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These Saved My Skin and Hair
15
items As someone who has dealt with cystic acne for my entire young adult life, whose hair went through very extreme thinning and breakage, largely stress-induced, I've tried loads of products to try and revive my skin and hair and want to share what has h...
I am actively using every single one of these products and will never have something listed on here that is not a part of my CURRENT routine! I also have a section for products I plan on reviewing!
I am actively using every single one of these products and will never have something listed on here that is not a part of my CURRENT routine! I also have a section for products I plan on reviewing!
Sections
4
Exfoliation Done Right
Top Ointments & Oils
Hair-Care
To-Be-Reviewed
Exfoliation Done Right
I can't overstate how important proper exfoliation and clean skin is to any effective routine, so let's do it right.
I decided I should also share some of my favorite products for taking care of all of my skin and not just my face!
So many people overlook the most basic step of skincare, which is washing your face PROPERLY. Topicals can only do their best work if your skin is clean and cleansed.
These konjac sponges are my absolute holy grail. I genuinely can't recommend them enough! My personal favorite is the charcoal-infused sponge! It leaves my skin feeling so smooth and refreshed, and it has two sides - a softer side and a side for even...
Within just a couple of weeks of washing my face with this sponge and a black charcoal or turmeric soap, my skin responded in record time and cleared up quicker than I'd thought possible.
These konjac sponges are my absolute holy grail. I genuinely can't recommend them enough! My personal favorite is the charcoal-infused sponge! It leaves my skin feeling so smooth and refreshed, and it has two sides - a softer side and a side for even...
Within just a couple of weeks of washing my face with this sponge and a black charcoal or turmeric soap, my skin responded in record time and cleared up quicker than I'd thought possible.
myHomeBody's Natural Konjac Facial Sponges
If you're still using a loofah (or, God forbid, just your hands), it's time to make a drastic swap. I came across this particular net sponge when it went viral on TikTok, so I thought I might as well give it a try, and I am LOVING it.
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 is extra long and makes it so easy to reach your entire back and more. It's also extra exfoliating, and if you have sensitive skin, don't you worry, because they have a net sponge designed specifically for sensitive skin too! Not only do the... suds up soap in seconds, they're also very easily rinseable, so it takes no time to hang it back up to dry once you're done with it.
They're quite durable and will last up to two years. Make sure to give it a machine wash every month to keep it extra clean!
IMPORTANT: There are many fake African net sponges on the market, so please make sure you're buying one from a reputable brand! Bellanomi is where I got mine, and they are one of the few who source their nets directly from Africa!
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 is extra long and makes it so easy to reach your entire back and more. It's also extra exfoliating, and if you have sensitive skin, don't you worry, because they have a net sponge designed specifically for sensitive skin too! Not only do the... suds up soap in seconds, they're also very easily rinseable, so it takes no time to hang it back up to dry once you're done with it.
They're quite durable and will last up to two years. Make sure to give it a machine wash every month to keep it extra clean!
IMPORTANT: There are many fake African net sponges on the market, so please make sure you're buying one from a reputable brand! Bellanomi is where I got mine, and they are one of the few who source their nets directly from Africa!
BELLANOMI's African Net Sponges for All Skin Types
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!
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
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 others I've used.
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 others I've used.
KEIKA's Charcoal Black Soap Bar
Top Ointments & Oils
I use every single one of these every single day and will go in depth on each one to discuss how its benefitted me, when I use it, and more!
There are so many good things to say about topical fulvic acid, so let's start the list:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-aging
It even protects your skin against ultraviolet radiation and promotes hair growth!
After I wash and exfoliate morning and night, this is the first thing that touches my face. Some oils can be difficult to lather evenly on your skin, so instead of wetting my hands with chlorinated sink water, I spray my face a couple of times with t...
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-aging
It even protects your skin against ultraviolet radiation and promotes hair growth!
After I wash and exfoliate morning and night, this is the first thing that touches my face. Some oils can be difficult to lather evenly on your skin, so instead of wetting my hands with chlorinated sink water, I spray my face a couple of times with t...
Vital Earth Fulvic Mineral Facial Mist
The benefits:
- Boosts collagen production
- Boosts cellular turnover
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Locks in hydration
- Fades hyperpigmentation
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Clears acne
To give you a little background, bakuchiol oil is a plant-based retinol that stimulates collagen production and cellular turnover without the skin irritation that's common among typical retinoids - which, as someone who has used retinols for most her...
This oil is the newest addition to my skincare routine and, arguably, the best thing on this list you can buy! I've been using it for months now, and I'm finally ready to report that it has elevated a routine I already loved to one I love even more.
I apply two drops, one to each cheek, every night after washing and cleansing, and my skin went from the best it's ever been (thanks to all of the other products I've listed on here) to even better, seriously. It's reduced my hyperpigmentation from y...
IMPORTANT NOTE: Even if you pass on this product, please look into potential retinoids that work for you! Retinoids will transform your skin unlike anything else, so if you're looking to achieve that glassy smoothness you see in Insta filters (and/or...
- Boosts collagen production
- Boosts cellular turnover
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Locks in hydration
- Fades hyperpigmentation
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Clears acne
To give you a little background, bakuchiol oil is a plant-based retinol that stimulates collagen production and cellular turnover without the skin irritation that's common among typical retinoids - which, as someone who has used retinols for most her...
This oil is the newest addition to my skincare routine and, arguably, the best thing on this list you can buy! I've been using it for months now, and I'm finally ready to report that it has elevated a routine I already loved to one I love even more.
I apply two drops, one to each cheek, every night after washing and cleansing, and my skin went from the best it's ever been (thanks to all of the other products I've listed on here) to even better, seriously. It's reduced my hyperpigmentation from y...
IMPORTANT NOTE: Even if you pass on this product, please look into potential retinoids that work for you! Retinoids will transform your skin unlike anything else, so if you're looking to achieve that glassy smoothness you see in Insta filters (and/or...
Organic Bakuchiol Facial Treatment (Plant-based Retinol)
The benefits (from all of the different oils in the remedy):
- Promotes collagen production
- Tightens pores
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Protects skin from environmental and oxidative damage
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Super hydrating
- Balances oil production
While I absolutely adore my bakuchiol treatment, I still can't ditch this remedy! It includes the following oils: castor, blackseed, and jojoba, as well as frankincense resin!
I apply two drops (one to each cheek) every morning after washing and cleansing my face. I wet my face with my fulvic acid spray (which is linked!) and rub the drops into my skin in a circular motion.
As I've mentioned on other posts, I've tried many different topicals to help with my skin, and this oil is one of very few that's done its job. I've been using it consistently for almost two years and my skin has made leaps and bounds in improvement,...
- Promotes collagen production
- Tightens pores
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Protects skin from environmental and oxidative damage
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Super hydrating
- Balances oil production
While I absolutely adore my bakuchiol treatment, I still can't ditch this remedy! It includes the following oils: castor, blackseed, and jojoba, as well as frankincense resin!
I apply two drops (one to each cheek) every morning after washing and cleansing my face. I wet my face with my fulvic acid spray (which is linked!) and rub the drops into my skin in a circular motion.
As I've mentioned on other posts, I've tried many different topicals to help with my skin, and this oil is one of very few that's done its job. I've been using it consistently for almost two years and my skin has made leaps and bounds in improvement,...
Frankincense Resin with Organic Black Seed & Oils
- Intense hydration for the skin/hair
- Promotes follicle health
- Prevents hair breakage
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. It's also good for your hair!
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!
- Promotes follicle health
- Prevents hair breakage
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. It's also good for your hair!
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
- 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...
- 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
I love, love, love this formula and will not be moving on from it.
I'm sick of lotions that are packed with all sorts of unnecessary bullshit and do little more than make your skin wet and shiny for a little bit until you're suddenly dry like a cracker and need more.
This formula locks in hydration, smooths my skin, soothes my skin, and it's an even bigger blessing for my eczema issues!
I'm sick of lotions that are packed with all sorts of unnecessary bullshit and do little more than make your skin wet and shiny for a little bit until you're suddenly dry like a cracker and need more.
This formula locks in hydration, smooths my skin, soothes my skin, and it's an even bigger blessing for my eczema issues!
Borage Therapy Lotion with Rooibos, Oatmeal, & Shea Butter
Hair-Care
These are my must-haves for my hair-care, and there's a few more products I'm working on adding to this list, so expect updates!
- Lathers and spreads easily
- Smells divine
- Long-lasting
- Noticeably thickens hair after a few washes
- Reduces shedding and breakage
I heard incredible 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 GOOD...
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...
- Smells divine
- Long-lasting
- Noticeably thickens hair after a few washes
- Reduces shedding and breakage
I heard incredible 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 GOOD...
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 | KITSCH
- Intensely hydrating
- Locks in moisture
- Prevents breakage
- Promotes follicle health
This is a newer addition to my routine, though I'm no stranger to castor oil. I use to oil my hair before every wash with castor, so I know first-hand its incredible benefits, and this conditioner is exactly what I expected it to be. Like my shampoo,...
- Locks in moisture
- Prevents breakage
- Promotes follicle health
This is a newer addition to my routine, though I'm no stranger to castor oil. I use to oil my hair before every wash with castor, so I know first-hand its incredible benefits, and this conditioner is exactly what I expected it to be. Like my shampoo,...
Castor Oil Nourishing Conditioner Bar | KITSCH
You'll notice that this spray is under both “Hair-Care” and “Top Ointments & Oils," because this beauty does both.
- Improves blood circulation to the scalp and promotes scalp health
- Improves keratin production
- Protects hair from oxidative stress
- Promotes nutrients absorption
I part my hair down my scalp in three areas (top and both sides) and spray down the middle of each every single day! I am so impressed at how quickly this spray started working. I've noticed so much new growth, especially abundant baby hairs around m...
- Improves blood circulation to the scalp and promotes scalp health
- Improves keratin production
- Protects hair from oxidative stress
- Promotes nutrients absorption
I part my hair down my scalp in three areas (top and both sides) and spray down the middle of each every single day! I am so impressed at how quickly this spray started working. I've noticed so much new growth, especially abundant baby hairs around m...
Vital Earth Fulvic Mineral Facial Mist
I thought I might as well link this!
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...
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
To-Be-Reviewed
Hello! I just added this new section for products I plan on trying out, so stay tuned for my review on these!
This calcium balm is crazy popular right now on both Amazon and TikTok, with over 100k people ordering it on Amazon alone this month, so I'm going to give it a try!
Dr. Melaxin Calcium Multi Balm Stick, 0.31 oz