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Skin Care

30 items

Anita Duenas

First…I'm not a derm – please talk to yours! I'm lucky to not have sensitive skin. I have “mature” combo-oily-dehydrated skin. I live in a humid climate in summers. My areas of focus are on actives that are anti-aging, barrier protecting, and hydrati...

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Sections

Cleanse/Remove Makeup

Exfoliate

Retinoids that Work!

Skin Flooding/Moisture

Actives

Protect

Cleanse/Remove Makeup

I don't spend big money on cleanser. For combo/oily skin, gel or foaming cleansers are great. To me, its not important to have actives in cleansers as they don't spend enough time on the face to make a difference. The products below are good for ever...

Great cleanser. Just finished mine and would rebuy after I finish some others I have. There's no fragrance, and a little bit foams up nicely to wash away dirt. I use this alone when I dont have makeup on, or as part of a double-cleanse.

belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser

Just finished this one and I would rebuy, but I have others to test. I put a cherry-sized amount all over my face, including my eye area and rub gently to loosen makeup and dirt. Then I add a little water to emulsify before rinsing lightly and starti... (Also, I have used this on some really stubborn makeup brushes as a cleanser)

Sephora Clean Skin Cleansing Balm with Postbiotics + Squalane

Using this now as part of my tretinoin routine. Great unscented option. Doesn’t strip but cleans nicely. I use this as the second step of my night double cleanse or alone in the morning.

ROUND LAB - 1025 Dokdo Cleanser

Using this now as part of my tretinoin routine. Great for removing make up as the first step of my night double cleanse. (I even put a few drops on the ends of my makeup brushes to loosen stubborn makeup)

ROUND LAB - 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

It almost doesn’t matter what your cleansing need is, there is probably a Cetaphil product that works. It’s “plain Jane” cleanser but I don’t spend most of my money on cleansing. I save my money for serums and treatments.

Cetaphil Cleansing Products | Ulta Beauty

Lots of options from Naturium and I have used most of them. These are also meant to be good for most people but note that one cleaner has niacinamide and another has Vitamin C. If you’re sensitive to those, and you only want a gel cleanser, try anoth...

Naturium - Cleansers | Ulta Beauty

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a non-negotiable for me. Physical exfoliation comes from the texture of the product or the use of a pad to rub on the face. Chemical exfoliants range from gentle enzymes to multi-acid products. Enzymes, LHAs and PHAs are the most gentle, then you have salicylic (BHA), glycolic (AHA), lactic (AHA) and mandelic (AHA) acids that are stronger. The strongest exfoliants from the store are usually a combination of acids. Be careful of your skin ty...

I have used a sample of Paula’s Choice and it did the job. I moved over to pore pads for a while but if you like a liquid, this is solid and Gemini AI says the ingredients are the same as the name brand, Paula’s Choice.

Walgreens 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid

I really didn’t realize how much I needed to exfoliate my skin. My makeup was patchy and I felt I both oily and dry at the very same time. Once I started exfoliating it changed my makeup application and how well I was able to absorb other skin care. ...

Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured Facial Toner ...

This is the milder version of the Zero Pore Pad 2.0 that I've used. This is more for beginners and people with more sensitivity. PHAs are gentler exfoliation acids, and the pad has one soft and one textured side to help with physical exfoliation.

medicube Toner Pads Zero Pore Mild 2.0

This is one of my light physical exfoliation options, w/ enzymes to help move the dead skin off your face. This is made to be super gentle as enzymes are the most gentle chemical exfoliators. The powder is super soft and just turns into a light paste...

Other options I have listed are from Dermalogica, Good Molecules and Tony Moly. They all do similar things with lighter exfoliation.

TIRTIR Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder

DDG Peel Pads are top notch for effectiveness. This is a link to the gentlest version of the pads. I use the extra strength, but if you're a beginner, or sensitive, and you want to try, I'd start here.

Alpha Beta® Ultra Gentle Daily Peel Pads for Sensitive Skin

DDG peel pads are top notch exfoliators. These are called “daily” pads, but I havent needed to use these daily…maybe just a couple times a week, but it depends on your skin. These are considered the mid-level peel pad from DDG.

Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads

DDG peel pads are top notch exfoliators. These are the strongest of the three DDG options. The say its a “daily” pad, but I've never used it that often. Just 1x or 2x a week, but it depends on your skin. They are definitely effective with consistency...

Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads

Super solid option for a physical and chemical exfoliant. I never used this “daily.”

Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator Smooths & Brightens Skin

Very similar to the TirTir and Dermalogica powder exfoliators. Only uses enzymes, so it's more gentle.

Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder

A gentle cleanser with the finest amount of rice powder for exfoliation. I think this is gentle enough for every day for average skin types.

Naturium Fermented Rice Enzyme Cleanser

I’ve been using this on exfoliating nights when I don’t use the Dr Dennis Gross pads. It’s so light and I like the blend of acids. I think their ad says it’s for beginners and I think that sounds fair.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Retinoids that Work!

I've used all these retinoids. I started with Naturium and the Ordinary and moved up to Medik8 and Paula's Choice for some stronger options.

This brand’s retinols are excellent. I think they were among two that I credit with really improving the surface of my skin. There are several levels so pick what’s right for you. They go on sale from time to time and I don’t think you’d regret this ...

Medik8 Crystal Retinal | Medik8

This is one of two retinols I really credit with changing my skin surface. It has two different retinoids. This one isn’t for beginners. I do think if you want to start with retinoids, check the beginner level of Medik8, or The Ordinary (for a more c...

Paula's Choice PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid | Paula's Choice Site

This was one of my first retinols. I think they have one that’s even lighter and one that’s stronger. So simple and cost effective. They deliver it in a squalene oil but it’s not greasy at all. Squalene is great and hasn’t ever been too oily for me.

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% | Ulta

This was another of my early choices in retinol. Retinaldehyde is a type of retinoid that doesn’t need to be converted as many times in the skin. I understand that can be helpful for sensitive people because the skin isn’t working so hard and doesn’t...

Naturium Retinaldehyde 0.10% | Ulta

Skin Flooding/Moisture

I am combo/oily but my skin is dehydrated. I did not know how much my skin needed hydration that just a single moisturizer didn't give me. Check out Ashley Mixon for her tips on skin flooding. I keep my toners to three per session, but sometimes I ju...

I heard of this by watching Ashley Mixon on TikTok. After I checked out the ingredients and looked at other reviews, I thought I'd try. and I love it. I probably consider this my first step in hydration permanently. It does not smell like licorice! L... It does have a pleasant herbal smell.

ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Korean Toner 10.14oz

This is the 2nd step in my skin flooding process. It's so hydrating and soothing. Love this one. This is the “creamiest” one and while I have oily skin, I think it's a great way to add moisture support without a thick moisturizer. This helps me use o...

ANUA - Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

I love having some fermented toners in my rotation. I just think they add a slightly different benefit, including Bifida Ferment Lysate and Rice Ferment for your skin barrier. Contains Niacinamide for brightening, Adenosine for anti-wrinkle care, and...

numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner

This is a really nice toner with little to no scent if you want something with ferment benefits.

MA:NYO Bifida Biome Ampoule Toner | Amazon

This is a brightening toner with glutathione, vitamin C, niacinamide, and arbutin for discoloration and Centella Asiatica for soothing (as many Korean products have). This does have a light citrusy scent.

numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Boosting Toner

I use this as a sort of “wet your face” toner before some of my skin care or if I have to re-start my makeup for going out in the evening. I also keep a little in my shower and just spray it on while my pores are open.

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner Spray | Ulta

Actives

This is a list of peptides, antioxidants and other actives. Note that you need to give yourself like 3-4 months with actives to see results. If anyone says they saw results from this list within a week, they are not being honest. The things that work...

These helped with my finer lines along my forehead and neck. Nothing is a miracle with wrinkles, but this has good ingredients with studies behind it.

Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP | Amazon

This fits both the moisture and actives list. This is a skin barrier supporting moisturizer with some good peptides in it for less than $25! I use this all the time. It's so lightweight, it's great for most skin types, but if you are extremely dry, s...

ONGREDIENTS Skin Barrier Calming Lotion | Amazon

Protect

I love the light texture and the lack of scent or fragrance on this one. I’m oily skin type so check out the others for normal or dry skin.

Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Ultralight Fragrance Free Facial Sunscreen | Sephora