Sara's Everyday Skincare Routine

Welcome tenacious cookies, Sara here! So today I wanted to tell you guys about my skincare routine. If you have oily/combination type/acne prone skin, keep reading! If you have dry and sensitive skin, this probably isn't for you, but no worries, we'll have a separate post about it in the near future.

First off, here's a little info about my skin type. I would say I have combination type or oily skin, depending on the time of year. I'm 20 years old, I battled acne throughout my teens, and I still see my dermatologist annually. I've tried out so many skincare products for acne or blemish prone skin, and so I have learned what works for me and what doesn't. I have to be very careful about the products I use, as I still get blemishes from time to time. I'm also very pale, so redness and scarring has always been a major concern of mine.

One thing to keep in mind is that just because a product works for one person doesn't mean it will work for someone else. I think that's the hardest thing about skincare, the only way to really develop a good routine is to go out and try products. Hopefully I can at least provide a place to start. No one has paid me to promote any of these products. Enjoy!

Alright, so the basics of skincare are cleanse, tone, and moisturize. This is what I try to do. I wake up in the morning and use the Ain't Misbehavin' cleanser by DERMAdoctor. I love this cleanser because it cleans my face really well without removing too much oil and leaving my face too dry. I use this cleanser with my clarisonic (which is a major beauty investment but worth it). This cleanser contains glycolic acid, 2% salicylic acid, witch hazel, and allantoin. This cleanser is a bit pricey at $27 each bottle, but a bottle usually lasts me 6 months.

After cleansing I use the Alpha Grapefruit cleansing lotion (aka toner) by Mario Badescu. I love this toner because it does not contain alcohol (which really dries out the skin too much) and it is reasonably priced at $15 for a large bottle.

Next, I use the rejuvenating BB cream silver label by Dr. Jart. This works as a sunscreen (SPF 35 PA++), moisturizer, and makeup base. It works to reduce redness and conceal blemishes as well. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are tan this may not work as well for you. There is only one shade, and it's definitely on the paler side. This product is pricey at $30 a tube but one tube lasts months, and on some summer days I don't need to wear any foundation or concealer because this does the job.

At the end of the day I take off my makeup using any basic makeup remover wipes. I usually buy mine at Ross because they're a lot cheaper there. I then use a cleansing oil by Una Brennan called Superfacialist Vitamin C + Brighten. This contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, rosehip seed oil, passionflower seed oil, cucumber, and other anti-aging ingredients. I like this cleanser a lot, because it gives my skin the nutrients it needs. I usually find it on Amazon or at Marshalls for $8 a bottle. This is considered step 1 and should be followed by a facial cleanser.

The cleanser I use at night, ultimately, depends on how my skin is doing. If it's summertime and my skin is really oily I use a prescription from my dermatologist, which I love. If it's winter or my skin is feeling dry I use the Clinique Rinse-off foaming cleanser. I got it as a free sample in a Clinique bag a few months back, and I use it so rarely I've never needed to buy the full size product.

When I get out of the shower I use the Mario Badescu toner again. I also use the Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream. It contains Elastin, Collagen, and Hyaluronic acid, and other vitamins. It's $22 a tub but I think it's a pretty fair price considering how long it lasts and how well it works.

That's pretty much the basics of how I take care of my skin. I also do one face mask a week depending on how my skin is doing. I won't talk about these too much, but I would definitely recommend the Freeman face masks as they're only $4 a tube (6-8 uses) and they do a wonderful job.

Some other basics of achieving and maintaining healthy skin: DRINK ENOUGH WATER! This may sound silly, but it really helps. The 8 glasses of water a day is a total myth, but you should be drinking enough to feel comfortably hydrated. Also, add a lemon wedge to your water. It's good for your skin and your digestive system. Try to have a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Take a vitamin every day, especially if you're a college student like me, and you know your diet isn't providing all the nutrients your body needs. Take your makeup off every night, always. Sleeping with your makeup still on is probably the worst thing you can do for your skin. Change your pillowcases every couple of weeks, especially if you sleep on your face like I do. Try to avoid touching your face during the day, you transfer the oil and dirt from your hands to your face.When you talk on the phone try to avoid pressing it into your face, and clean your phone every once and a while, there's a ton of bacteria growing on it (which is really gross).

My routine might seem pretty daunting, and maybe even ridiculous, but I find enjoyment from it because of the results I've achieved. Don't assume that in order to have clear and healthy skin you need a routine as involved as mine. I'm no skincare expert or dermatologist, I just had a lot of acne and one day decided it was a time for a change. From lots of experimentation I have found that this routine works wonderfully for me.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful! Let me know in the comments. Also, let me know about any great products you discovered for oily or combination skin, I'm always looking to try new ones! Have a wonderful day :)