A Spring Skincare Routine
to (hopefully) fix all my problems
I have to be real, my skin has been a mess for months. It’s been pretty dry and textured, and I keep getting tons of tiny breakouts (everywhere) especially all around my chin. I’ve also had a lot of congestion in my skin in general so I’m trying to figure out a routine for the next month or so that will address all of my concerns and also give my skin barrier a bit of a break! I find sometimes when my skin isn’t doing well, I go too far with exfoliation and active ingredients and then my skin barrier is disrupted and it all just gets worse.
Some quick info about the skin barrier: It acts as a protective shield, preventing water loss and keeping harmful substances out. So when it’s damaged, you can get more breakouts due to bacteria, dryness, redness, irritation etc.
So what am I going to be using in my routine, and more importantly how often?! Most days I’m going to try to keep it pretty basic with just a cleanser and moisturizer. For the first week or 2 I will just do that. This may be controversial, but I’m also skipping out on SPF for a bit - I know, criminal. BUT hear me out, SPF usually breaks me out. Every single one I have tried breaks me out and leaves me with tiny little whiteheads all over my face. So for the time being, I’m skipping out just until I get my skin under control and see what’s working. If it helps, it’s still a bit cold here and I’m not outside a ton. When I go for walks I always have a hat on, but IF I plan to be out in the sun for a longer time I will wear spf that day, and wash it off once I am home.
The cleanser I’m going to use is the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser because it is SO gentle. I’ve used it in the past and always had great luck with it keeping my skin clear and not irritated. I know I have talked about the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (which I LOVE) so many times, you’re probably surprised that isn’t the one I’ll be using. Here’s why: for starters, i’ve been using it for a while - even during my recent skin issues - so I think its time for a break. Secondly, some of my friends who also love it have mentioned it seems to have changed formula a bit, and it isn’t AS amazing lately - and I’m now wondering if thats been part of my skin issues.
The days I wear makeup I’ll be double cleansing, starting with my Farmacy cleansing balm. They just do it the very best.
After just cleanser and moisturizer for a week or two, I will reassess and hope to add in exfoliation 1 night a week. I LOVE my Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliating toner, and It does usually help my skin clear up a lot. However, during the time I’ve been experiencing all the breakouts and texture on my chin I have been using it, so I think my skin needs a break from it. I’m thinking I will repurchase the Murad AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser which I have used in the past and really liked it! I chose it because it combines both types of chemical exfoliation, as well as a gentle physical so I think it ticks all the boxes without being too intense.
Once a week over night (maybe on the exfoliation night) for extra hydration I am going to use the Kiehl’s overnight mask with squalane. I LOVE this hydrating mask, it’s seriously so rich and has the best silky texture. I think doing it ON the exfoliation day is a good idea, so that my barrier is extra protected and hydrated after the AHAs and BHA.
You’ll notice I didn’t mention which regular moisturizer I’m going to be using - it’s because I’m REALLY struggling to pick which one. I have so many that I love, but I need a balance between hydrating enough, works well under makeup, and not going to break me out (even some of my favourites do sometimes give me little breakouts).
I think I’m going to commit to the honey halo moisturizer from Farmacy - it’s thick enough for my dry skin but sinks in nicely and doesn’t feel too oily on the surface. Honey is antibacterial, so I like this for my dry, acne prone skin. I’ve had really great success with this one so far and I need to pick just ONE to stick with so I’m thinking this will be it.
Other things I’m doing:
changing my pillow case EVERY DAY
using a fresh face cloth to dry my skin daily
NOT picking my skin
active breakout = pimple patch!!! DO NOT PICK
I’ll be sure to update with how this all goes. Wish me luck and send clear skin vibes.
Love, K