How It All Started
During my years of battling my skin health, I have had to try a couple of skincare brands to fight my oily/acne-prone skin.
I started my acne skincare journey a couple of years ago, and one evening as I was watching t.v I saw the proactive commercial and decided to place an order which arrived In a couple of days. I was excited to try a product I was hoping will help me combat my acne issues. Within 24 hours, I followed the steps and used the products the way I was supposed to use them. Unfortunately, as I went about my day, I realized my skin was dehydrated and uncomfortable, I have never had such experience, and I was forced to throw the full bottle of products away as I have used it only once.
After proactive, I spent more money trying other high-end and drugstore products, and while some worked for a while, others did nothing at all for my skin. Fast forward to when I turned 30, I realized I stopped having acne, except for the occasional hormonal flare-ups. So this meant It was time to clear my skin of the hyperpigmentation the acne has caused over the years.
Clearing My Hyperpigmentation (A Miracle Happened)
Clearing my acne scars has also been a journey. I have tried a couple of brands that did not necessarily work for my skin – but you live and learn.
And then the miracle happened. I am the type of girl that does not follow trends, so when I saw blog post after blog post talking about ’The Ordinary,’ Skincare brand, I was about to rip my hair out, hahaha – but as the saying goes, do not knock it until you have tried it.
I remember one morning after trying products upon products and nothing happening for my skin. I was standing in front of my bathroom mirror overwhelmed when I uttered this one-second prayer to God, my prayer verbatim was ”Oh Lord, please let my face look like the skin on my chest” This is because the skin on my chest is smooth, toned, and glowing.
Three days later, as I was going about my day, the words ’The Ordinary’ ever so gently echoed in my mind, and mind you this is the brand I wanted nothing to do with at all. I was like uh oh lol, immediately I googled ’The Ordinary’ on my phone and started reading all these fabulous reviews on their website, and they had a section where they recommend skincare products according to your skin issues.
They recommended Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin for hyperpigmentation; I also picked up their glycolic toner, which I later switched to Thayers Rose Toner. I picked up their Aha + Bha peeling solution, Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, and Azelaic Acid.
So far, these products have changed my skin beyond expectation (prayers answered) my acne scars have faded, and my skin texture looks smooth, I have radiant, glowing complexion just like the skin on my chest – amazing!
Best Skincare Brands
Now, since this post is about me sharing my favorite skincare brands, I will like to share my other favorite beauty brands I have used along the way that has helped my skin one way or the other.
The Ordinary – This brand cleared my skin and gave me beautiful glowing skin. Niacinamide helps to curb my sebum production, regenerate new skin cells, and helps to boost collagen and elastin production. The Alpha Arbutin works in conjunction with the niacinamide to fade my hyperpigmentation. I use their Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion at night, and it helps to speed up skin cell turnover to reveal new and fresh skin.
Thayers – I love to refresh my skin after I cleanse. Thayers Facial Toner made with witch hazel and rose petals help to remove traces of dirt and oil my facial cleanser was not able to wash off. The toner contains no alcohol, which is great for my oily skin. I love the way it refreshes and hydrates my skin.
Dr. Jart – Dr. Jart is a Korean skincare brand, one of the best brands out there. I incorporated their Peptidin Radiance Serum in my beauty routine, and it rejuvenated my skin because it contains energy peptides that replenish and recharge the skin instantly. Over time I noticed glowing, soft, and radiant skin.
Neutrogena – I have loved Neutrogena for a long time. Some of my very first skincare products have been Neutrogena. I love their hydro boost line, and another favorite of mine is their Neutrogena Naturals Makeup Remover, it instantly removes my makeup plus waterproof mascara effortlessly.
Valentia – Valentia is a brand that is vegan-friendly and use all clean ingredients for their products. I have used their skin detoxifying clay mask in the past, which I loved; I also used their pure glow brightening moisturizer.
I am currently using their hyaluronic acid serum, which contains sea kelp to help balance, hydrate, and restore my skin. I also use their vitamin b3 serum, which contains prebiotics to balance, brighten, and give my skin a beautiful glow.
Conclusion
I love a minimal skincare routine, and I love to use products that contain active ingredients that go to the core of my skin issues to start working immediately.
If you are looking to clear your acne scars or looking to control your acne, I hope this post will help you explore some new products, and hopefully, they will work for you.
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