Below I speak towards moments of my skin journey that made me realize I need to calm down and simplify my skin routine. I have started to wash my face ONLY twice a day (I know, DUHH). I found that Neutrogena is not always the solution. Hydrating my skin does not equal more pimples. Lastly, not touching my face can do wonders. While this is my journey, not all products mentioned will help everyone. The hardest lesson I had to learn was: Influencers and YouTubers do not know all and are not our dermatologists.
I have struggled with my acne-prone, combination skin since 2013. For the past seven years, I searched high and low for a miracle product to fix my acne issue. One positive part of the pandemic is, I learned what my skin requires; to calm the F* down! My skin wants simple products and less harsh items. I use to have a seven-step routine thinking this will work, “I know it will!” I would tell myself each morning. However, I refused to look at the list of ingredients and bought what influencers told me to. I am still on my skin journey. I have a long way to go as well.
In this pandemic, I have not put makeup on routinely and did not stress over every pimple that appeared. Rather, I have learned to care for my skin. I continue to try new products. I am on a journey to find a few skincare items that will work consistently. I want a routine I can stick to and one my wallet agrees to. Finding an affordable product that not only is made for sensitive skin but also lasts longer than one month is my ultimate goal. One holy grail item I highly recommend trying is the Cerave Moisturizing Cream. This lotion comes in multiple sizes. The largest size, 16 oz, lasts me roughly 9 months. A DREAM! I had to ease my skin onto this item. It is thicker and, therefore, I wanted my pores to not get clogged. After I apply a vitamin c serum (currently trying a few out) and Differin acne medicine (also currently in the testing phase) I apply this Cerave Cream on my face and neck. A little goes a long way.
I use to wash my face at least twice a day. On the days I had many pimples I would wash my face multiple times a day or cover it with thick concealer. After learning about skin, I have realized I need to slow WAY down. Over-washing is dangerous. I need to stop touching my face (also pandemic friendly..), wash less, have fewer products, and moisturize (a key to preventing scaring). When I was struggling with acne, I used all drying ingredients. My face was dying for anything hydrating. I now need to apologize to my skin: you deserved to be treated with kindness and not with harsh chemicals, I am sorry. One strange thing I had to learn is that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two ingredients to STAY AWAY from!! These chemicals dry out and are harmful to my skin. They created more acne, not less. For me, that is! Simple is key.
I am now on the hunt for a cleanser. A cleanser that is simple, sensitive-skin friendly, and not bank-breaking. I am trying to stay with Cerave products since they have a good reputation with dermatologists. They also have products that last a long time for a great price point. I am currently testing out Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. I hope to add this to my regimen, fingers (and toes) all crossed.
Confused? Same. 