As someone who struggled with significant hormonal acne and subsequently, hyper-pigmentation well into my 40s, here are some products that helped me off in the right direction along with seeing a dermatologist. I do use a prescription retinoid, Aklie...
Sections
8
Cleansers
Toner/Essence
Exfoliants/Acids
Retinoids
Eye products
Moisturizers
Cleansers
Cleansing but not drying. I love the texture and the sensory experience of using this is really nice.
Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% + HA
This is a recent addition for me. I actually ordered it accidentally during the Sephora sale. But I love it. Gentle cleanser that smells fabulous!
OLEHENRIKSEN Peach Glaze 2% Niacinamide Cleanser
I generally use this in the morning unless I'm only using micellar water.
e.l.f. SKIN Pure Skin Cleanser, Non-Foaming
I use this every morning and also to remove makeup.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1 Hydrating Rose ...
More cleansing than a non-foaming one but still gentle and hydrating.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser
This is probably the strongest cleanser in my rotation but not at all stripping. I tend to use this as a send cleanse after an oil cleanser.
Cetaphil Daily Cleansers
Great first cleanse. Emulsifies well.
Naturium - Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm
She may be affordable but she's my favorite cleansing balm. No notes.
Great retinol. Thought I'm on an Rx retinoid, I still use this on my neck some nights.
Naturium - Retinol Complex Serum
Retinol AND Vitamin C all in one.
Vitamin C Super Serum Plus - Naturium
Another great gentle retinol. I use this on my neck alternating with the Naturium one.
Good Molecules - Gentle Retinol Cream | Ulta Beauty
Eye products
This has consolidated 2 steps into 1- retinol + vitamin C. Work smart, not hard.
Vitamin C Super Eye Cream Plus - Naturium
Great under eye retinol
smooth landing advanced retinoid eye balm
I use this when not using an under eye retinoid. Moisturizing but not too heavy.
Multi-Peptide Eye Cream - Naturium - Ulta Beauty
I usually get this for the low at TJX stores. Great easily available under eye retinoid.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Wakes up and brightens tired eyes.
Versed Weekend Glow Eye Gel - Caffeine Cream
When your eyes need some coffee
The INKEY List - Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream
Budget-friendly vitamin C eye cream
The INKEY List - Brighten-i Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
My favorite vitamin C eye cream
No7 - Radiance+ Bright Eye Roll-on Eye Cream
Moisturizers
While I tend to have naturally oily skin, it's been dryer since being on a prescription retinoid. Plus it's dryer in cold weather. I want moisture without it being heavy or greasy.
This is a great medium, no-frills moisturizer. Great for sensitive skin too.
Good for hyper-pigmentation. Feels light on the skin.
Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% - 1 fl oz
Great affordable vitamin C.
1.0 oz Vitamin C Complex Serum - Naturium - Ulta Beauty
A tad pricier but my favorite that I've tried. Doesn't feel heavy and stays stable.
No7 - Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Face Serum
Pricey but so good! Smells amazing and definitely adds a non-greasy glow.
Peach Glaze Glow Niacinamide Serum with Vitamin C
I use this on nights I don't use my retinoid.
The INKEY List - 38 Products
Lightweight and one of my go-to hyper-pigmentation products.
Good Molecules - 1.0 oz Discoloration Correcting Serum | Ulta Beauty
Another good one for hyper-pigmentation.
Daily Brightening Serum - Good Molecules | Ulta Beauty
Just started using this but I like it so far.
Multi-Bright Advanced Serum | AHA Brightening Exfoliant - Naturium
I love this. Not heavy and I do notice a difference.
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Good nourishing, all-purpose serum.
Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum
Affordable vitamin C option in a creamer format.
Good Molecules Vitamin C Serum with Oryzanol #2 - Ulta Beauty
SPF
My new favorite non water resistant sunscreen. Not heavy, not greasy. Great for oily to normal skin.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Sunscreen
I could only find the US version on here but I use the Korean one. Overall, Asian sunscreens are just more elegant. This is a great non-water resistant one
Bio Watery Sunscreen SPF 50 Broad Spectrum
I prefer the kids over the adult one as it's less greasy and cheaper.
