Hey Guys, welcome back to my little space on the internet! Today, I'm excited to share my skincare journey with you - the ups, the downs, and all the lessons I've learned along the way.
You see, I used to battle some serious acne. In fact, I had to visit the dermatologist three times just to try and get it under control. But I learned a thing or two, and now my skin is clearer than ever before. And let me tell you, the journey wasn't always easy. In my quest for that perfect "Korean glow," I actually ended up doing more harm than good. But hey, live and learn, right? Anyway, I'm here to share the changes I made to my routine that helped me achieve the clear, radiant skin I'd been dreaming of. And trust me, I made some big mistakes that I'm hoping you can learn from. So, let's dive right in, shall we?
1. Double Cleansing
I love wearing makeup, but in college, I didn’t remove it properly. Using just soap and facewash dried out my skin and left makeup residue, damaging my skin barrier over time. Now, I double cleanse: micellar water for light makeup or sunscreen, and a cleansing balm followed by a gentle cleanser for heavier makeup. This method ensures my skin is clean and not dried out, and it works wonders! My skin feels so clean, yet so nourished.
2. Moisturizing Oily Skin
Now, for all my fellow oily-skinned beauties out there, listen up. Skipping moisturizer to avoid oiliness and acne? Huge mistake. Seriously, no matter your skin type, moisturizing is essential. Look for ceramide-based moisturizers that repair that all-important skin barrier. Skipping it can actually trigger more breakouts. Trust me, you gotta moisturize.Always use a good moisturizer after cleansing to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
3. Diet Matters
And let’s talk about diet for a sec. We tend to focus so much on the products we use, but what we put in our bodies is just as important. I’ve cut way back on milk, canned foods, and sugar, and the results have been incredible. Plus, adding yogurt has done wonders for my gut health and my skin.
4. Using Too Many Actives
Using too many active ingredients was a major mistake I made in my skincare journey. Over the past few years, the skincare market has exploded with enticing active ingredients,I got a little carried away with all of it and I found myself trying them all—salicylic acid on Mondays, vitamin C on Tuesdays, chemical peels on Thursdays, and so on. The promise of clear skin was just too tempting. It’s crucial to remember that your skin needs to breathe and recover; overloading it with actives can damage that precious skin barrier, leading to more acne and irritation. Always use no more than two active serums in your routine and ensure they work well for your skin. For instance, using a salicylic acid-based facewash followed by another active serum and an active-loaded moisturizer can dry out and sensitize your skin. Less is truly more—keep it simple and let your skin thrive.
5. Over-Moisturizing
And speaking of overdoing it, let’s talk about moisturizing. See, I used to think skipping moisturizer was the way to go, but now I know that hydration is key for a healthy skin barrier. However, overdoing it with too many products like toners, essences, serums, and multiple moisturizers can be just as harmful. The Korean skincare routine, while excellent, may not suit everyone due to differences in diet, genetics, and climate. Instead of a complicated 10-12 step routine, focus on the essentials: a good moisturizer, sunscreen, gentle cleanser, and cleansing balm. For acne-prone or damaged skin, simplicity is key. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking more products mean better results; stick to hydrating ingredients that truly benefit your skin.
6. Avoiding Harmful Ingredients
Now, when I say “good products,” I’m talking about those with amazing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, salicylic acid, and niacinamide. While these ingredients are great for your skin, it’s crucial to check for hidden harmful additives like essential oils, fragrances, and comedogenic components that can damage your skin over time. In my college days, I used cheap products loaded with these harmful elements, which ruined my skin. Always read product reviews to avoid making the same mistakes and ensure you’re using safe, effective skincare products.Always do your research, my friends.
7. DIYs as a Substitute
Back in my college days, DIY skincare was all the rage, with everyone swearing by homemade remedies. While DIY face masks, body scrubs, and hair masks can be great for pampering, the problem arises when influencers convince you to ditch essential skincare products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and toners in favor of “natural” kitchen concoctions. I fell into this trap, making homemade toners, moisturizers, and even sunscreens, which was a huge mistake. Just because something is from your kitchen doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin, and not all formulated products are harmful. Remember, DIYs should complement your skincare routine, not replace crucial products like moisturizers and sunscreens. Always prioritize your skin’s health and don’t be swayed by every trend. Use DIYs as an addition to your routine, not a substitute.
8. Clean Environment
Keeping your surroundings clean is essential, Keeping your surroundings clean is a must, especially if you struggle with acne. Use separate towels for your face, change your pillowcases regularly, and wipe down your phone screen.. Using earphones for calls can also prevent your phone from directly touching your face, reducing the risk of breakouts. And for the love of all things good, don’t pick at your pimples! That’s a one-way ticket to more inflammation and scarring. A clean environment and gentle handling can make a significant difference in achieving clear, healthy skin!
9. Don't Blindly Follow Influencers
Finally, let’s talk about influencers. Look, I get it – they’re super persuasive and can really sway our buying decisions. But you gotta be careful. . Sponsored products flood the internet, and brands pay hefty sums to influencers to create hype around mediocre or useless items. This marketing tactic can lead to FOMO, making you think a product is a must-have when it might actually end up cluttering your vanity or harming your skin. Instead of falling for every trend, follow skincare experts who really know their stuff. And always do your own research. Ensure influencers are promoting products genuinely and not just for ads or engagement. A prime example is the snail mucin craze; despite the hype, it did nothing for my acne-prone skin and only provided minimal hydration. Instead of falling for trends, invest in quality peptides or hyaluronic acid-based serums for better results.
10. Changing Products Too Often
We all love trying new products, especially when influencers hype them up. But constantly switching products can confuse and irritate your skin. Your skin isn’t an experiment; it needs stability. If your current products aren’t causing breakouts or irritation, stick with them for at least three months. This allows your skin to fully benefit from the ingredients and helps you truly gauge a product’s effectiveness. So, before jumping on the next skincare trend, remember that consistency is key to achieving clear, healthy skin.
11. See a Dermatologist
Never underestimate the transformative power of a dermatologist. Even if you’re diligently following a skincare routine and maintaining a healthy diet, persistent skin issues could be a sign of underlying issues that need professional attention. Your skin is a reflection of your overall health, and sometimes, a dermatologist can uncover the root cause that simple remedies can’t address. Don’t hesitate to seek their expertise—it could be the crucial step towards achieving the clear, radiant skin you deserve.
Phew, that’s a lot of info, but I hope it’s helpful! Remember, skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, take care of your skin, and know that you’re beautiful with or without acne. If you’ve got any questions, just drop ‘them in the comments below. Let’s achieve that glowing, healthy skin together!