Like many other teenage girls, I struggled with acne throughout Middle and High school. I moisturized, exfoliated, and tried every cleanser on the shelves, but being the fair and freckled girl that I am, most of the chemicals in cleansers would burn my skin or make my breakouts even worse. I was very self-conscious about my acne and caked my face in foundation and powder, which only made my skin worse. About six months ago, I decided to change my skin routine entirely and I have been very pleased with the results. I now have very few breakouts and can confidently leave my house without any makeup on. Here's my skin routine and the products that changed my life for the better!
My Morning Skin Routine:
1. A Gentle Cleanser
As someone who has never had extremely sensitive skin, I have always had great results using Neutrogena products. The Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash ($8) has always worked very well for me. I use this cleanser in the morning after I first wake up. This cleanser does not dry your face out of remove any of your natural oils.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is great for drying pimples out. However, it is very important to not use too much tea tree oil because it is incredibly strong and will dry out your skin. I use Nature's Bounty Tea Tree Oil ($11) on any breakouts.
3. Moisturizer
My skin gets extremely dry, especially during the winter. Because of this, it is important for me to moisturize every day. I use Ponds Dry Skin Cream ($5) every morning to moisturize my face. Not only is this moisturizer affordable, but it lasts for a long time and is very gentle on your face.
My Nightly Skin Routine:
1. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is amazing for your skin. I put a little bit of T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent ($6) on a cotton pad every night to remove my makeup and to tone my skin. The scent is a little off-putting to me, but my skin always feels amazing afterward.
2. Exfoliate
I didn't realize how important exfoliating is until I received a free sample of Lush's Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub ($22). This is the priciest of my skin products, but it drastically changed my skin for the better. After using up my free sample, I instantly invested in it. I usually use this every other day during my nightly skin routine.
3. Vitamin E Oil
Even if you have naturally oily skin, Vitamin E oil is very good for reducing redness and acne scars. I use Walgreens Vitamin E Oil With Keratin ($11) every night before I go to bed. The results are not immediate, but with continued use, it makes a big difference. Because I use Vitamin E oil at night, I do not put on a moisturizer afterward.
I highly recommend all of these products. Skincare is one of the most important parts of a beauty routine, yet is often so overlooked. Now that I know how to take care of my skin, my self-confidence has increased drastically!
