I don’t know if it’s because of the drought or the heat or what, but my skin has been suffering lately. Despite my age, I still break out frequently and acne treatment products generally dry it out so much that it gets flaky, not to mention that it hurts. So, what do you do if your skin is somewhere between combination and dry and breaking out at the same time?!
Well, for a while I couldn’t figure out what products would suit my skin in its confused state and I saw a dermatologist. Some of these products were recommendations from my doctors and some of them were more trial and error solutions that I discovered myself. This is the skin care routine that I use for my skin at night. The routine I use in the morning is slightly different, so I may post that in the future too.
*This post contains affiliate links. Please check out my disclosure policy for more details.
The first thing I use every night is Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. I just love this eye makeup remover because it’s gentle, oil-free obviously and doesn’t leave a weird feeling residue or have any fragrance.
Next, I cleanse my skin with Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories Balancing Cleanser. This product was recommended by my dermatologist and it’s a gentle exfoliant, so while it’s gentle enough to use daily, it isn’t something to use twice a day. I use it at night to exfoliate dry, dead skin cells away along with my makeup and daily ickiness. I like it because it leaves my skin feeling so clean and really helps get the deep down dirt and impurities. It’s also an age-fighting product which can’t hurt.
After cleansing, I use Witch Hazel as an astringent. Witch hazel has antibacterial properties along with the ability to reduce irritation and inflammation so it’s great for treating existing blemishes and preventing new ones. Not only that, but it refines pores while helping to retain natural moisture. I actually have a post on the amazingness of witch hazel that you can read here.
Once my skin is clean and dry, I apply Avene TriAcneal which is another product my dermatologist recommended. This is an acne treatment product with soothing spring water so it’s great for calming over-reactive or sensitive skin. And it actually works! I really can’t say that about any other spot treatments I’ve tried. Oh, and it’s actually age-fighting too. Not your regular teenage-skin targeted product, which is probably why it actually works for me.
Now, you can’t skip moisturizer because then your skin will over-produce oil to try and compensate for the dryness. I love Yes to Tomatoes Daily Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer. It’s formulated for acne prone skin so it won’t clog your pores or cause more breakouts but it will leave your skin feeling perfectly hydrated and smooth. I seriously love this moisturizer.
Last but not least, EOS Lemon Drop Lip Balm. My lips have been ridiculously chapped and this balm is the most quenching-est, soothing-est ever. And it has SPF, which isn’t necessary at night, but I use it throughout the day as well.
