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Skincare & Haircare That Changed Everything

Purple Star emoji 10 items
As someone who has dealt with cystic acne for many years and has struggled equally with keeping my hair healthy and thick, I want to share the products that worked for me.
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Exfoliation Done Right

Exfoliation is the first (and arguably most important) step to any effective routine, so let's do it right!

Steps for Face Exfoliation:
- First, soak your konjac sponge under water (preferably warm/hot water) and wait for it to be pillowy and soft.
- Take your soap of choice and scrub it with the sponge until the sponge is nice and soapy.
- Gently wash your face with the sponge in circular motions, making sure to get under your jaw and behind your ears! 
- Rinse the sponge until it's no longer soapy and use it to softly wash the excess soap from your face. All done!
- After you exfoliate, make sure to use a cleanser! My current favorite cleanser is now retired, so I will have to find a new one. I'll keep you updated!
 

 
Quinlee profile picture
These konjac sponges are a game-changer for improving your skincare. I genuinely can't recommend it enough! My personal favorite is the charcoal-infused sponge for exfoliating your pores!
Within just a couple of weeks of washing my face with this sponge and a black charcoal or turmeric soap, my acne improved more than it has with any topical ointment I've ever tried (and I've tried manyyy to combat my cystic acne).
So many people overlook the most basic step of skincare, which is washing your face PROPERLY. This sponge leaves my skin feeling so smooth and refreshed, and it has two sides - a softer side and a side for even deeper exfoliation for the days where y...
I've recommended this sponge to all of my friends who also deal with acne problems and sensitive skin issues and they've all loved it!
myHomeBody's Natural Konjac Facial Sponges
 
Quinlee profile picture
If you're still using a loofah, it's time to upgrade!
One of my biggest pet peeves with using conventional loofahs and others sponges to wash in the shower was being completely unable to properly scrub those hard-to-reach areas, like my middle back. I'd have to contort like an origami crane just to wash... 
This net sponge, however, is extra long and makes reaching those spots much, much easier. My friends and I swear by it! It's also extra exfoliating, and if you have sensitive skin, don't you worry, because they have a net sponge designed specifically...
Not only do these sponges suds up soap in seconds, but they're very easily rinseable, so it takes no time to hang it back up to dry once you're done with it. 
They're very durable and will last up to two years. Make sure to give it a machine wash every month to keep it extra clean!
BELLANOMI's African Net Sponges for All Skin Types
 
Quinlee profile picture
This soap bar is one of my absolute favorites. It has vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, collagen, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and castile olive oil. When I tell you it brightens your skin, I'm not kidding!
I first noticed this product trending on Amazon with over 50k people purchasing it in the past month and knew I had to try it for myself. It is no joke and has become one of my top soap bars!
It is paraben free, SLS free, vegan friendly, and it isn't tested on animals!
VALITIC's Kojic Acid Dark Spot Soap Bars
 
Quinlee profile picture
Activated charcoal soap is one of the best soaps for combating acne! Why? Activated charcoal is especially effective for cleaning your pores, because it absorbs excess oils, dirt, and bacteria from your skin.
As someone with cystic acne, Keika makes one of the best charcoal soaps out there. It has no artificial fragrances and it lasts even longer than other's I've used.
KEIKA's Charcoal Black Soap Bar

Top Ointments & Oils

As someone with cystic acne and acne scarring, I've been on a hunt for a topical that could not only improve my skin texture but also help heal my scarring. These ointments and oils have done just that!

 
Quinlee profile picture
As I've mentioned on other posts, I've tried many different topicals to help with my skin, but nothing seemed to have a lasting effect until I tried this particular remedy. I've been using it consistently for a year, and my skin has been positively g...
This face oil includes the following oils: castor, blackseed, and jojoba. It also includes frankincense resin!
I apply three drops (one to each cheek and one on my forehead) every night after washing and cleansing my face. I wet my fingers with just a bit of water and rub the drops into my skin in a circular motion. Three drops may sound like a lot, but this ...
Frankincense Resin with Organic Black Seed & Oils
 
Quinlee profile picture
Castor oil is one of those items that you should always have on hand if you want longer/thicker lashes, thicker brows, or deal with dark under-eye circles. 
I remember when I first tried castor oil just to see if it really would make my eyelashes thicker and longer. To be honest, I didn't think it would, but after a month of consistent use, I was standing in front of the mirror one morning and suddenly n... 
Castor oil is also a serious lifesaver for when you accidently rip out a dozen eyelashes with an eyelash curler and want them to grow back in half the time. I'm speaking from personal experience!
Castor Oil to Condition Lashes & Brows
 
Quinlee profile picture
As many of us know, beef tallow started trending on TikTok many months ago for it's supposedly insane effects on skin. 
I had to find out if this was true. As it turns out, it absolutely is. I wish I got on the bandwagon for beef tallow much sooner, but I'm so glad it's a part of my routine now!
This particular beef tallow balm is what I use to keep my face hydrated and smooth throughout the day. I only use a pea-sized amount and lather it with water to spread it easily across my entire face, so it lasts quite a long time. What's even better...
Santa Cruz Paleo Beef Tallow for Skin Care
 
Quinlee profile picture
- Buttery smooth
- Hydrating
- Long-lasting
- Pairs very well with lipsticks
C'mon, we all need a good chapstick. This one is a godsend when it comes to resolving peeling, and what's better, it works perfectly with lipsticks and glosses. Usually, balms will make my lipstick just melt and smear right off, but this balm has the...
Terra Lotus' Tallow Honey Lip Balm

Hair-Care

As someone whose hair went through very extreme thinning and heavy shedding as a teenager, largely stress-induced, I've tried loads of products to try and revive my hair. At one point, I thought I would never get my hair to return to its original ful...

 
Quinlee profile picture
- Lathers and spreads easily
- Smells divine
- You barely have to use any
- It cleans your hair after just one round of lathering and rinsing
- Noticeably thickens hair after a few washes
- Reduces shedding
I heard incredibly reviews for this shampoo - 10k people buy it every month, which alone was promising - so I wanted to give it a shot.
I've gone my entire life having to do two rounds of shampoo every time I take a shower, because one go-round would never leave my hair completely clean. It sucked, but I thought that was just how shampoo worked - I was completely wrong, and thank GOO...
The first time I used this bar, not only did I barely have to use any of it, but just ONE round was enough! It lathers and spreads through my hair so easily, it smells absolutely amazing (like sugary rice pudding), and it made my hair noticeably full...
Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth
 
Quinlee profile picture
If you use bar soap, this is a must-have for getting the very most out of your bar conditioners and shampoos. I had no idea these were available by the same brand I buy my shampoo/conditioner from, and I'm so happy I tried them out. It makes my soaps...
Soap-Saver Bar Bags