Spring Skincare
This time last year I was struggling with severe acne. I learned two things very important things. One: Less is more. Two: Stress WILL break you out. Think about last March and take a wild guess as to why I was struggling with acne. Yup. Anyway, after many months and two rounds of antibiotics, I no longer have severe acne! I’ll get the occasional breakout but for the most part, keeping up with my skincare does the trick. I keep it pretty simple in the morning sticking to my mandatory sunscreen even if I don’t plan on washing my face until later. At night is when I really put on most of my products. Here are my current must-haves:
Biba Los Angeles Mandelic Cleaning Gel
Biba is one of my favorite places to shop for trusted non-comedogenic skincare products. Her acne products are amazing if you’re in need! I truly am addicted to this face wash. NOTHING makes me feel cleaner and a little bit goes a long way. “MANDELIC acid is fast acting and brightening, it is great for exfoliating dead skin cells and lifting pigmented spots. It has unique antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, it combats inflamed Acne and Rosacea related breakouts.” It will not leave the skin dry. Its rich foaming anti inflammatory formula will cleanse and brighten the skin without a drying side effect.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum
SkinCeuticals is a cult favorite. The Age Defense came highly recommended to me and even so many of you say it has totally changed your skin! It also has tons of rave reviews. I am loving it for my acne prone skin! It’s a total double whammy - keeping skin young and healthy. It’s great for people with hyperpigmentation as well.
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
This was recommended to me at my last derm visit. I’ve definitely been lacking that bright skin look while also struggling to get rid of my acne scars. This is a total must have for both! I know this brand is on the pricier side, but everyone who uses it swears by it. It’s truly worth investing in a couple key products if your skin is worth it to you! For me, I was at my whits end! And it has totally been worth it!
My absolute FAVORITE sunscreen. Like, WOW. Also recommended to me at my last derm visit (and one of the most derms recommended in general). The UV Clear formula by Elta MD is essential for anyone with acne. It has Zinc and Niacinamide in it which is great for those of us who don’t want to break out! They have other formulas but of course, this is my personal favorite. It doesn’t dry out your skin at all because I know that is something commonly confused with acne-safe products. I also am beyond obsessed with the tinted version. It is so stunning and I honestly just consider its makeup. Not that it has a ton of coverage, but it’s way prettier than most of my tinted moisturizers. 10/10 recommend.
Sonya Dakar Retinu Skin Renewal Retinol Serum
Retinol is essential after age 25 in MY opinion. I mean you stop producing collagen ladies it’s time. I love Sonya Dakar’s formula because it is so gentle yet so effective. Your skin feels so soft and has this mini Instagram filter look on it when you use it regularly. “Retinu is a gentle retinol serum that aids in exfoliating dry, damaged skin and accelerating cell-turnover. Regular use helps diminish of visible fine lines, wrinkles and scaring while brightening skin tone.”
Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub
I love the feeling of a scrub - SUE ME! Ole Henriksen is one of my OG favorite brands that never lets me down. This is their newest product and I love it. I sometimes feel my skin clogged after a few days of working out, so I use this 1-2 times per week for a little extra cleanse and it completely does the trick. Love, love, love!
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
I truly cannot live without this little tube of liquid gold. I have one on my nightstand, in my purse, and in my bathroom. It is one of the best lip balms ever! It seals the deal of any skincare routine.
And that’s it! (for now) I drink TONS of water I might as well have put my Hydro Flask as one of these slides but I’ll spare you. Pro tip: get a straw lid for your Hydro Flask though and you will drink way more water. Stay hydrated, wear your sunscreen, and don’t pick at your skin!