I, like many young girls, grew up in a world where skin products and advertisements were all around. Even so, I struggled to find any skincare models that had skin similar to my own pale tone. I also wasn't prepared for so many products to cause my skin breakouts, cause redness, and cause damage. Before I found this routine, I was constantly trying new products to find one that worked the best, occasionally breaking out and then trying again with something completely different. The skin routine below focuses on hydration, oils, and cleansing because those are things I have always struggled with in my own skin-care journey. I use a large number of products because I have tried them all separately and know they work for my skin type. My advice is to try some out, see what works, and adjust it to make your perfect skin care routine!

Moisturizing products:

1. Pond's, $5

Pond's cream is perfect for all different types of skin, especially sensitive. It's light and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated even with makeup on. If you're looking for a drugstore product that will hydrate your skin for a cheap price, use this product at least once a day and see improvement.

2. Origins, Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask, $26

Origins is one of my favorite skin-care brands and this product doesn't disappoint. If you use this overnight face mask a few times a week you will notice a difference in moisture and strength the next morning. Just wash your face and put the Drink Up Mask on before bed, then wake up to the hydrated skin you've been hoping for!

3. Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture, $70

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is perfect for dry, troubled skin. Before this product, my skin had dry patches, but after a few weeks of using Murad on those troubled areas, my skin became balanced. To start, I would use this product every day and then limit to every other day, and eventually, you will have soft enough skin that it isn't necessary to use this until a few times every month. I like to pair this product with other moisturizers and use this for my worst dry skin breakouts.

Cleansing:

1. Neutrogena, Oil-Free Acne Wash, $7

Neutrogena products are great for cleansing. I interchange which of these two products I use depending on if I want scrubbing beads or a silky wash. It's hard to find a good cleansing wash for sensitive skin, but this product has always been something I go back to after trying other products unsuccessfully, (why change something that works anyway!) I use it mornings and every time I shower.

2. Aveeno, Positively Radiant, Daily Cleansing Pads, $9

Aveeno Positively Radiant Pads work great as a makeup remover and as a cleanser. They exfoliate, cleanse, texturize, and moisturize which make them great for everyday use. They are also light on skin and don't lead to irritation. They are self foaming, dual textured, and soap and oil free.

3. Biore Charcoal Pore Strips, $15

If you struggle with clogged pores and blackheads on and around your nose, Bioré pore strips are good for drawing out the oil and dirt that leads to blackheads. I use these when I notice clogged pores, which is about every other week.

4. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, $24

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash is great for before-bed use. It is for oily and dry skin types. I've noticed that it counteracts my oily T-zone (Nose, chin, and forehead,) and heals the dry zones on my face. I recommend this to people who have combination skin.

5. Origins Modern Friction, $30

Modern Friction is a cleansing oil and milk after water is added. I use this product after showers to take away dirt and impurities and to further brighten my skin. It's perfect for sensitive skin due to the organic products in it such as white and purple rice, grapefruits, and natural oils.

Makeup Remover:

1. Simple Cleansing Wipes, $5

This product is a sensitive skin must! Taking off your makeup before bed each night is important when it comes to good skin care and using the wrong type of facial wipe could be playing a part in your struggle for clear skin. Simple wipes have no dye, alcohol, or harsh chemicals.