I’m really excited to talk about affordable skincare targeting sensitive and acne-prone skin. Now, I want to put out there that I’m not a dermatologist or esthetician, just a girl that is sharing her experience and products that she uses. That’s it. Please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to figure out your skin triggers or physician if it’s hormone-related. That will be my first piece of advice that I shell out because I am no expert and I did not study this in school.
Now, if you’ve followed my journey on here then you probably have seen that I dealt with cystic and hormonal acne.
I’ve done it all from spironolactone and Accutane to dermatologist prescribed antibiotics and creams. And, they have all worked to a certain extent. I was on Accutane for a year and my skin was clear for a year after getting off of it. I did a few months of Spironolactone, but the headaches made me quit. And, the antibiotics were something that I just never could commit to or finish up a pack. Clearly, taking medication isn’t it for me because I forget about it (but it might work for you!)
First things first, I’m the type of person that will not dive in and spend her money on things until I know that it’s worth it. So, samples are my best friend. Things that I can try out for a few weeks to see how my skin reacts because I react. Each product that I’m sharing, I’ve tested and added to my routine.
Before I jump into my routine, I did not have a good routine until this year. I’m talking cleanser and moisturizer was it, for the most part. Now, there are steps and multiple products because I’ve become invested in it. I realize that there are steps that I need to do to accomplish the results that I want.
shop my morning routine
Step One — Cleanse
When it comes to my cleanser, I keep it simple. I use the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser which has been great for my skin. Let me tell you, I’ve done it all when it comes to my cleansers. I’ve done foam and facial bars, I’ve tried it all and it’s been a wild ride. More so, because I don’t think my skin really needed all the different cleansers that I was trying. I went simple this time around and it’s been great. I use it in the morning and at night. It’s light and a small drop goes a long way. There are no complains. Find a cleanser that works well for you and it doesn’t have to break your bank.
Morning Step Two — Serum
In the morning, I apply two serums — Provence Beauty’s Vitamin C oil and Bliss’ Glow and Hydrate Day Serum. I’ve found that my skin reacts well to these two products. It doesn’t dry or irritate my skin. My hyperpigmentation was the reason to introduce Vitamin C because I wanted to fade this. Nodules can vary in size and leave behind dark marks which Vitamin C has helped out with a lot. The Bliss Glow and Hydrate Day Serum contains niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid in it which is beneficial for hydrating the skin — probably why it’s called the Glow and Hydrate Day serum. I can’t even lie, I love it. It’s so easy to apply both of these products. It truly doesn’t take too much time out of my day and I feel that the improvement of my skin has helped me go makeup-less a lot in recent months.
Evening Step Two — Serum
Honestly, the nighttime routine gets me. There are days where I’m so tired, but I’ve hacked myself by putting my necessities on my nightstand. At night, I use Bliss’ Renew and Smooth Night Serum and Provence Beauty’s Hyaluronic Acid. I used to be very wary of Hyaluronic Acid, but I did my research and found that the oil/serum isn’t bad for your skin. My favorite part of Hyaluronic Acid is that it hydrates my face and I deal with combination skin so it either dry or oily, usually dry. I’ll take all the hydration for my skin that I can get. The best part of the Bliss Renew and Smooth Night Serum is that it’s fighting for the glow — there are Niacinimide and vitamin E, which helps improve dullness, diminish pores and blemishes. Basically, look for these ingredients if you’re looking to improve dull skin.
Step Three — Moisturizer
If there’s one thing that you need to do, it moisturizes your skin! Your skin tells you when you need to moisturize it. There’s no hiding when your skin is dry because your face either is peel-y/scale-y or feels like you can’t stretch it. Honestly when it’s dry, you know it’s dry. Right now, I’ve been using two different moisturizers. It depends on how my skin is feeling that day. My go-to is First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. I use this more often than anything. My second moisturizer is Bliss’ Drench & Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator For All-Day Moisture. Usually, I put it on when I dry my skin out after a really hot shower or it needs some extra quench.
Morning Step Four — Sunscreen
In the morning, this is my last step — sunscreen. With the other serums and oils that I put on my face, I’ve never know how sensitive it is so sunscreen has been added to my equation. I’ve realized that I need to put it on all the time. I went one day without sunscreen recently and got a sunburn so lesson learned over here. But, I want to put out there that I’m wearing it for other reasons than to avoid a sunburn. This girl wants to avoid skin cancer and harsh UV rays. That’s where my Black Girl Sunscreen comes into pay. I love this sunscreen, it’s not chemical-based like many other sunscreens out there. And, it prevents against sun damage, premature aging, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Get some sunscreen in your life.
Evening Step Four — Overnight Peel
In order to go night-night, I have to have my Versed Overnight Peel. I was late to the game with a sleep mask but I’m glad that I got hip to this. First things first, I tried out the sample from Target because I was 100% sure it was something I needed. Now, I love it. You wash it off in the morning, so it’s the perfect reminder to wash your face in the morning with your cleanser.
shop my night routine
Now, what works for me isn’t going to work for everyone. I want to put that out there because I’m not claiming this is the do-all for everyone. All of our skin is different and there are different methods out there for you to see what works — dermatologist, esthetician, trying out different products.
At the end of the day, consistency is key. You need to be committed to your skin and taking care of it. The effort that you put into will be the cause and effect.
What are some of your favorite affordable skincare products?
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