Hey everyone!
Skincare Journey By: u/Jazzlike_Pangolin_54
Skincare is deeply personal, and finding what works for your skin can feel like a never-ending experiment. My skin type leans toward the dry side but is also acne-prone, so my routine focuses on gentle hydration and effective treatments. After much trial and error, here’s what my current routine looks like, along with the results I’ve seen so far.
Morning Routine (AM)
- Cleanser:
Simple Refreshing Face Wash- A consistent staple in my routine because it doesn’t break me out. It does take extra water to rinse off, but I don’t mind.
- Moisturizer:
Dot & Key Ceramide + Hyaluronic Moisturizer (Blue one)- This lightweight moisturizer absorbs beautifully and doesn’t clog my pores. It pairs well with my serums and sunscreen.
- Sunscreen:
ipca Acne-UV Sunscreen Gel SPF 50- My holy grail sunscreen for over a year now! It leaves no white cast, settles into a matte finish, and never causes breakouts. While it takes a bit of time to absorb, the results are worth it.
Evening Routine (PM)
- Pre-Cleansing (DIY Treatment):
Homemade Besan + Curd Face Pack- I use this after gym sessions, before showering. It stays on for about 10 minutes and gives my skin a glow while providing gentle exfoliation.
- Cleanser:
Simple Refreshing Face Wash- Same as my morning cleanser. It’s gentle, effective, and reliable.
- Treatment (Alternate Days):
- Minimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum:
- This has been a game-changer for my hyperpigmentation. I’ve been using it for a month, and the spots on my cheeks are slowly fading.
- Olay Retinol 24 Max Night Moisturizer:
- Added this two weeks ago, and I’m already seeing smoother skin and an improvement in texture. I alternate between this and the Alpha Arbutin serum to avoid overloading my skin.
- Minimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum:
- Moisturizer:
Dot & Key Ceramide + Hyaluronic Moisturizer (Blue one)- My go-to for sealing in hydration. It’s perfect for both day and night use.
- Lip Care:
Boroline- The best budget-friendly lip treatment I’ve ever used. Keeps my lips soft and moisturized overnight.
Results So Far
- Cleansers: All other face washes break me out, so I stick to the Simple Refreshing Face Wash. It’s not perfect, but it works for me.
- Moisturizer: The Dot & Key Ceramide moisturizer has been amazing. Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and effective for hydration.
- Sunscreen: ipca UV Acne Gel is my ride-or-die. It protects my skin without clogging my pores, and the matte finish is ideal for my combination skin.
- Treatment Products:
- The 2% Alpha Arbutin serum has noticeably lightened my hyperpigmentation after a month of use.
- The Olay Retinol 24 Max has made my skin smoother and improved its texture in just two weeks. I’m excited to see long-term results.
What I’ve Learned
- Gentle is key: My skin responds best to gentle products and minimal experimentation.
- Patience pays off: Treatments like alpha arbutin and retinol take time to show results, but consistency is everything.
- Affordable staples: Products like Boroline and DIY face packs are proof that you don’t need to splurge for effective skincare.
Your Turn!
What’s been working for you? Do you have any go-to products for combination or acne-prone skin? I’d love to hear about your routine in the comments below. Let’s share our experiences and help each other glow!