Emma Santiago

I am mostly silicone-free skincare, as I realized that was contributing to my clogged pores. I...

I am mostly silicone-free skincare, as I realized that was contributing to my clogged pores. I have slightly sensitive skin and try to stay away from fragrance, but I am typically fine with actives such as BHAs/AHAs and retinols when not used more than 2x a week. I'm autistic and struggle hard w/ sensory issues, so most of my products are very lightweight, not tacky, and non-greasy.

I have oily and acne/clog prone skin, and focus on getting products without pore cloggers. I do really well with humectants/emollients like glycerin, squalene, and cholesterol, and fatty acids, but not so well with hyaluronic acid and palm-derived ingredients. Coconut-based ingredients and coconut-derived ingredients break me out as well. I can only use lower concentrations of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, as higher percentages break me out. I believe American sunscreen fillers (especially avobenzone) break me out as well, so I either use Korean chemical sunscreens or mineral sunscreens.

I live in the Tampa Bay area so my climate is very hot, sunny, humid, moist, and full of allergens (i'm literally allergic to grass fml). I focus on making sure my skin gains enough humectants and emollients to retain the moisture in my face to help with allergens, while also not using heavier ingredients like waxes, oils, and balms that tend to clog my pore and make my skin more oily.