Today’s topic is a bit of a sensitive one for me: skincare. I have struggled with acne (mostly hormonal) for too many years, and I have tried every product under the sun to help me keep the breakouts at bay. I could write a whole book on my experiences. Have a question about what has worked and what hasn’t, especially for hormonal acne? Email me. 🙂

Quick note on nutrition- diet is crucial to skincare. There are amazing foods that can help banish breakouts and keep skin bright and plump. On the other hand, there are so many foods that can do more harm than good, and they are not the same for everyone. I highly recommend doing a food/skin journal to find your trigger foods. Simply write down what you eat every day for a week or two, and how your skin looks and feels. I promise you, it will teach you a lot!

Now back to what we put on our face, because that has a major impact, too.

I’ve now hit that lovely point in life where the battle shifts from fighting breakouts to fighting breakouts and wrinkles. It is no easy task to keep your youth while simultaneously trying to banish the bane of your youth, am I right? Tell me I’m not the only one in this boat!

Anyway, after years of experimentation (full of countless duds and a few successes), I have hit a sweet spot in my skincare routine. The combination of products I’m sharing today has not only helped me to keep my skin clear, but it’s also helped me fade post-acne marks, and keep my skin glowy and youthful.

1. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This mask saves my face! It does wonders for breakouts, clogged and enlarged pores, and hyper-pigmentation. I use this once a week to keep my skin clear, and to help fade post-acne marks. My post-acne spots have definitely faded as a result of using this mask! Plus it smells like pumpkin, so there’s an added bonus 🙂

2. The Face Shop Firming Moisture Mist

I am low-key obsessed with K-beauty aka Korean skincare. Korean women have such amazing skin, and if you have never googled “10-step Korean skincare routine”, prepare to have your mind blown. This is a really nice toner that I just spray on morning and night before my moisturizer. It helps keep everything looking smooth and plump.

3. Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm

This eye cream hits all the points I was looking for: 1. All natural with no icky ingredients 2. Really good price point (not about to break the bank for eye cream) 3. Does what it says it does. Are the results jaw-on-the-floor dramatic? No, but I wake up with undereyes that are well hydrated, which is key for making those fiiiiine little lines less noticeable. Right now, my anti-aging philosophy is about prevention, not seeking out the fountain of youth.

4. The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Lotion

Again with the K-beauty (surprise, surprise). I have always been one to back away slowly from moisturizer, because as an oily-skinned girl, I have tried too many that left me feeling oilier and like I was wearing a thick, pore-clogging mask #notcute. Which led to breakouts and then discontinuing the use of said moisturizer. SO not the case with this one. This is truly the first moisturizer that has not broken me out and actually enhances my skin. It goes on  feeling very light (almost like a serum), and over time I have noticed my skin tone looking brighter and more even. Game changer, for sure.

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Scrub

Ahhh yes, the good old standby from my freshman year of college. I used this several years back and my skin was great at the time, so I figured why mess with a good thing? It’s a trusty cleanser that isn’t too harsh or abrasive, and the salicylic acid keeps my pores from getting clogged. If this was good enough to hold precious real estate in my shower caddy back then, it can surely hold a place in my post-dorm shower now.

Please know how much this subject means to me. If you are someone who has, or still is dealing with acne and breakouts, I feel you! It can shake your self-esteem to the core and consume your thoughts all.day.long. I am so particular about what goes on my skin, so you can be assured that these products are real deal game-changers. If this post helps even one person, I am sooooo thrilled!

Let’s keep the convo going- do you have any ride-or-die skincare products that have totally changed your skin for the better? Anything that I should try? Tell, tell!

XO,

Alexandra