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1. APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm: If you’ve been here long enough then you know how much I love this cleansing balm. I havent used it in a while because I have been experimenting with some cleansing oils that I’ve been gifted. But you guys, nothing compares!! I don’t know the science behind it but this cleansing balm literally sucks out all of the impurities in my skin. My makeup completely melts away, blackheads disappear. This needs to be a staple in everyone’s routine, it’s the perfect product!

2. Biodance Toner Pads: I have used many toner pads in the past, so when I was gifted this, I didn’t expect to be so impressed with it. The instant hydration that it delivers to my skin is insane.

3. Lazy Skincare Double Duty Serum-Moisturizer Duo: Maybe I’m delusional, but I feel like this was making me so much prettier when I was actively using it. I love how soft and supple it makes my skin feel *all day*. It also left me with such a beautiful glow.

4. Prequel Multi-Quench Polyglutamic Acid Mist: I was never a mist person before getting this, and now I cant imagine my life without it. My skin gets so annoyingly dry in winter and this has been my life saver. This bottle lives in my bag, I refuse to go anywhere without it. My skin looks so perfectly hydrated and glowy. I could talk about this mist all day, it’s a perfect product.

   

5. Biodance Real Deep Collagen mask: This is the first sheet mask that I have been able to use overnight that did not produce a pimple the next morning. My skin feels like it’s actually being covered in hydration vs just having something sitting on it for hours.

   

6. Biodance Collagen serum: I think Biodance as a brand might have mastered hydration because this serum is perfect. I’ve been recommending it to everybody ever since I first used it.

7. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial cleanser: I’ve used this cleanser on and off for years, but I gained a new appreciation for it in 2025. It’s just such an effective and gentle cleanser. It does so much for your skin without doing too much, if that makes sense.

8. Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask: I’ve been in love with this mask for years, truly old reliable for me. Whenever I feel a bit of texture, or I can tell that I have intruders lurking below my skin, I whip this out and it literally sucks everything out.

9. Topicals Clearly Mask: This mask has been such a lifesaver for me when dealing with breakouts. There have been times that I have used it and my pimples have gone away over night!

   

10. Kiehl’s Invisible pimple patch: I usually reserve this product for emergencies and it has never let me down! My pimples hate to see this coming and I will reach for it every single time.

11. Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant: I’ve been dealing with some annoying dryness all winter, and the dead skin has been clogging my pores. Sometimes chemical exfoliation isn’t enough. This scrub has been the perfect way to balance my skin out and clear out all the dry and dead skin that tends to pile up over time.

Just try a couple of these once, there’s no harm in a travel sized trial. And if I’m wrong and you hate it, then you never have to listen to me again. But hopefully you love them too!!

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It’s very important that we reframe our feelings about pimples. Don’t treat it like the enemy, at the end of the day this is still your skin. And it requires a lot of gentle care and attention regardless of what is going on with it.

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Step 1: Do not pop it

This is the fastest way to turn a small breakout into weeks of hyperpigmentation or scarring. Popping pushes bacteria deeper into the skin and increases inflammation, even if “nothing comes out.” Popping is also the quickest way to turn your simple pimple into a cystic breakout. And like I’ve said before, once your acne turns cystic… it’s curtains.

Step 2: Ice to calm inflammation

Wrap ice in a clean cloth and apply for 1–2 minutes, up to 2–3 times a day.
This constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, shrinks the pimple within hours. Don’t press down too hard on your pimple, just hold the ice against it gently.

Step 3: Use a targeted treatment

Choose one of the following based on the type of pimple:

• Benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) for angry, inflamed pimples

  • PanOxyl is my go-to face wash for acne flare ups

• Salicylic acid (0.5–2%) for clogged pores or early breakouts

• Sulfur for surface-level whiteheads

  • This Neutrogena sulfur spot treatment is amazing! (use wisely)

Step 4: Hydrocolloid patch overnight

These patches help to

• Absorb fluid

• Protect the pimple from bacteria

• Reduce redness by morning

They work best on pimples that have come to the surface, not deep cysts.

Step 5: Don’t irritate it

No exfoliating, no new serums, no “spot treating” with multiple products.
Cleanse, moisturize, spot treat, and stop.

If the pimple is a deep cyst/under the skin, you can do some gentle physical exfoliation or use a chemical exfoliator like the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads to help bring it to the surface.

But once the pimple surfaces, follow the above steps closely!!!

What not to do

• Toothpaste

• Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide

• Layering multiple actives

These delay healing and increase the chance of dark spots.

For cystic acne

Topicals can only do so much. Ice + anti-inflammatory treatments help, but cystic breakouts will require time and professional care.

If these pimples are recurring, that might be a sign to address hormonal or internal triggers, not just topical treatments.

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I was desperate for clear skin, but my acne felt never ending. Fast forward to now: I’ve been acne-free for an entire year, and more importantly, I have had no breakouts!! No flare-ups around my period; no cysts lurking under the surface; Literally nothing but stable clear skin.

This didn’t happen by chance. I had to re-arrange my entire life and establish healthy systems. This journey also required patience and honesty about what my body actually needed.

Here’s everything I did to get here.

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1. Spironolactone

My dermatologist put me on 100mg of spironolactone at the beginning of my acne treatment.

I stayed on:

• 100mg for 4 months

• tapered down to 50mg for another 4 months

• then moved to 25mg, which I’ve been on for the past 5 months

I haven’t had a single breakout since.

The purpose of getting on spironolactone was to interrupt the hormonal cycle that kept triggering acne. Then slowly taper to the lowest effective dose with the intention to completely get off of the medication once I did the proper internal work to stabilize my hormones.

This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. But if your acne is hormonal, it is worth discussing Spironolactone with a licensed professional instead of experimenting with topical products alone.

2. Daily Supplements

Supplements only work when they are specific to your needs.

I didn’t randomly add things because TikTok said so, I got bloodwork done to see what I was actually deficient in and what my hormone profile looked like. My acne is hormonal, and I was producing more androgens than I needed. So, I made sure to research and pick the right supplements that supported hormone balance.

My current lineup includes:

• DIM

• Maca Root

• Pumpkin Seed Oil

• Nutrafol Skin

• Liquid iron

• A probiotic

This combination supports hormone regulation, nutrient deficiencies, and gut health. Which are all factors that contribute to acne. Supplements are powerful, but only when they’re targeted. Otherwise, you’re just taking pills for fun.

3. Double Cleanse Every Single Night (No Exceptions)

I double cleanse every night, regardless of whether I wore makeup.

Oil cleansers aren’t just for breaking down makeup, they’re the best way to dissolve:

• sunscreen

• pollution

• excess sebum

• debris sitting deep in your pores

Foam cleansers alone don’t get that deep. Once I started double cleansing consistently, congestion stopped being a constant issue.

4. Tretinoin + Azelaic Acid

This combination completely changed my skin texture, tone, and resilience.

• Tretinoin for cell turnover and long-term skin health

• Azelaic acid for inflammation control, redness, and post-acne marks

I don’t say this lightly: I genuinely feel like I have new skin because of these two products.

5. Clindamycin To Help Prevent New Breakouts

During my active acne phase, I used clindamycin to:

• reduce inflammation

• prevent new breakouts from forming

• control acne-causing bacteria

Clindamycin was like a transitional product, it helped calm my skin enough for everything else to work.

6. Get Rid of Hormone Disruptors

This is where a lot of people stop listening lol.

If you’re serious about clearing hormonal acne, you have to look at your entire environment.

I got rid of:

• non-stick pans

• excess plastic

• polyester where possible

• low-quality, highly processed food sources

I became extremely intentional about:

• the cookware I use

• the materials touching my skin

• the quality of the food I eat

• the environment I live in

Acne doesn’t exist in isolation. Your body responds to what it’s exposed to daily.

7. Gut Health Matters

Your gut and your hormones are directly connected. You cannot ignore digestion and expect hormonal acne to magically go away.

Supporting gut health helped:

• improve nutrient absorption

• reduce systemic inflammation

• stabilize hormone signaling

This showed up not just in my skin, but in my energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

Clear my skin wasn’t about a miracle product. It was about:

• medical support where necessary

• health data over guesswork

• long-term consistency

• and treating my skin as a reflection of my internal health

If you’re in the thick of hormonal acne right now, I know how frustrating it feels. But stability is possible and once you experience it, everything changes!

This year taught me that clear skin is about your lifestyle. When you change your life, you will change your skin!

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There is a clear biological reason: your body releases cortisol as stress rises. Cortisol increases oil production and makes your skin more sensitive to inflammation and bacteria. As a result, you get more breakouts and acne flare ups.

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Stress can’t be avoided entirely but, you can still protect your skin from the fallout.

During high pressure weeks:

• Keep your routine consistent and avoid introducing new products. Instead, focus on a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and use sunscreen throughout the day.

• If you are already using a treatment product or serum, keep it up. Now is not the time to experiment with new serums; your skin is already under enough pressure, so your results might not be super accurate at this time.

The solution isn’t purely topical

Small habits outside your routine help too:

• Prioritize sleep: aim for 6-9 hours, anything less is counterproductive

• Regulate blood sugar with balanced meals: resist the temptation to stress eat junk food, your future self will thank you

• Make space for even five minutes of breathing or movement

• Stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty, I promise your skin probably is

Stress may be temporary, but how you care for your skin during these moments can prevent long lasting flare ups.

Stay tuned, the Winter Wellness Guide will be dropping soon… In the meantime, read through the Fall Wellness Guide for some more intentional lifestyle tips.

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If you’re staring into the mirror wondering why your forehead has decided to cosplay as a braille pad, this is the post for you. Unfortunately, you might be experiencing the annual post-Thanksgiving acne flare-up.

Lots of sugar, dairy, salty comfort food, and family stress can trigger oil production and inflammation; all while playing ping pong with our hormones. Here’s a realistic plan to calm your skin down and (hopefully) recover quickly. Not shaming your eating habits, just science and a support strategy.

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Why Thanksgiving Food Wreaks Havoc on Skin

Let’s break down the biochemical betrayal:

High sugar and high glycemic foods
Cause quick blood sugar spikes → increased insulin → increased androgens → more oil gland action → clogged pores. Just basic cause and effect.

Dairy
Contains hormones and whey proteins that increase oil production.

Salty and processed foods
Triggers water retention and swelling. Hence the appearance of under-chin bloating and tight-feeling skin.

Alcohol
Dehydrates the skin barrier and creates inflammation. Your skin doesn’t care that you were just having a good time.

3-Day Post-Breakout Recovery Schedule

Goal: Reduce inflammation first. Then clear your pores gently.

Day 1: Calm the Chaos

AM

• Gentle cleanser

• Niacinamide serum (supports barrier and reduces redness)

• Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer

• Sunscreen (yes even if you’re staying inside with your leftovers… blue light and windows exist)

PM

• Salicylic acid cleanser OR a salicylic wipe

• Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% on breakout areas only

• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

Day 2: Barrier Repair + Spot Control

AM

• Gentle cleanser

• Azelaic acid or niacinamide

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen

PM

• Retinoid to normalize cell turnover

• Moisturizer sandwich method if irritation happens

Day 3: Keep Oil Under Control

AM

• Gentle cleanser

• BHA or mandelic acid serum (if your skin is not irritated)

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen

PM

• Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads

• Optional overnight sheet mask to speed healing

No picking. No squeezing. You know better, and your skin remembers everything.

Internal Support: Help Your Gut Help Your Skin

Skin health starts internally. Keep the hormonal fallout manageable with:

1. Balance blood sugar with smarter leftovers

Pair carbs with protein or healthy fats

• Ex. turkey + sweet potato + greens beans

2. Hydrate with electrolytes

Helps your body process the salt you consumed and supports skin barrier recovery

3. Add fiber

It supports your gut and helps process excess hormones

• Veggie sides

• Berries

• Leafy greens

4. Anti-inflammatory boosts

• Green, ginger, or peppermint tea after meals

  • Start your mornings with green tea

• Omega-3 rich foods like salmon

5. Limit alcohol for 48 hours

Enough time to let inflammation calm down

Give your body time to detox and regulate itself.

A Final Word from My Forehead

Occasional breakouts are not a personal failure; look at them as information. Take the health data, adjust your routine, and give your sebaceous glands some time to cool off.

If you try this recovery protocol, let me know how it works for you.

Until the next breakout,
Toluwani

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PDRN aka ‘Salmon sperm’ is the latest buzzy ingredient in the skincare community. It stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. PDRN is mainly prevalent in Korean skincare products where it’s used to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, and make pores look tighter. It also does wonders for healing scarring and dark spots.

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But not all PDRN products are created equal. Before buying, check for two things:

1. Concentration

Some brands add only trace amounts so they can list it on the label. For meaningful results, look for at least 1000 ppm. Around 1200 ppm is a solid place to start if your skin tolerates active ingredients well. Higher numbers do not automatically make a product more effective, so don’t assume “more” is better for your skin.

2. Purity

Aim for a purity level of 90% or higher. Fewer impurities mean a lower chance of irritation and better overall performance.

One more tip: PDRN works best in water-based formulations, so gel textures are often a good indicator you’re getting a compatible delivery system.

Always patch test first and introduce it slowly into your routine, especially if your barrier is compromised.

Top PDRN Products by Skin Concern

Pro tip:

Use PDRN after cleansing and before heavier creams.

• Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum: A strong all-purpose PDRN serum that is great if you want a formula balanced for multiple concerns

• VT PDRN 100 Essence: A high-concentration essence featuring a vegan PDRN for visibly improved firmness and texture.

• Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum: Perfect if hydration and barrier support are your priority, this blends PDRN with hyaluronic acid.

• Mediheal PDRN Lifting Serum: More budget-friendly formulation combined with firming/pore-control benefits.

• Genabelle PDRN Vita Toning Ampoule: A lighter ampoule option that is good for sensitive or reactive skin who want to test PDRN without heavy commitment.

• Cell Fusion Collagen PDRN Ampoule: Features salmon-derived PDRN + multiple hyaluronic/ceramide layers which is great for barrier repair.

• EQQUALBERRY Purple PDRN Pore Minimizing Serum: Focuses more on pore-minimizing + vegan PDRN source; good for combo/oily skin types.

• Anua PDRN Deep Hydrating Essential Set: A great set if you want to try multiple formats (serum + ampoule) and experiment with PDRN throughout your routine.

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  Even if you don’t but any of the products I recommended above, I hope you leave this article with the feeling of “okay I know what to buy now”. Good luck and please feel free to come back and share your progress with me!

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I’ve spoken about volufiline in previous journal entries… but what is it exactly? And does it really work?

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Which made me realize that I never actually made a post strictly about dealing with hyperpigmentation (but I’ve made a post for treating hyperpigmentation with a damaged skin barrier for anyone who needs it).

So here it is; clear glass skin is your calling and it is a lot easier to achieve than you think.

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Step 1: Reset

Remove that top layer of dead, dull skin with a professional dermaplaning facial. This will deliver an immediate glow by physically exfoliating away surface-level pigmentation, peach fuzz, and buildup that can dull your skin.

Dermaplaning creates a fresh canvas for your active ingredients to penetrate better.

Alternative:
If dermaplaning isn’t for you, consider a chemical peel under the supervision of a licensed professional. Peels containing glycolic, lactic, mandelic, or salicylic acid can help resurface the skin and jump-start your fading process.

Step 2: Build a Skin Cycling Routine

Hyperpigmentation doesn’t fade overnight. Consistent, strategic exfoliation combined with barrier-repairing hydration is essential. This is where skin cycling comes in.

Skin cycling is the practice of rotating potent actives like exfoliants and retinoids with recovery nights focused on hydration and barrier support.

Example Skin Cycling Schedule:

• Night 1: Exfoliation

• Night 2: Retinoid

• Nights 3 & 4: Recovery (Hydration + Barrier Repair)

Step 3: Build Your Routine With the Following Products

Exfoliating Toner

Chemical exfoliants help remove pigmented cells and increase skin turnover. Look for gentle, effective AHAs or BHAs.

Try these:

• Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

• Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%

• Biossance Squalane + 2% BHA Pore Minimizing Toner

• Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

Tips: Use 1–2 times a week (or as tolerated)

Brightening Serum

Brightening ingredients help fade existing dark spots and scars.

Key ingredients to look for:
✔ Vitamin C
✔ Tranexamic Acid
✔ Niacinamide

Try these:

• Paula's Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster serum

• Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative

• Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

• Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum

Retinol / Retin-A / Tretinoin

Retinoids are the holy grail for boosting cell turnover and fading deep hyperpigmentation.

How to use:

• Start 1–2x/week if you’re new

• Always follow with moisturizer

• Only at night

Prescription options:

• Tretinoin

• Adapalene (Differin, OTC)

Over-the-counter:

• Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum (the best!!!!)

• Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

• Naturium Retinol Complex Serum

• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Azelaic Acid

Dermatologists love to prescribe this for fading spots without irritation. Azelaic acid reduces melanin production, calms inflammation, and reduces acne breakouts.

If you can’t get a prescription, try these:

• Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

• Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

• The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum Redness Relief Solution

Moisturizer

Your barrier must stay strong to avoid irritation and rebound pigmentation.

Look for:
✔ Ceramides
✔ Hyaluronic acid
✔ Soothing ingredients

Recommended options:

• Youth To The People Air-Whip Moisture Face Cream

• Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer

• Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturizer

• Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Water Cream

• Anua Peach 77 Niacin Enriched Cream

Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable!)

Sun exposure not only makes hyperpigmentation worse but, your skincare routine is practically useless without daily sunscreen use.

Recommended options:

• Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

• Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

• Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Pro Tip: Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors — especially between the hours of 8am and 5pm!

Step 4: Weekly Peels to Boost Turnover

Weekly at-home peels help accelerate fading by removing stubborn surface pigment.

Recommended product:

• Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel

• Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

• Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Exfoliating Peel Gel

• Murad Daily Clarifying Peel

• Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant

Tips:
✔ Always patch test
✔ Don’t use these on the same day that you use tretinoin or azelaic acid.

Step 5: Weekly Detox Masks

Masks can help clarify skin, reduce inflammation, and support turnover.

Recommended options:

• Beplain Mung Bean Clay Mask

• Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask

• ANAIRUI Natural Turmeric Clay Mask

• Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother™ Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Purifier

Benefits:
✔ Draws out impurities
✔ Minimizes congestion
✔ Reduces oiliness that can trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation

Extra Tips for Fading Hyperpigmentation

Consider professional treatments if your skincare routine plateaus:

• Microneedling

• Chemical peels

• Laser treatments (pls only with trained providers who are experienced in treating deeper skin tones)

Avoid the following over-exfoliating mistakes.

Damaging your skin barrier will only lead to more pigmentation and increased breakouts.

Avoid:

• Using physical scrubs with sharp particles on sensitive or acne-prone skin

• Not moisturizing enough on exfoliation nights

• Skipping sunscreen (your entire skincare routine would be pointless)

Pro Tip: Less is often more. Introduce actives one at a time to see how your skin responds and adjust your routine accordingly.

Overall, exercise patience with your skin. No matter how much money you spend and how intentional you are, hyperpigmentation can still take weeks or months to fully fade.

This guide was made to help you create an effective routine without damaging your skin barrier. Take it slow, listen to your skin, and good luck!

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And as always, I’m here to help anyone who needs one on one support in reaching their skin goals and creating a skincare treatment plan.

I’ve been practicing talking about skin cycling for the past couple of months and I realized I never actually took the time to explain the concept. Skin cycling is simply just a weekly skincare routine/schedule where you alternate between active treatments and recovery periods to reach your desired skin goal. Alternating your product use is meant to reduce the risk of over-exfoliation and irritation.

Here is an example of what a typical week could look like if you practice skin cycling:

• Night 1: Exfoliation
  Use a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

• Night 2: Retinoid Application
  Apply a retinoid or retinol product to promote cell turnover, reduce acne breakouts, and prevent signs of aging.

• Nights 3 & 4: Recovery
  Focus on hydration and barrier repair using moisturizers rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Rinse & repeat.

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Incorporating Actives & Spot Treatments:

I recommend integrating spot treatments into your skin cycling routine on recovery nights to avoid overwhelming your skin. Here are some examples of spot treatments based on what skin concerns they address:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Targets acne-causing bacteria — great for treating breakouts!

• Salicylic Acid: unclogs pores to prevent breakouts.

• Sulfur: Reduces inflammation and absorbs excess oil — works really well on one-off pimples.

• Hydrocolloid Patches: Help draw out impurities in pores and protects pimples from external irritants.

Be careful when you are using these products that they don’t overlap with other active ingredients within your skincare routine. Everything is not compatible, so, please do what is best for your skin barrier!!

Common Exfoliation Mistakes to Avoid

On the topic of doing what is best for your skin barrier, be very careful with exfoliating. Your skin barrier is very easy to compromise and the incredibly hard to heal. Prevention is always better than a cure — especially in skincare.

• Over-Exfoliating: More isn't better. Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and breakouts. Also, be wary of physical exfoliants as you’re more likely to damage your skin barrier by harshly rubbing those across your face.

• Mixing Multiple Actives: As I mentioned above, combining exfoliants with other potent ingredients like retinoids can irritate your skin. Double check that your products are compatible before packing everything into one routine.

• Neglecting Sun Protection: Exfoliation can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, otherwise your entire skincare routine is a wasted effort. Sun damage will immediately undo everything you think you are accomplishing.

• Ignoring Skin Signals: Redness, stinging, or increased breakouts can be signs of over-exfoliation. Adjust your routine the moment you notice your skin isn’t reacting well.

Final Thoughts

Skin cycling doesn’t have to be complicated. Take the time to get to know your skin and understand exactly what your needs are. Outline your goals and throughly research the products that will help you get there. Make sure whatever you put on your face is compatible with your skin type — I have guides in the Acne Education Hub that can help you build a routine based on your skin type.

Always be ready to pivot if your skin is not responding well, don’t consider the sunk cost of products. The price to regain a healthy skin barrier will be way more expensive than just letting a $70 serum go if it’s not compatible with your skin.

And as always, I’m here to help anyone who needs one on one support in reaching their skin goals and creating a skincare treatment plan.

Beyond the obvious harm they are doing to our health, these microplastics don’t just wash down the drain and disappear. They also end up in our water systems, polluting oceans, harming marine life, and eventually making their way back to us… and killing us further. It’s an environmental AND health concern.

This whole thing honestly makes the journey to balance my hormones feel like an uphill battle.

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What Are Microplastics Doing in Skincare???

In beauty products, microplastics can serve several purposes:
• Texture enhancers
• Binding agents
• Exfoliants (especially in older scrubs)
• Film-forming agents that give products that “silky” feeling

They’re used to make a formulas feel smoother, last longer, or look more appealing. But, they don’t actually benefit your skin in any way — just surface level enhancers that are ruining our lives.

How to Spot Microplastics on Your Ingredient List

You won’t explicitly see “microplastic” listed, so here are some names to look out for:

Common microplastic-related ingredients to avoid:
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
• Nylon-12 / Nylon-6
• Acrylates Copolymer
• Polyacrylate
• Polyquaternium
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

These don’t always classify as microplastics based on their size and function, but many environmental organizations and clean beauty watchdogs recommend avoiding them altogether.

Tools to Help You Check Your Products

If manually checking the ingredient list feels overwhelming (ditto), here are some tools I’ve been using:

• Beat the Microbead app – You can scan a product’s barcode, and it’ll tell you if it contains any known microplastics.

• Think Dirty, INCI Decoder, or Yuka – These apps break down ingredient lists and flag harmful or unnecessary additives.

  • Bonus: I also use Yuka to scan my groceries for harmful ingredients!

• Plastic Soup Foundation – They keep an updated list of microplastic-related ingredients that you can cross-reference.

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So… What Now?

I’m not saying you should throw everything away immediately — unless you can afford to then please get on it ASAP!

Similar to the closet cleanout, transitioning to non-toxic skincare products is a process that involves a lot of unlearning, cross-checking, and heaps of disappointment. But, this is about progress over perfection. Now that I know better, I can do better. And I want the same for all of us.

So, over the next few weeks, I’ll be diving deeper:

• Reviewing my current lineup for hidden microplastics (I’m so scared to unpack this 😖)

• Sharing swaps and clean alternatives as I come across them

Skincare shouldn't come at the cost of our health, and frankly, this is all counter intuitive to the goal of having clear skin….

Let me know what you guys think or if there are any additional things you would like me to cover within this topic!

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1. Prioritize Skin Barrier Repair First

Before tackling hyperpigmentation, strengthen your skin with barrier-supporting ingredients:
Centella Asiatica – Soothes inflammation and helps with wound healing.
Niacinamide (5% or less) – Gently brightens while supporting the skin barrier.
Ceramides & Fatty Acids – Lock in moisture and prevent further irritation.
Squalane & Jojoba Oil – Non-comedogenic oils that help repair damaged skin.

*Try: KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief Reparative, Skin-Soothing Serum

2. Choose Targeted Yet Gentle Hyperpigmentation Treatments

Once your skin is less inflamed, introduce these gentle but effective treatments:

Mederma Intensive Overnight Scar Cream – A great option for fading post-breakout marks, but only use it once the pimple has completely healed.

Turmeric Masks – Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and brightening agent. DIY your own (mix turmeric with yogurt or honey) or try gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly brands.

• Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask

• ANAIRUI Natural Turmeric Clay Mask

Azelaic Acid (10-20%) – Fights hyperpigmentation while being safe for compromised skin. It also helps with rosacea, acne, and fungal acne.

• Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

• Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

• The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum Redness Relief Solution

Mugwort & Green Tea Extracts – Great for soothing irritation while providing antioxidant protection.

• Organic Mugwort & Green Tea Calming Gentle Clay Mask

• Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum

• Isntree Mugwort Calming Ampoule

3. Prevent Future Hyperpigmentation with Gentle Exfoliation

PHA & Lactic Acid – These mild exfoliants help fade discoloration without irritating sensitive skin. Use 1-2 times a week.
Enzyme-Based Exfoliants – Papaya and pumpkin enzymes are great alternatives to chemical exfoliants.

4. Protect Your Progress with Sunscreen

The most important step! No matter how good your routine is, hyperpigmentation won’t fade if you’re not wearing sunscreen daily.
Use SPF 50+ every morning.

• Opt for mineral sunscreens if your skin is reactive.

• Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re outside.

5. Address Hyperpigmentation from the Inside Out

Sometimes, treating hyperpigmentation requires more than just topical solutions. Consider:
Gut Health – Poor digestion can lead to inflammation and breakouts, making hyperpigmentation worse. Try incorporating more probiotics and fiber-rich foods into your diet.
Hydration – Dehydrated skin takes longer to heal, so up your water intake and eat more hydrating foods.
Antioxidant-Rich Diet – Vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3s all play a role in skin repair.

*Pro tip: Scroll to the bottom of the Winter Skincare guide for recommendations on what to eat for better skin

Healing hyperpigmentation takes time, but if you focus on barrier repair first, the results will come faster and last longer. Check out the sensitive skincare guide for more specific product recommendations to treat targeted problems.

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Ingredients:

When shopping for skincare products, make sure they contain:

• Collagen: Firms, hydrates, and improves skin elasticity.

• Vitamin C: Fights free radicals and fades dark spots.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.

• Niacinamide: Boosts collagen production and minimizes pores.

• Retinoids & Retinol: Increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production.

• Peptides: Strengthens skin structure and improves elasticity.

• Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

• Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates and promotes cell renewal.

• Volufiline: Enhances elasticity and volume (aka “filler in a bottle”).

Korean Skincare

If you have been resisting the call to try Korean skincare, I’m sorry to break it to you but it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. These products are the most effective way to achieve baby soft, glass skin. This wasn’t even my goal when I started using them, and now my face is ageless.

Effective — but might breakout acne-prone skin:

• SUNGBOON EDITOR Wrinkle Cream In Serum: contains highly concentrated amounts of collagen and volufiline to address wrinkles, tighten pores, and relieve dryness. (use this sparingly! unfortunately, it’s comedogenic)

• Innisfree Green Tea Ceramide Collagen Plump Cream: contains green tea ceramide and vegan collagen to improve skin’s elasticity and strengthen the barrier.

• COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster: contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to enhance skin elasticity and refine skin texture while tightening pores.

• d'Alba Intensive Volufiline Ampoule: contains collagen, volufiline, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a cocktail of amazing ingredients to deeply hydrate and plump your skin.

Effective & Confirmed Non-Comedogenic (won’t clog pores):

• Medicube Triple Collagen Booster Set: A great beginner set, these products are packed with collagen to increase skin elasticity, minimize pores, and deeply hydrate the skin barrier.

• Anua Retinol 0.3% + Niacin Renewing Serum: contains retinol and niacinamide to smooth out fine lines and improve hyperpigmentation, while restoring skin elasticity.

• Beplain Pore Tight Up Serum: tightens pores and reduces sebum (oil) production.

• mixsoon Peptide Cica Hyalshot: contains hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and 53 types of Amino Acids to firm skin and improve skin elasticity.

• Biodance Pore Tightening Collagen Cream: collagen-infused pore tightening cream that improves skin elasticity and barrier health.

• Isntree TW-Real Bifida Ampoule: contains 88% bifida ferment lysate to firm skin along with lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract and rice ferment filtrate to soften wrinkles and strengthen the skin barrier.

• TIRTIR SOS Serum: contains polyglutamic acid to provide deep hydration, plump up skin, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This product is also great for healing irritated skin.

Devices:

Incorporate the following devices in your routine to up your skincare game:

Red Light Therapy: Boosts collagen & reduces wrinkles. Try any of the following devices:

• SolaWave wand (great beginner device)

• SolaWave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Mask

• Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro

• JOVS Skin Care 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask

• CurrentBody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector

Face Sculpting: Lift & firm your skin with microcurrent devices. Try any of the following devices:

• NuFace

• Medicube AGE R-Booster Pro

• ZIIP HALO

• Skin Gym MICROCURRENT WAND

Diet:

Your skin reflects what you eat. Incorporate the following into your weekly grocery shopping and I highly recommend limiting your dairy consumption significantly!

• Salmon & other fatty fish: Omega-3s for skin elasticity.

• Avocado: Packed with healthy fats.

• Dark Chocolate: Antioxidant-rich (also helps curb sugar cravings)

• Berries: High in vitamins and antioxidants.

• Broccoli & Spinach: Full of skin-protecting nutrients.

• Sweet potatoes & Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene for a natural glow.

• Green Tea: Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory.

• Nuts: Provides essential fatty acids.

• Probiotic Yogurt: Supports gut-skin health.

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Non-negotiables:

Sunscreen!! It’s silly to expect an ageless face if you’re not consistently using sunscreen everyday.

Water: Stay hydrated! Your skin needs water to stay plump and elastic. Try to drink more than 40 ounces a day (I know, I struggle with this too 😩)

As always, consistency is key! Stay on top of your routine, and your skin will thank you in no time.

*clogged pores + inflamed acne… double homicide 😖

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Step 1: Double Cleanse

If you’ve been here for a while, you already knew this was coming. Double cleansing is the key to skincare success — yes, even on days when you’re not wearing any makeup.

For Oily Skin:

Start with a cleansing oil or balm to remove sunscreen and makeup before following up with your cleanser. Remember, oil attracts oil, so if your skin is producing excess sebum, a cleansing oil or balm might be far more effective at clearing out your pores than micellar water. Oil and water don’t mix, which means water-based cleansers won’t be as effective for oily skin.

Cleansing Oils & Balms to Try:

• Beplain mung bean cleansing oil (mung bean is a very powerful detoxifying ingredient!)

• APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm — (You already know how strongly I feel about this one)

• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (underrated tbh)

• innisfree Hydrating Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Oil

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

Opt for a salicylic acid cleanser—since it's oil-soluble, it can penetrate deep into your pores to break down excess oil and debris.

Cleansers to Try:

• The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

• SOME BY MI AHA,BHA,PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam

• APRILSKIN Carrotene Clarifying Cleanser (your skin will literally be squeaky clean, this cleanser does not play!)

• Prequel Gleanser + SA Non-Drying Salicylic Acid Cleanser (This also works for dry skin)

For Dry Skin:

Use micellar water for the first step of your cleanse to remove impurities while keeping your skin balanced.

Micellar Waters to Try:

• Ma:nyo Cleansing Water

• Bioderma H2O Micellar Water

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

• innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Water

Glycolic acid is your best friend, seek out cleansers with this ingredient. Since it’s water-soluble, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells while hydrating.

Cleansers to try:

• Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

• Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse

• Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

• Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser with Glycerin

For Inflamed/Cystic Acne:

Benzoyl peroxide is your go-to. It oxygenates the skin, killing acne-causing bacteria before they turn into deeper breakouts.

• PanOxyl

• Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide

• The INKEY List SuperSolutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser Acne Solution

• Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide

Step 2: Exfoliate

Once your skin is properly cleansed, it’s time to clear out trapped dirt with BHAs or retinoids. (Heads up: your skin might purge before you see the results you want.)

Toners

• Anua 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner

• Anua Rice 70+ Glow Milky Toner (great for sensitive skin!)

• Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Masks

• Beplain Mung Bean Clay Mask

• Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask

• Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask

• Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother™ Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Purifier

Spot Treatments for Stubborn Clogged Pores:

• APRILSKIN IPMP Clearing Solution (this entire product lineup is honestly scarily effective and fast)

• SOME BY MI AHA, BHA, PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream

• ZitSticka Killa Deep Zit Microdart Acne Pimple Patch

• Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel

• Skinfix 2% BHA Spot Treatment

Pro Tip: If you’re using peels, do not use them in the same routine as retinoids or other strong exfoliants — you’re practically begging to get fungal acne at that point.

Peels

• Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel

• Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

• Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Exfoliating Peel Gel

Step 3: Retinol (for Long-Term Pore Control)

Retinol increases cell turnover, helping to keep pores clear over time and reduces the frequency of breakouts. It requires consistency, but once it works, it works.

• Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum (best one I’ve ever used! and trust me, I’ve used a lot)

• Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

• Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum — start sensitive and increase dosage overtime to protect your skin barrier

For Prescription-Strength Results:
Tretinoin (Rx Only) — Talk to a dermatologist before assuming you need this! Sometimes, all you need is a really good retinol serum. Everyone does not need to be on tretinoin. Tret can be amazing, but it can also dry your skin out if misused, leading to more issues.

Step 4: Professional Facials

Sometimes it’s best to let the professionals unclog for you. I already dropped the list of NYC spots that I recommend:

Pick a treatment that you want to try below and visit one of the spots in the post above for a consultation! (So sorry to anyone who isn’t based in NYC — but if you live in Atlanta, I recommend Lajori’s Beauty Bar and Spa)

• Dermaplaning

• Microdermabrasion

• Chemical Peel

• Hydrafacial

• Deep cleansing facial

For the best results, I suggest sticking to a regular schedule. Whether it’s monthly or every three months, find a cadence that works for your skin and your budget.

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Final Thoughts

Pore congestion happens to everyone, but with the right cleansing, exfoliation, and pore-clearing ingredients, you can keep your skin smooth and balanced. The key is consistency—stick to a routine, and I promise you’ll see results.

If you do nothing else in this guide, all I ask is that you DON’T POP YOUR PIMPLES! I don’t care how ripe it looks, you will regret it when your face is scattered with cystic breakouts (I’m speaking from experience, please listen to me).

What are some of your favorite pore clearing products that you feel I might have missed? I’m in an experimental mood, I might try some of them out. Let me know in the comments!

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Over the past three months, since my last dermatologist visit, I’ve started making those changes, but this is just the beginning. There’s still a long road ahead before I feel like I’ve truly “cured” my hormonal acne.

At this month’s check-in, I worked with my dermatologist to outline a formal treatment plan for gradually weaning off 100mg of spironolactone, focusing on healing my hormonal acne and naturally regulating my hormones.

Step 1: Gradual Reduction

Weaning off spironolactone should be done gradually to prevent a sudden hormonal imbalance or acne flare-ups. This layout is the ideal approach to take with my current dosage.

Month 1: Reduce to 75 mg/day.

Month 2: Reduce to 50 mg/day.

Month 3: Reduce to 25 mg/day.

Month 4: Discontinue.

But my dermatologist and I are being a bit more experimental in our approach so this is how I am going to tackle it.

My current dosage: 100mg/day

Month 1: 50mg/day

Month 2: Discontinue & introduce new supplements one by one to accurately track the effectiveness of each one.

Month 3: Check in with my dermatologist and assess skin progress, reactions, & overall health.

After our check in, we will adjust the treatment plan based on how my skin and hormones respond. I can always go back on Spironolactone if my acne requires it.

Step 2: Alternative Treatments for Hormonal Acne

While tapering off spironolactone, introduce or maintain acne-fighting treatments that support hormonal balance:

1. Topical Treatments:

   • Retinoids: Use tretinoin or adapalene to promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. — I’m currently using tretinoin 6 times a week so I’ll keep this up.

   • Azelaic Acid: Helps reduce inflammation, lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and is safe for sensitive skin — I use this as needed if I have stubborn acne scars or emerging breakouts to address so I will also keep this as is.

   • Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5-5%): Spot-treat active acne to reduce bacteria. — I use PanOxyl as needed when I have a breakout to treat so I will keep as is.

   • Niacinamide: Supports oil control and reduces redness.

2. Oral Treatments:

   • Consider switching to a low-dose oral antibiotic (like doxycycline) as a temporary anti-inflammatory measure during the transition. — I’m still on the fence about this, if my skin flares up then I will use it.

   • Oral Zinc (30-50mg/day): Can help reduce acne inflammation.

Step 3: Hormonal Support

To naturally balance hormones and prevent acne flare-ups:

1. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Incorporate omega-3-rich foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts.

   • Eat more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) to support estrogen detoxification.

   • Reduce sugar, dairy, and processed foods, as these can worsen hormonal imbalances.

   • Add fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to support gut health.

2. Supplements:

   • DIM (Diindolylmethane): Supports estrogen metabolism.

   • Vitamin D3: Ensures hormonal health and supports skin healing (2,000-4,000 IU/day or as advised).

   • Maca Root - 500mg/day: An adaptogen that supports fertility and libido which is connected to estrogen productions in your body.

   • Pumpkin Seed Oil - 3000mg/day: Increases estrogen production to counteract androgens.

   • Magnesium: Helps regulate cortisol levels and balance hormones.

   • Evening Primrose Oil: May reduce hormonal acne by supporting skin health.

   • Probiotics: Improve gut health, which is linked to hormone regulation.

3. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Exercise Regularly: Helps regulate cortisol and insulin levels.

   • Sleep 7-9 Hours: Proper rest supports hormone balance.

   • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.

Step 4: Regular Monitoring

1. Schedule follow-ups every 2-3 months to track skin's progress and adjust treatments as needed.

2. Consider hormone testing (e.g., testosterone, DHEA, and progesterone) to monitor any imbalances during the process.

Step 5: Additional Skincare Tips

1. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid over-exfoliating to maintain the skin barrier.

2. Incorporate non-comedogenic moisturizers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated.

3. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, as hormonal acne treatments like retinoids can make skin photosensitive.

This gradual and supportive approach should minimize any disruptions to my skin or hormones while ensuring a smoother transition off spironolactone. My goal is to be off of spironolactone by June.

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When selecting skincare, look for products that are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Also stay away from products that contain AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Your skin barrier is hanging on by a thread, overusing AHAs and other actives could be what carries you over to fungal acne territory.

How to treat sensitive skin

Step 1: Double Cleanse (PM Routine – Skip for AM)

I know I say this all the time, but double cleansing is essential for every skin type!

For sensitive skin, opt for an oil cleanser or cleansing balm—they’re gentler than micellar water, which requires more friction with a cotton pad (or maybe everyone else isn’t as heavy handed as I am 😅).

Here are some oil cleansers to try:

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

• innisfree Hydrating Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Oil

• Byoma Milky Oil Face Cleanser

Here are some cleansing balms to try:

• APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm — (this has literally sucked all of the blackheads out of my skin!)

• Farmacy CLEARLY CLEAN fragrance-free cleanser + makeup remover balm

• Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Here are some gentle cleansers to try:

• Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser

• haruharu Wonder Moisture Cleansing Gel

• Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

• Skinfix barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser

💡 Pro Tip: Let your face air dry instead of using a towel. Towels can be abrasive and transfer bacteria onto your skin.

Step 2: Toner

After cleansing, apply a calming, alcohol-free toner to soothe and prep your skin. Look for toners with hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Here are some gentle toners to try:

• Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Toner Unscented

• Anna Rice 70 Milky Glow Toner

• TIRTIR milk skin toner

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

Step 3: Moisturizer

Choose a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and calm.

Here are some gentle moisturizers to try:

• Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream

• haruharu wonder Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream Unscented

• Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

• Paula’s Choice Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer

• Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream

Step 4: Sunscreen (Daytime)

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially for sensitive skin. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher to protect your skin from UV damage.

• Some By Mi V10 Heal Air Fit Sunscreen

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

• Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

• Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Weekly Skin Cycling (If Your Skin Can Tolerate It)

If your skin is strong enough, you can incorporate these steps 1-2 times a week:

Calming Gel Masks: Look for ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera.

• REN EVERCALM™ ULTRA COMFORTING RESCUE MASK

• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating + Calming Mask

• Guac Star® Soothing Avocado Hydration Mask

• Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Sleep Mask

Lactic Acid Serums: Use sparingly to gently exfoliate and brighten.

• Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum

• Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum

• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

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Additional Tips for Sensitive Skin

1. Wash with Lukewarm Water: Hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils and worsen sensitivity.

2. Be Gentle: Avoid rubbing or tugging at your skin when applying products.

3. Patch Test Everything: Always test new products (including makeup) before full use.

4. Keep Tools Clean: Regularly wash makeup brushes and skincare tools to prevent bacteria buildup.

5. Choose Soft Fabrics: Opt for silk or linen bedding to minimize friction and irritation.

Being mindful of the products you use will help you restore balance and protect your sensitive skin. Remember, consistency and patience are key!

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The key is to avoid aggressive, drying skincare products and instead use ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, mandelic acid, and glycolic acid to balance and hydrate.

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How to Treat Combination Skin

Step 1: Double Cleanse

Double cleansing is non-negotiable for unclogging pores and maintaining clear skin. For combination skin, micellar water is a better first step than cleansing oils—your skin is already confused. Let’s focus on keeping it clean and hydrated.

Micellar Waters to Try:

• Bioderma H2O Micellar Water

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

• innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Water

Follow up with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser to remove remaining impurities.

Cleansers to Try:

• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel

• Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

• Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser

• Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

Step 2: Toner

Apply a balancing toner, focusing a bit more on your oily areas to control shine and minimize pores.

Toners to Try:

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

• Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

• Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

• Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Pore-Reducing Toner

• Biossance Squalane + 2% BHA Pore Minimizing Toner

Step 3: Serum

Use a lightweight serum with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. For breakouts, choose serums with niacinamide, glycolic acid, or mandelic acid to calm and balance your skin.

Targeted Serums & Ampoules to Try:

• ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Ampoule

• TIRTIR SOS Serum

• Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule

• Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

Incorporate a vitamin C serum in your morning routine for brightening and a retinol serum at night to improve texture and tone.

Vitamin C Serums to Try:

• Timeless Skincare 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

• The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

• Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

• TIRTIR Pure Vitamin C24 Serum

• Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum Centella + Vita C

Retinol Serums to Try:

• Anua Retinol 0.3% + Niacin Renewing Serum

• innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum

• medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum

• Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

Step 4: Moisturizer

Choose a lightweight, balancing moisturizer designed for combination skin.

Moisturizers to Try:

• Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream

• haruharu wonder Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream Unscented

• Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Water Cream

• Anua Peach 77 Niacin Enriched Cream

• AESTURA Ato Barrier 365 Cream

Step 5: Sunscreen (Daytime)

Opt for matte, oil-free sunscreens with SPF 50 or higher to protect your skin without clogging pores.

Sunscreens to Try:

• Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

• Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

• Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Weekly Skin Cycling Routine

Spot Treatments:
Use targeted treatments for different parts of your face or specific skin issues.

Dual-Purpose Masks (2x a Week):

• Drmtlgy Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

• innisfree Super Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask

• Bubble Skincare Deep Dive AHA + PHA Exfoliating Mask

• Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask

• Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask

Exfoliation (1-2x a Week):
Opt for gentle exfoliators to clear dead skin cells and prevent pore congestion.

Exfoliators to Try:

• Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner

• haruharu wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum

• ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Peeling Gel

• beplain Mung Bean Milk Peeling Gel

• AXIS - Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel

Final Tips for Combination Skin

• Keep blotting papers handy for quick oil control throughout the day.

• Use a mattifying face mist with ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid to control shine while keeping your skin hydrated.

• Adjust your routine seasonally to accommodate changes in your skin’s needs.

With a little consistency and the right products, your combination skin will thrive!

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To treat dry skin, layer moisture throughout your skincare routine by using products that contain lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, glycerin, squalene, and ceramides.

How to treat Dry Skin

Step 1: Double Cleanse

You do not want clogged pores on top of having dry skin so don’t skip the double cleanse. And I promise, this is not going to dry out your skin even more. Start with a cleansing oil to gently break down makeup and dirt.

Some oils to try are:

• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

• innisfree Hydrating Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Oil

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

• Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil

• Byoma Milky Oil Face Cleanser

Follow with a creamy, hydrating cleanser and always use lukewarm water (hot water can strip your skin).

Some cleansers to try are:

• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

• Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser

• haruharu Wonder Moisture Cleansing Gel

• Paula’s Choice RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

• Skinfix barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser

Pro tip: Let your face air dry instead of using a towel. Apply toner while your skin is damp to lock in moisture.

Step 2: Toner

Use an alcohol-free, hydrating toner with glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Pat it into your skin for better absorption.

Some toners to try are:

• Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner

• Anua Rice 70 Milky Glow Toner

• TIRTIR milk skin toner

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

• Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner

Step 3: Essence

Essences provide an extra layer of hydration and strengthen your skin barrier.

Some essences to try are:

• Aestura Atobarrier365 Hyrdo essence

• Iunik Beta-Glucan moisture essence

• Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

• Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence with Chamomile + Ceramides

Step 4: Serums & Ampoules

(You can pick one or the other, you don’t have to use both of these in one routine.)

Ampoules are a step above serums, they are products with highly concentrated amounts of a single active ingredient to help you target specific skin concerns.

Some ampoules to try are:

• Wellage Real Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule

• Skin1004 Probio-Cica Ampoule

• Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule

• TIRTIR Ceramic Milk Ampoule

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule

Serums are a bit more universal in targeting skin concerns and they contain more varied ingredients.

Morning: Use a hydrating serum with antioxidants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Some serums to try are:

• Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

• BYOMA Hydrating Serum

• Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum

• Anua Rice Ceramide 7 Hydrating Barrier Serum

• Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

Night: Incorporate a retinol serum with peptides and ceramides.

Some retinol serums to try are:

• Anua Retinol 0.3% + Niacin Renewing Serum

• Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

• Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum

• COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

• Dermalogica dynamic skin retinol serum

Step 5: Moisturizer

Thick, rich moisturizers are your best friend. Along with hyaluronic acid, I also recommend looking for moisturizers that have beta-glucan.

Some moisturizers to try are:

• Olehenriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer

• Iunik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream

• Aestura Atobarrier365 Hyrdo Cream

• Biossance Omega Repair Cream

• Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream

Step 6: Sunscreen (Daytime Only)

Sunscreen protects your skin barrier and prevents further dehydration.

• Beauty of Joseon Sun Relief Cream

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

• Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

• Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Weekly Skin Cycling

1. Use a gentle exfoliator or peel with lactic acid (1–2x a week) to remove dead skin cells.

• Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

• Dermalogica daily microfoliant exfoliator

• Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

• Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

• Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel

2. Hydrating Overnight Masks (1–2x a week):

• Medicube collagen boost overnight wrapping mask

• Naturium Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream

• Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

• Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Sleepair Intensive Repair Night Face Mask

• SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Overnight mask (can also be used as a 3hr sheet mask)

• Paula's Choice SKIN RECOVERY Hydrating Treatment Facial Mask

3. Hydrating Sheet Masks (1–2x a week):

• Medicube collagen boost sheet mask

• Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Face Mask

• Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

• mixsoon Soybean Milk Pad

• Patchology Iced Cooling and Firming Hydrogel Mask

Extras

• Take shorter baths or showers with lukewarm water.

• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Refresh with a face mist throughout the day.

Follow this routine outline and you’ll be able to nourish your dry skin and achieve a radiant, hydrated complexion in no time!

APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm

Pure'Am Amino Acid Mild Cleanser

Medicube zero pore pad 2.0

Solawave renew complex serum - with my Solawave wand and I did a 5 min red light therapy hold over my burn scar before applying fresh scar tape for bed.

Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule

Tretinoin (prescription)

Skin & Lab Barrierderm Intensive Cream

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

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Step 1: Cleansing

Double (or even triple) cleansing is your best friend! Start with a micellar water or a cleansing balm (or both), then follow up with a gel or foaming cleanser.

Micellar waters to try:

• Bioderma H2O Micellar Water

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

• innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Water

Cleansing balms to try are:

• APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm — (my fave! It literally sucked all of the blackheads out of my skin!)

• Farmacy CLEARLY CLEAN fragrance-free cleanser + makeup remover balm

• Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Cleansing oils can be a gamble, but these ones are oily-skin friendly:

• Beauty of Joseon - Ginseng Cleansing Oil

• Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil

• Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

• innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Oil

Some oily-skin approved cleansers are:

• innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam

• EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

• Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

• Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser

Step 2: Toner Application

After cleansing, use:

Morning: Clarifying toner to tighten pores.

Evening: Balancing toner for oil control.

Toners to try:

• Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner

• Biossance Squalane + 2% BHA Pore Minimizing Toner

• Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Pore-Reducing Face Toner

• Beauty of Joseon - Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA

Step 3: Targeted Treatments

Use non-comedogenic and oil-free products. Incorporate active ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, BHAs, salicylic acid, sulfur, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and mandelic acid.

Some serums to try are:

• APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Mucin Serum

• Beauty of Joseon - Glow Deep Serum

• Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

• Good Molecules Niacinamide Face Serum

Additional Recommendations:

Morning: Add a Vitamin C serum to brighten and target hyperpigmentation.

Some vitamin C serums to try are:

• Paula's Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster serum

• Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative

• Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

• Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum

Night: Add a Retinol serum to combat breakouts and improve texture.

Some retinol serums to try are:

• Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

• Naturium Retinol Complex Serum

• Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

• Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum — (My goat!!)

If you are able to secure a tretinoin prescription from your dermatologist, (only if you absolutely need one!) then you don’t need to worry about incorporating vitamin c and retinol in your skincare routine.

Step 4: Moisturizing

Stay away from rich moisturizers and reach for more lightweight and oil free creams.

Some moisturizers to try are:

• Youth To The People Air-Whip Moisture Face Cream

• Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer

• Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturizer

• Caudalie Vinopure Oil Control Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

Weekly Skin Cycling Steps

Use a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week. Personally, I prefer chemical exfoliators over physical. The only physical exfoliator I recommend is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

For chemical exfoliators, try one of these:

• Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

• Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%

• Murad Daily Clarifying Peel

• Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant

Apply a clay or oil absorbing mask at night 1-2 times a week. Some masks to try are:

• innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

• Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask

• Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask with Niacinamide

• Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask

• Sulwhasoo Face Mask - Korean Skincare

Additional Tips

• Carry blotting papers to manage oil buildup throughout the day.

• Use a mattifying face mist with witch hazel or salicylic acid for oil control while keeping skin hydrated.

Consistency is key when caring for oily skin. Experiment, refine, and stick to a routine that works for you.