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My skincare routine
24
items I've spent years (and lots of money) testing which products work and actually achieve healthy, glowing skin. My skin is oily, sensitive, and acne-prone, so majority of the products on this list are tailored to that type and may not be suitable for dr...
Sections
4
Morning skincare routine
Nighttime skincare routine
Breakout skincare routine
Post-breakout skincare routine
Morning skincare routine
These are the products I currently use every morning, and that work best for me.
Begin with this cleanser to clear oil and unclog pores. Always emulsify (rub together with wet hands until foamy) before gently applying to your face without scrubbing. (Affiliate link)
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Follow cleanser with this soothing toner to boost hydration and glow. (Affiliate link)
TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner
Minimises pores and doesn't make skin sun sensitive. If I’m going out, I'll skip this to keep it simple. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
I'll alternate between niacinamide and this serum to soothe my inflamed skin. If I'm going out, I'll skip this to keep it simple. (Affiliate link)
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Serum
Any of these simple moisturisers lock in moisture and are suitable for all skin types. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Moisturiser
Always finish with a sunscreen if you plan on going out. This one is lightweight and non-greasy - perfect for oily skin. (Affiliate link)
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Nighttime skincare routine
These are the products I currently use every evening. This rotates regularly depending on my skin concerns and to avoid using certain actives too often.
I'll apply this foaming cleanser in the shower to wash off the day's dirt and oil. It's also good for acne areas like the chest and back. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
Clears clogged pores and refreshes skin. I use this on dry skin after cleansing, only once per week max to avoid over exfoliation. (Affiliate link)
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
After cleansing but before applying other products, follow with this soothing toner to provide a hydrating base. (Affiliate link)
TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner
Will alternate toners to combat blemishes. Be careful not to pair with certain actives. Also good for shaving bumps, but it'll sting if you apply it right after. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner
I've only recently incorporated this into my nighttime routine. It's incredibly lightweight and doesn't leave any residue. Recommended to start using this once a week and not on wounded skin. (Affiliate link)
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Reduces the appearance of pores. Can be paired with the glycolic acid toner. Will alternate with other serums during the week. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
Soothes inflamed skin. Will alternate with other serums during the week. (Affiliate link)
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Serum
A creamy serum that I use on my face and back. I store it in the fridge to maintain efficacy and to soothe during summer. Keep it simple and don't layer with other serums. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Serum
Each of these moisturisers lock in moisture and are suitable for all skin types. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Moisturiser
The best spot treatment for targeting pimples. Don't use anything else apart from moisturiser with this. It will bleach anything that isn't white, so be careful. (Affiliate link)
Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
Breakout skincare routine
When I have an acne flare-up, I find that the simpler the routine, the better. I limit the products I use and go back to basics to avoid making it worse.
I usually cannot resist squeezing a white head. A pimple patch removes the urge to pop and effectively covers the area. Leave on all day or all night and the gunk should be extracted onto the patch once you remove it. (Affiliate link)
HERO Mighty Patch Pimple Patches
If it's nighttime, I'll follow by washing with this gentle cleanser. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
If it's morning, I'll follow with this foaming cleanser. (Affiliate link)
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Regardless of the time of day, or the state of your skin, a gentle and non-comedogenic face moisturiser is essential. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Moisturiser
Post-breakout skincare routine
This period is where recovery is crucial. Don't immediately begin layering lots of products and actives, but selectively choose ones that promote healing.
This little tube has lasted me ages, and it's an effective spot treatment for fading all kinds of scars when used consistently. It is quite thick but it does the trick. (Affiliate link)
DermaScar
I know I've mentioned this a lot but it's my go-to product. During recovery, the skin needs lot of hydration to heal and fade acne marks. I once got rid of an ugly scab in one day by continuously applying moisturiser throughout the day. Any standard ...
Cetaphil Moisturiser
DO NOT use on open wounds or healing skin as it'll cause irritation and pain. This should be used once your skin is at the blemish phase (after scabs have disappeared) to help fade marks and smooth texture. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner
Gentle and low percentage retinoids are the last step of recovery post-acne breakout. This will help to promote cell turnover and clear up your skin. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Serum