Clover
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✧Acne Prone & Dry Skin✧
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✧Acne Prone & Dry Skin✧
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Been dealing with painful acne since my teens, and only in the past few years have I gotten it really under control. Not only is my acne mostly gone, but I've also been able to improve my PIH/PIE and my dry rough skin. Now I'm a skincare addict, however I've given myself a $30 limit for each product (there are a few exceptions as occasionally I buy something on sale for $30 or less when it's normally more). So feel free to explore my routine and liked products for affordable recommendations.
AND SUNSCREEN IS A MUST! I'm very fair and experience sun allergies when outside without protection for very long. The bumps are itchy and can be red and painful. They can take about two weeks to go away completely so I try to be very diligent about sun protection.
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Commonly disliked ingredients that DO NOT bother my skin:
• Fragrance (I don't go overboard and will still avoid it where I can)
• Astringents such as alcohol, witch hazel, or birch sap (when formulated into products)
• Citrus extracts (I do try to avoid citrus oils however)
• Tea tree oil (if formulated into a product it's fine, but I still try to avoid other essential oils)
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Commonly liked ingredients that DO bother my skin:
• Vitamin C (especially in higher percentages, it often stings)
• Glycolic acid (especially in higher percentages, often makes me red. I prefer PHAs or BHAs with less than 0.5% strength)
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How I personally rate and review products:
⭐️ Terrible! Who was this product even meant for? I cannot recommend that anybody use it.
⭐️⭐️ Absolutely did not work for me at all, but it might for some people. Still, I can’t say I recommend the product. I believe there's a better alternative out there.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ It’s not awful and didn't do anything terrible to my skin, but I personally did not enjoy using the product or see many results. Although, I imagine it could work well for some people.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Product works, but there’s just something about it I wish was better or different.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing! Product works very well and is enjoyable to use. I highly recommend!
Every Product I Have On Hand
Skincare RoutineALWAYS CHANGING! Skincare has become more then just good hygiene for me, it's self-care, a...
ALWAYS CHANGING! Skincare has become more then just good hygiene for me, it's self-care, a hobby, and an ever growing collection. I'm constantly testing products so my routine is anything but simple.
I do NOT use every single product listed here everyday. There's a lot of use every other day , use once a week, or use as needed products here. My routine can be adjusted for whatever I'm currently dealing with. (Such as, use clay mask when pores on nose become too visible, or skip acids/actives if my skin barrier needs a break.) When adding a new product to my routine, it's important to do so one at a time and with at least 2 weeks between each new product tested. That way if something is not working for my skin it is easy to identify which product I need to stop using. I would say my typical routine includes about 6 to 10 steps- which I know is still a lot for some people BUT my skin is not sensitive and I've practically eliminated all my acne, dark spots, pores, etc, and for the first time since before puberty and acne, I've gotten the confidence to leave the house without makeup.
Check out my reviews and shelves for my more in depth thoughts and recommendations!
Morning Routine
29 steps
Washing twice a day with a cleanser leaves my skin too dry. I've found that...
Washing twice a day with a cleanser leaves my skin too dry. I've found that this micellar water removes any oil/buildup my skin has produced during the night. I've had no issues with leaving it on my skin without rinsing after application.
Use on clean/dry skin. For typical whiteheads.
Use on clean/dry skin. For typical whiteheads.
Some days I just want to feel extra clean, and using a toner pad to wipe my...
Some days I just want to feel extra clean, and using a toner pad to wipe my face after my micellar water helps with that. The BHA in this is Betaine Salicylate at a low percentage, so it's pretty gentle.
Great addition for a waterless morning cleanse. Amazing for both acne and...
Great addition for a waterless morning cleanse. Amazing for both acne and eczema.
Alternate between this and the Tirtir Milk Skin Toner. I just use whichever...
Alternate between this and the Tirtir Milk Skin Toner. I just use whichever I'm feeling like that day. Sometimes I like to mix this one with other toners/essences.
Skincare/makeup in one. I like to use this when I'm going out. Gives a...
Skincare/makeup in one. I like to use this when I'm going out. Gives a brightening effect.
I usually just count my sunscreen as my moisturizer, however sometimes I just...
I usually just count my sunscreen as my moisturizer, however sometimes I just want something a little extra, so I'll use this too.
I've got eczema, so having a good anti-itch lotion on hand is necessary. This...
I've got eczema, so having a good anti-itch lotion on hand is necessary. This has oatmeal, calamine, and pramoxine HCI to help reduce itch.
Region: US
A cream for when I need to soothe and protect my dry skin. I like to mix this...
A cream for when I need to soothe and protect my dry skin. I like to mix this with the Aveeno anti-itch lotion.
Micronized benzoyl peroxide is gentler,and the instructions say to apply...
Micronized benzoyl peroxide is gentler,and the instructions say to apply daily but I still feel it's best to give my skin a break once in awhile. I like using this over a moisturizer (the extra barrier helps reduce the chance of irritation)
Don't forget lip SPF when I'm going outside/going to be near windows for an...
Don't forget lip SPF when I'm going outside/going to be near windows for an extended period of time.
Flavor: Kiwi Blush
Pair with Bondi Sands lip SPF in Strawberry to completely cover any sunscreen...
Pair with Bondi Sands lip SPF in Strawberry to completely cover any sunscreen taste.
Don't forget lip SPF when I'm going outside/going to be near windows for an...
Don't forget lip SPF when I'm going outside/going to be near windows for an extended period of time.
Flavor: Pink Mimosa
Pair with Bondi Sands lip SPF in Watermelon to completely cover any sunscreen...
Pair with Bondi Sands lip SPF in Watermelon to completely cover any sunscreen taste.
Flavor: Sweet Vanilla
Don't forget lip SPF when I'm going outside/going to be near windows for an...
Don't forget lip SPF when I'm going outside/going to be near windows for an extended period of time.
Flavor: Candy Baby
Pair with Bondi Sands lip SPF in Vanilla to completely cover any sunscreen...
Pair with Bondi Sands lip SPF in Vanilla to completely cover any sunscreen taste.
My go to for adding moisture throughout the day
My go to for adding moisture throughout the day
A chemical sunscreen for natural/no coverage days.
A chemical sunscreen for natural/no coverage days.
A hybrid sunscreen for natural days with just a hint of brightening.
A hybrid sunscreen for natural days with just a hint of brightening.
A hybrid sunscreen for days I want a little coverage.
A hybrid sunscreen for days I want a little coverage.
A good sunscreen for around the eyes. Also good to lock in and mattify a...
A good sunscreen for around the eyes. Also good to lock in and mattify a lotion type sunscreen. Best for reapplication throughout the day.
Use when skin is dull/dry and needs a quick pick me up. Love to use this with...
Use when skin is dull/dry and needs a quick pick me up. Love to use this with tinted suncreens/makeup. Helps them just melt into the skin and look more natural.
Evening Routine
36 steps
I found this too strong to leave on my skin, so now what I do is after...
I found this too strong to leave on my skin, so now what I do is after applying a cleansing oil/balm I put this on my problem areas and massage for a minute or two. Then I wash everything off. I don't use other exfoliants when I do this.
I personally would describe this as a gentle physical and chemical exfoliant...
I personally would describe this as a gentle physical and chemical exfoliant that can also remove face makeup. It shouldn't be used for eye makeup. I like to use this on my nose and chin. BHA is less than 0.5%
Focus on problem areas when used. Spend extra time massaging around my nose,...
Focus on problem areas when used. Spend extra time massaging around my nose, chin, and forehead.
Super gentle and lightly exfoliating. Great for dry acne prone skin like mine.
Super gentle and lightly exfoliating. Great for dry acne prone skin like mine.
15 minute PHA clay mask. Nondrying and lightly exfoliating. Take a break from...
15 minute PHA clay mask. Nondrying and lightly exfoliating. Take a break from other exfoliators and retinoids when I use this one.
5 minute PHA clay mask. Good for eliminating skin texture and hydrating the...
5 minute PHA clay mask. Good for eliminating skin texture and hydrating the skin. Take a break from other exfoliators and retinoids when I use this one.
10 minute clay mask with azelaic acid. This mask never leaves my skin feeling...
10 minute clay mask with azelaic acid. This mask never leaves my skin feeling dry.
I love clay masks, but sometimes I want something a little different......
I love clay masks, but sometimes I want something a little different... something sticky and hydrating. I love the way this honey mask leaves my skin feeling.
Use on clean skin. Works but sometimes turns the skin on my lash line red....
Use on clean skin. Works but sometimes turns the skin on my lash line red. I've found that applying La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume on those irritated areas helps a lot.
Use on clean skin. For typical whiteheads.
Use on clean skin. For typical whiteheads.
Use on clean skin so the patch will stick better. Use on deep and tender acne...
Use on clean skin so the patch will stick better. Use on deep and tender acne that has not come to a head.
Helpful for both acne and eczema!
Helpful for both acne and eczema!
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Keep in fridge and use when I want to hydrate and cool down my skin.
Apply before using skincare tools for extra slip. Or just when I want to calm...
Apply before using skincare tools for extra slip. Or just when I want to calm my skin.
Alternate nights between using my moisturizer around my eyes and using this...
Alternate nights between using my moisturizer around my eyes and using this retinal. Switching off between the two gives the delicate skin around my eyes a break. This is also gentle enough for using on my neck.
My skin loves snail. It's so healing to my skin barrier. I love to mix this...
My skin loves snail. It's so healing to my skin barrier. I love to mix this with Stratia's Lipid Gold moisturizer.
Great for skin barrier. The texture is a like a creamy serum, but since I...
Great for skin barrier. The texture is a like a creamy serum, but since I have dry skin this alone isn't enough and it needs to be paired with another moisturizer.
Region: US
A cream for when I need to soothe and protect my dry skin. Works great for...
A cream for when I need to soothe and protect my dry skin. Works great for around the eyes.
Used every 2-3 days. I used to use .05% tretinoin, but I decided to go back...
Used every 2-3 days. I used to use .05% tretinoin, but I decided to go back to adapalene because 1) it's more gentle on my skin and 2) I can use it in combination with benzoyl peroxide for stubborn pimples.
For when I need a thicker moisturizer. Alternate between this and the CeraVe...
For when I need a thicker moisturizer. Alternate between this and the CeraVe night cream. I just use whichever I'm feeling like that evening.
For those days when I need a thicker moisturizer. Alternate between this and...
For those days when I need a thicker moisturizer. Alternate between this and the Farmacy Honey Moisturizer. I just use whichever I'm feeling like that evening. I love to use this moisturizer to sandwich my adapalene.
My go to slugging ointment because it's a little less greasy than pure...
My go to slugging ointment because it's a little less greasy than pure petrolatum. Don't use over strong actives like adapalene or salicylic acid. I've noticed this also works very well on my cuticles and nails.
For blackheads and texture. Most of the time I apply this only to my...
For blackheads and texture. Most of the time I apply this only to my chin/nose. Contains salicylic acid (percentage is not given, so it's more than likely less than 0.5%). Good for dry acne prone skin.
I use this one for spot treating stubborn blackheads. Don't use over...
I use this one for spot treating stubborn blackheads. Don't use over occlusive ointment.
A 10% sulfur spot treatment. Don't use over occlusive ointment, adapalene, or...
A 10% sulfur spot treatment. Don't use over occlusive ointment, adapalene, or salicylic acid. Wait for other skincare products to dry down a bit before applying this spot treatment.