I battled SEVERE acne in 2018 and then even worse acne scars in the following years. If I had found someone like myself to follow their struggles while I was dealing with my own skin struggles and lack of confidence, it might’ve been easier for me to manage. That’s why I want to share my journey, how I’ve been successful in diminishing my scars from cystic acne, and my skincare routine.
I wrote a post about my journey with cystic acne starting in May 2018 and you can read it here. If you’re dealing with cystic acne that looks similar to any of the stages in the picture below, then keep reading!
Managing acne and acne scars doesn’t happen overnight. Everything from your diet, environment, hormones, and products can be a factor. I’m not a dermatologist or esthetician but I’ve been where you are, so I hope I can provide resources and encouragement along the way.
I’ve tried A LOT of products to battle acne, acne scars, dry skin, oily skin (I have combination skin and it’s a big B), dark spots, acne scars, and signs of aging like wrinkles. Figuring out what works best for my skin and what products work well together took some time but I’m very happy with what I’m using and my results.
While it might seem that my skincare routine is ‘too much’ or a long process, it is truly one of my favorite daily self-care practices. And when I see results that make me look younger and feel more confident, why wouldn’t I want to keep that up?
Skincare Routine
The order of applying products and the amount of time between each product applied makes a huge difference in how they’re absorbed into your skin and effectiveness. For example, wait 15 minutes after applying retinol before applying any other product to achieve the ultimate benefits of your retinol product.
Below is an example of the order that I apply products for my morning skincare routine and nightly skincare routine. Pin these for later to help you remember the order.
Skincare Product Recommendations
I’ve personally used ALL of these products over the years. Obviously not at the same time but I’ve used what is right for my skin at that moment depending on the issue I’m battling. I hope these product recommendations can help you and if you have any questions on a specific product, feel free to reach out!
Face Cleanser
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Foaming Face Wash
Fountain of Truth Fresh Face Foaming Cleanser
Toner
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner
Vitamin-C Serum
The Ordinary Vitamin-C Suspension 30% in Silicone
Hyaluronic Acid
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Moisturizer
Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisturizer (use code: JJADVENTURES for 15% off all Tula products!)
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
SPF
Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (use code: JJADVENTURES for 15% off all Tula products!)
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion
Night Cream
No7 Life & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream
ROC Multi-correxion 5-in-1 Restoring Night Cream
L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Anti-Aging Night Face Mask
Aveeno Positively Radiant Night Cream
Retinol
The Ordinary Granactive Retinol 2% Emulsion
Peace Out Micro-needling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
Eye Creams
Tula Rose Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm (use code: JJADVENTURES for 15% off all Tula products!)
Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Cream
Earth Therapeutics Hydrogel Collagen Under Eye Patch
Face Oils & Serums
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
NO7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum
Face Masks
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Freeman Beauty Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Clay Mask
Ulta Coconut & Almond Moisturizing Superfood Mud Mask
First Aid Beauty Fab Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Innisfree Pore Cleansing Clay Mask
Pacifica Pollution Fight Blue Algae Urban Defense Facial Masks
Ulta Blueberries & Yogurt Skin Balancing Superfood Mud Mask
Honest Beauty Prime + Perfect Super-fruits & Shea Butter Mask
Pacifica Stress Rehab Coconut & Caffeine Facial Mask
Freeman Beauty Cucumber & Pink Salt Clay Mask
Ulta Avocado & Kale Nourishing Superfood Mud Mask
Acne
Paradox Los Angeles Lucky Stars Blemish Patches
TCM Scar and Acne Mark Removal Gel Ointment
Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
Tools
If you have specific questions, please comment below or send me a message! I’m always happy to chat about skincare. ☺️ Read about my journey with cystic acne here or save the below image for later.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support to The JJ Adventures!
