I know my skin is far from perfect, but I can say that it has significantly improved throughout the years (refer to my "before & after" photo below).
It was 2013 when my skin was in its worst state. Having severe acne was so depressing — my confidence level went down to zero. I felt hopeless during that time, so I sought help from a dermatologist. Thank God, after several months of treatment, my skin got a lot better. After that, I had to deal with my acne scars — although this one is another story.
My "before (2013) and after (2019)" pic... My skin was this bad a few years ago!
My "before (2013) and after (2019)" pic... My skin was this bad a few years ago!
Since then I became overly conscious of my skin. If you know me personally, you'll probably find me annoying for being too OA. Afraid to have severe acne again, I always make sure to take extra care of my skin by keeping it clean and by religiously applying skincare products. For those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, it might be a challenge to look for products that will work on your skin. On my end, it was like a trial and error — one day it works, after a few weeks, it doesn't. Then, I have to look for another product again. It's like an endless cycle...
Anyway, what I'll be sharing in this article is the skincare routine that works for me now. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, this routine may (or may not) work for you. I strongly suggest though that you seek advice from medical experts.
Disclaimer:
- I am not a skincare expert, so if you plan to follow my routine, please do it at your own risk.
- I had severe acne way back in 2013 and had it treated with the help of a dermatologist. The skincare products listed below were NOT the same products I used during the treatment.
- I am not a skincare expert, so if you plan to follow my routine, please do it at your own risk.
- I had severe acne way back in 2013 and had it treated with the help of a dermatologist. The skincare products listed below were NOT the same products I used during the treatment.
My Routine
Morning: (1) Facial Wash > (2) Acne Solution Toner > (3) Serum/ Moisturizer > (4) Sunblock
Evening: (1) Facial Wash > (2) Acne Solution Toner > (3) Serum/ Moisturizer > (4) Wrinkle and Pore Reducing Cream
Optional: Face Mask (I recommend Tony Moly)
Optional: Face Mask (I recommend Tony Moly)
Monthly Routine: Get Basic Facial once a month, or as needed
Products That I Use
1. Facial Wash: Dove Sensitive & St. Ives Radiant Skin Scrub
Photo Source: Influenster/ Dove
For some reason, even if I have oily skin, Dove sensitive works for me. I make sure to exfoliate my skin twice or thrice a week by using St. Ives Radiant Skin Scrub.
2. Diana Stalder Acne Solution Toner
Compared to the previous toners I tried, I feel that this product has helped my skin become less acne-prone. I still get pimples from time to time though, but I think it's more controlled now. Thanks for this product!
Price: Php 270 / 100mL
Where to buy: Diana Stalder Branches (Megamall, Gateway, etc.)
Where to buy: Diana Stalder Branches (Megamall, Gateway, etc.)
2. Innisfree Green Tea Serum
I love this product so much! It feels so relaxing to apply on the skin because it's lightweight and it smells really good. This product hydrates your skin, but it doesn't feel heavy and oily at all when applied!
Price: Php 1500 / 80mL
Where to buy: Innisfree PH Branches
3. Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing
After a few days of using this product, I already felt its effect on my skin. It's a bit expensive though at Php 3000+ for 50mL, but I can say that it's definitely worth it. Now that I'm in my late 20s, I think it's worth it to invest in anti-aging products.
4. Belo Tinted Sunblock
This sunblock can be also used as a primer. Since it's already tinted, I don't feel the need to apply BB cream or foundation anymore (at least for my everyday office make-up). It's also very affordable — you can buy the 10mL at around Php 180 only.
Where to buy: Watsons
Are you using the same products? If you have other skincare product recommendations, please let me know in the comment section.