BY SARAH BRYAN
When I first started this blog, I’d been using the same skincare products for a really long time. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I do think it’s helpful to switch things up now and then. Our skin changes with age, location, diet, etc., so reevaluating our routine and what products are going into it from time to time can make all the difference. And this is something I’ve experienced firsthand in the past 6 months or so. My skin has never felt softer, been clearer, or looked healthier. I’m super happy with my current situation, so I thought I’d share the 3 products that have made the biggest difference in my skin:
Cleansing Balm
I’d heard about cleansing balms for a while before finding one I was interested in trying- most seemed to be fairly pricey and/or made with less-than-desirable ingredients. Then I came across the Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm. This cleanser uses jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, acaí, goji berries, and other beneficial ingredients to cleanse, moisturize, and protect the skin.
I use this at night- just melt some of the product in your hands and apply it to a dry face. Next, take a little water and continue scrubbing until the product turns into more of a milk substance. Finish by rinsing and following with the rest of your skincare routine. This is the perfect way to cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils, and it will feel SO soft afterward.
This product is made with clean ingredients in the U.S., packaged in recyclable materials, and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Niacinimide Serum
I’ve become OBSESSED with niacinamide serum. Not because I just began using it, but because I recently ran out of it and took a few days to get more, and in that time, I noticed a huge difference in the texture and clarity of my skin- my pores felt gunky, my skin was breaking out. I knew that the absence of this product was the cause.
I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum, and it’s incredibly affordable and effective. These ingredients together have been shown to reinforce skin barrier function and control oil production- which helps keep breakouts at bay while also improving the texture and look of your skin over time. This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
AHA/BHA Peeling Solution
If you’ve been following along for a bit, then this product shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is one of my absolute favorites and has been for at least a couple of years now. I use it once a week, usually on Wednesdays, and it leaves my skin smooth and glowing.
Both of these acids (AHA and BHA’s) exfoliate the top surface of the skin to brighten and even skin tone while also helping to clear pore congestion. It also contains Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative (I know, never heard of it either), hyaluronic acid, B5, and black carrot to soothe and protect, since acids can be tough on your skin. I use this at night, right after cleansing, and follow it with my Dermapore Pore Extractor and the rest of my skincare routine. This product is also vegan and cruelty-free.
I used to think of my skin as being on the drier side, and I don’t know if it’s the dry weather in Colorado, age, something entirely different, or all of the above, but it’s become more oily over the years. I think of it as a combination now, where it easily feels one way or the other, depending on the products I use. So it’s become super important to me to find products that not only keep my skin from drying out but that also control oil production and keep my pores as clear as possible (at least at this stage in my life). The products above have been life savers when it comes to these things, and I’d recommend them highly to anyone looking to change things up a bit.
Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so not everything that works for me will work for you, and vice versa, but it’s sure worth a try! Especially if you suffer from the same things, I do. Hope you find them as helpful as I have!
What have you found that’s helped your skin? Would love your recs!
If you enjoyed this post, read Importance of Skincare Consistency
Learn more about Sarah at Complicated Basic
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