Name: Aly
Age Range: 25-30
Skin Type: Combination
Skin Concerns: Not too many at this point (fingers crossed)! I have some minor acne scars that are in the process of fading, and some extra oiliness every now and then on my T-zone (especially around that time of the month). But that much is normal for someone who has Combination skin. I occasionally get little whiteheads also around that time, 'cause of hormones. And I'm still working on a bad habit of touching my face...
Skin Sensitivity: Moderate. I mean, I don't
think my skin would be classified/diagnosed as Sensitive, but I've noticed what I believe is irritation and breakouts from several different products and ingredients I've tried over the years. So, better safe than sorry, I guess.
Current Products and Skincare Routine:
After trying literally everything for years, from drugstore stuff to Korean skincare and everything in-between, this set of products has proven to come through for me time and time again. I make sure to use ingredients that are as natural and safe as possible. So, that means no fragrances, no artificial preservatives, no synthetic substances or colorants of any kind! Each product on its own is reasonably priced. But, obviously, it comes out to a considerable sum altogether––which I honestly don't mind, just because they're all so natural and effective!
1. Cleanser
Aleavia Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser - Gentle but powerful stuff! I used to use a charcoal facial cleanser that had natural granules in it for a "two-in-one" cleanser plus scrub. But I got tired of its smell and texture, and the tingling sensation it left on my skin. So, I switched to this Aleavia cleanser which has a smooth, gel-like consistency and a faint smell of coconut oil, since that's one of its main ingredients. Surprisingly, it doesn't break me out despite the coconut oil. (Though, I've never had a problem with coconut oil or any natural oils that can be applied to the skin.) Besides, most people's skin needs considerable moisture for just about every reason!
2. Toner
Oleavine Clarifying Toner - I switched to this toner because I get a lot more for a lot less than my previous one! It has a nice cucumber scent and does exactly what a toner should do.
3. Retinol Serum
Tree of Life Retinol Serum - This helps treat my acne and reduce redness considerably! I'm seriously amazed! I often use it as a standalone spot treatment for my breakouts. I don't think it's a
super potent retinol serum, since it's combined with other natural ingredients that are listed closer the top of the ingredients list, unlike the retinol itself. But considering its relatively low price point and very effective natural ingredients (
plus the retinol, of course), it's still a great serum!
4. Moisturizer/Niacinamide Serum
KRANICELL Galacto Complex Repair - This is a Korean skincare product that I happened upon while searching for a niacinamide serum to treat acne scars and prevent breakouts. And while this serum
does contain niacinamide, it's only 2%. 97% of it consists of galactomyces (hence the name of the product), which is a fungal yeast that grows in fermented rice (a.k.a. saké) that's known to greatly moisturize and defend the skin. So far, I have no complaints!
5. Acne Spot Treatment
Lorelis Labs Cystic Acne Spot Treatment - As I mentioned in the beginning, I mainly get small whiteheads, so I'm pretty sure I don't have cystic acne (which is usually described as very large and/or severe acne). I tend to use this before I go to bed because it leaves an oily sheen since it contains coconut oil. I wake up with noticeably reduced redness and swelling of my breakouts!
Makeup Remover Wipes
Rawganic Facial Wipes - Not only are these priced very well for the amount you get, but they come in one of my favorite scents (pomegranate)~ I was blown away at the ingredients as well. Often, I use these not only for makeup removal, but for when I'm too lazy to wash my face, haha!
Makeup Remover Liquid/Cleansing Water
Marcelle Micellar Water - Before I found the Rawganic wipes, I was just using this micellar water with large oval cotton pads to remove all of my makeup. Needless to say, it was becoming an expensive hassle, so the wipes really came through for me! Now, I use the micellar water to touchup or treat irritation and breakouts, or if I want more thorough makeup removal (especially for my eye makeup).
Tips and alternative methods that have helped me:
- This one might be obvious, but seriously do your research on all the ingredients in your products, especially before you buy them. I cannot tell you how much trouble (not to mention money) this has saved me! In my case, I found out that ingredients like phenoxyethanol make me break out like crazy (from firsthand experience, and then reading about it later...), and now I avoid it like the plague.
- I no longer use a scrub, believe it or not, because I've been told that it further irritates your breakouts (which actually makes sense). And, honestly, my acne isn't nearly as bad as it used to be when I was using scrubs! Just use a good cleanser that takes care of dead skin. The mild Aleavia cleanser I use seems to be pretty good at that, and I'm assuming it's because it contains dead sea salt!
- Sometimes, especially when my skin/acne has a lot of inflammation and irritation, I use a homemade honey and cinnamon mask. I leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. (You can leave it on a bit longer if you please, but it may start to feel uncomfortable and/or itchy!) If the honey you're using has crystallized over time, then you'll probably feel some granules as you wash it off your face. So, you'll get a natural and gentle scrub for your skin as well~ After you pat your skin dry, you are left with noticeably soft and refreshed skin! Feel free to follow it up with a toner and/or serum(s).
- Take a natural/plant-based supplement that supports your gut/digestive system. I often take a probiotic in the morning on an empty stomach, and then a couple turmeric tablets in the evening. If I'm feeling particularly swollen or inflamed, I'll additionally take spirulina tablets and drink liquid chlorophyll diluted with water. Gut health and detoxing your body (at least by drinking lots of water and eating the right foods) are shown to be number one when it comes to having healthy skin in general.
and oily skin in general. I use Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser for my face and wash my face in the morning and night. Then if I have any trouble spots, I use a prescribed topical acne medicine (Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP 1%).Usually if I stay hydrated and avoid fried and oily foods (like chocolate), then my breakouts are pretty minimal.
Thank you again everyone for sharing!
