is Coconut Oil. If you tell any dermatologist that you use coconut oil, they’ll probably fall right out their chair. Coconut oil clogs your pores!

Now I’m using the Pursonic 100% Natural Sweet Almond Oil- $9.95 as my facial oil. It’s safe for the face and body. The major uses for this oil is to reduce wrinkles and pores and it’s suitable for all skin types. It’s very moisturizing. I love using it as a body massaging oil too.

So, I’m currently on the hunt for a good exfoliator (cause I have none), new moisturizers with sunscreen, serums (like vitamin c), and re-stocking my favorite facial oil. I also want to add another new cleanser.

Till next time,