Let’s be real—skincare isn’t just about what you put on your face. After years of trial and error (and a bathroom full of half-used products), here’s what actually worked for me to keep my acne-prone, oily skin in check.
1. Lifestyle First: What You Eat Shows Up on Your Face
Before I even touch skincare, let’s talk diet. When I cut back on sugar (which is super inflammatory), my skin immediately improved. What helped most was drinking half my body weight in ounces of water every day. It flushes out toxins and keeps my skin hydrated from the inside out.
2. The Only Face Wash That Works for Me
After trying every face wash out there—CeraVe, Cetaphil, Clearasil, Tatcha, Beauty of Joseon—the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser is the only one that truly works for my oily, acne-prone skin. Gentle, clean, and effective.
3. Exfoliation = Clearer Skin + Brighter Glow
I exfoliate 3x a week to help with cell turnover and prevent buildup. I use the Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder, a clean and affordable dupe for Dermalogica’s microfoliant. It keeps my skin smooth and helps fade scars faster.
4. Moisturizer
I keep it simple with the Good Molecules Daily Moisturizer—hydrating without clogging my pores. It layers well with treatments and doesn’t feel heavy.
5. Tretinoin
This has been a game-changer. I’m working my way up to using it daily, but right now I apply Tretinoin about 3x a week to help with acne, texture, and scars. I always apply it before moisturizer.
6. SPF
When using retinoids, sunscreen is a must. I swear by the Badger SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen—it’s 98% organic, reef-safe, and moisturizing enough to double as a primer or even a moisturizer when my skin’s dry.
7. Vitamin C + Scar Care
The Bliss Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum is something I go through constantly. When I ran out, my skin broke out and scars darkened. After just one week back on it, my scars noticeably faded. For deeper scars, I use Mederma Scar Gel—it’s seriously magic and lightens spots overnight.
8. Extra Tips
A few natural products I also love: organic rosewater spray, castor oil, black seed oil, and beef tallow. These help hydrate and repair my skin barrier. One of the biggest things that helped? Letting my face air dry. Towels were irritating my skin and causing breakouts, so now I either air dry or use disposable facial cloths.
Closing Thoughts
Everyone’s skin is different, but these habits and products completely changed mine. Keep it clean, consistent, and listen to what your skin’s telling you. You don’t need 15 steps—just the right ones.
Until next time, from someone who’s been there.
