It seems an extensive period of time has passed since you've had any insight as to what's the deal with my skin and routine these days. In eight months since my last post, a great amount of torture has taken place.
For quite a while I contracted an outrageous (by my standards) case of hormonal acne that was only further aggravated by some of the products I was using. My skin, in particular, is greatly affected by stress and my dietary habits so even a tiny ounce of internal strife or dairy/sugar sets it off. But, I'd never experienced something this drastic.
I debated seeing a dermatologist or investing in some low-grade retinol creams or serums and while I'd recommend others do just that, I weirdly enough had the issue vanish practically overnight when I switched around some components of my routine.
Let's get on with it and bring out the shiny new stuff!
MORNING
CLEANSING
I've shifted gears and started alternating between warm and cold water when I splash my face first thing in the morning. Still not using any sort of cleanser but if I have a gym session bright and early I come back and slough away the sweat with micellar water.
TONER
COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Tone $14 yesstyle.com
Behold, my newest lifesaver. I bought this on a whim because I had run out of Peach & Lily's Good Acids Pore Toner and just rolled into a K-Beauty store asking the clerk for something that would keep my pH balanced, pores refreshed, but safe for sensitive baby skin. I've been using it morning and night and holy hell, the calming effects this has have reduced redness and inflammation tenfold for me. Centella Asiatica has healing properties due to its high potency of antioxidants so for those looking to minimize existing acne, prevent future breakouts, while treating the appearance of eczema, psoriasis, and environmental irritation, add this ingredient to your regimen!
MOISTURIZER
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum $23 yesstyle.com
Still using this. Still love it. Great for under makeup. Softening. Chef's kiss.
SPF
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 $22 bluemercury.com
My first tube hasn't run out and I still enjoy this formula but it has since gone up in price because Sephora doesn't seem to be keeping it in stock anymore. Please protect yourselves from UVA and UVB damage kids!
NIGHT
CLEANSING
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water $14.90 dermstore.com
My lord and savior that provides the best double cleanse for my skin and makes my cheeks feel like cotton candy clouds. It's likely this is a product I'll never give up.
Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser $16 kravebeauty.com
Krave has quickly climbed up the list of my favorite beauty brands with gentle yet effective products that have easily identifiable ingredients and no harsh additives or chemicals. This cleanser works to hydrate your face while getting out any leftover makeup gunk or dirt buildup. I don't use a brush or a glove, just work it into your skin for 60 seconds and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser $32 sephora.com
Got this as a sample and it's perfect for days in between exfoliation when I'm feeling extra congested or gross without stripping my skin or breaking me out. I'll do the first 30 seconds of washing with this, rinse, and switch off to the Krave Beauty one.
TONER
Same as above!
ESSENCE
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence ulta.com
She's stuck around for now. Juices me up a bit like a pseudo-serum. I have my eye open for other options.
MOISTURIZER
Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream $28 kravebeauty.com
So the love story between me and First Aid Beauty's Coconut Water Cream came to an abrupt end when I started picking up on the way it was making my skin burn more often than not. Luckily, Krave dropped this baby right around the time I was running low. I love that it's not greasy or thick but delivers just enough moisture even in this extra dry winter season I'm desperately clawing my way out of. It comes with a spatula so as not to worry about germs and it's even considered safe for those suffering from fungal acne.
MASKING
Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X with Super Volcanic Clusters $15 us.innisfree.com
I use a lot of the same masks as some of the ones I mentioned in my previous mask guide but have since swapped clay masks due to to Asarai one being a bit more intense than I'd prefer. This Innisfree volcanic clay mask is creamier and doesn't leave my skin feeling as though it needs a heap of moisture replacement while doing a solid job of attacking all the grime and uneven texture that progresses over the course of a busy week.
Would love to hear some of your beauty faves as of late as well so feel free to hit the comments or let me know via socials. x
Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X with Super Volcanic Clusters $15 us.innisfree.com
I use a lot of the same masks as some of the ones I mentioned in my previous mask guide but have since swapped clay masks due to to Asarai one being a bit more intense than I'd prefer. This Innisfree volcanic clay mask is creamier and doesn't leave my skin feeling as though it needs a heap of moisture replacement while doing a solid job of attacking all the grime and uneven texture that progresses over the course of a busy week.
Would love to hear some of your beauty faves as of late as well so feel free to hit the comments or let me know via socials. x
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