Hey y’all!

For anybody who’s trying to navigate adult acne like me, you already know the struggle of nailing down the perfect skincare regimen. Plus, if you’re also an avid makeup lover, then you know the key to great makeup is great skin ✨.

Now, God bless my two oily parents for getting together and procreating because they made one oily child. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, then you’ve heard me rant about my terribly oily skin. Still, I realize it’s a gift and curse. But, while I’m waiting to cash in on those wrinkle free twilight years, I’ll be busy over here trying to manage these overly active pores. Keep reading to find out about how I (try to 🙄) keep my skin in tip top shape.

Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser

I’ve been using some variation of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as long as I can remember. Little did I know then that many over the counter acne products containing these solutions aren’t typically very effective because the molecules aren’t small enough to penetrate the pores (even my big ol’ pores) or there isn’t enough in the product to effect change. After learning this, I stopped putting stock into a lot of OTC treatments and went the dermatologist route. Still yet, this face wash somehow found its way into my shower and keeps coming back. I ran out of my dermatologist recommended cleanser months back and I’m still enjoying relatively clear skin (though I keep my dermatologist on retainer just in case).

Essano Rosehip Mist Toner

I realized about 6 months ago that I’m an adult, and even though I have oily skin it still needs moisture. I got my first bottle of this for a steal from TJ Maxx. It was only 5 bucks, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to give it a try. Now I’m hooked, and honestly the regular price isn’t that steep either. With this mist toner, my skin gets the moisture it needs without feeling oily or greasy. Also, the antioxidants in rosehip oil can help to combat free radicals that cause sun damage.

Palmer’s Fade Cream

I had been using Palmer’s Skin Success Fade Cream since I was 14 years old. As of late, it’s getting harder and harder to find in stores. On my last store run, I came across this fade cream. Since it bore the Palmer’s name, I decided to give it a try. So far so good! I have to (shamefully) admit that I’m a pimple popper 🙈. The hydroquinone in the fade cream helps to protect me from dark spots resulting from acne, aging or sun damage. I’ve also used the expensive medical grade hydroquinone, and this (in my opinion) works just as well.

Image Matte Moisturizer with SPF

I’ve been using this moisturizer for 3 years and I don’t see an end in sight. When I first began using it, I immediately saw a difference; my skin actually glowed! It’s lightweight and a little goes along way. I’ve probably been using my current bottle for at least 6 months. The bonus is that it also has SPF (I think we all know by now that black people need sunscreen too), so I get moisture and protection. Also, most acne treatments will warn against sun exposure when in use, so sunscreen is paramount. Even though the fade cream I use also has sunscreen listed as an ingredient, I prefer to apply my moisturizer after.

How do you care for your skin? What products do you love? Drop a comment below!

As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, talk to me! If you like what you see, subscribe!

Talk soon 💋