Some background: I have combination skin, and have adult acne. I've struggled with acne my whole life, and being an adult with acne is certainly not easy. I've tried every over-the-counter acne medication I could get my hands on, and I've even tried long-term antibiotics to eliminate acne to no avail. So, I was at my wit's end when a really great friend of mine convinced me to try going the all-natural route. And ya'll... IT WORKED. I still have acne, but it is not as severe as it was before, and honestly? My skin looks like it is glowing.
After much tinkering, I've been able to figure out what works best for my skin. I would like to note that what works for me may not work for you- trust me, if I had a nickel for every time I enthusiastically purchased a product on the recommendation of another blogger only to have it not work for me, I'd be a wealthy woman. That being said, I wholeheartedly believe that all-natural skincare is the only way to go when you have acne. It's amazing to me how effective natural and non-toxic skincare is!
For a full rundown on my nightly skincare routine for glowing and less reactive skin, click through for my breakdown (ps- full-length reviews on each product coming VERY soon)!
Before I begin, here is a full rundown on the products I use (not all are pictured, but all were mentioned in my Periscope). Keep checking back, as once I have full-length reviews on these products up, I'll update this page so it'll be extra handy!
- Laurel Oily to Combination Cleanser
- Activated Charcoal Konjac Sponge
- Laurel Oily to Combination Elixir
- May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt // (Full Review HERE)
- Kypris Clearing Serum // (Full Review HERE)
- Moss Zen Physic Oil Intensif
- Laurel Facial Serum: Anti-Inflammatory
- Laurel Facial Serum: Balance
- Mahalo Balm // (Full Review HERE)
- Osmia Organics Spot Treatment
After it soaks into my skin, it's time to moisturize. I like to add the Mahalo Balm to the dry areas of my face- so anywhere that isn't my T-zone. I also tend to get dry spots around my acne, so I apply over my breakouts and by my eyebrows. As the weather gets cooler, my skin gets drier, so I would apply this all over in that case. Once I've applied the balm, I'll finish up my routine with the Laurel Anti-Inflammatory Serum (or their Balance serum, depends what I'm looking for)- four drops in my hand and patted onto my face.
On good skin days, I would stop there. If I'm having a bad cystic acne breakout, I'll concentrate a drop of the Moss Zen Physic onto the breakout. The Zen Physic is prettttty powerful, so a drop is all you need! For smaller bumps, I'll apply some of the Osmia Spot Treatment, which is pretty effective for non-cystic acne spots.
There are a couple of alternatives that I use from time-to-time as well. Every third day, instead of using the Laurel Cleanser, I'll exfoliate with May Lindstrom's The Clean Dirt. If I'm noticing a lot of redness in my skin, I use the Laurel Anti-Inflammatory Serum. If I'm having a good skin day, I'll use the Laurel Balance Serum.
And, twice a week, I use face masks. I didn't talk much about face masks in my Periscope, because that is a topic for another day! Don't worry... I have a full post on my favorite face masks that I'm currently working on as well. I also occasionally use eye serums- I've tried the Laurel Eye Serum which I really like, but I'll just use some Cocovit Coconut Oil, if I use anything at all. Depends how lazy I'm feeling, ha!
So that just about does it for my nightly skincare routine. I think I'll be sticking with this for awhile, because it's actually helping me instead of breaking me out. What's your nightly skincare routine? Any tips to share?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
What a wonderful sounding routine! I have never tried any products from Laurel, but they sound really lovely!
ReplyDeleteOh they really are! Game changer.
DeleteDid I just learn about Kypris from you, Brianna? I know I read about it within the past week or so. And now Laurel, new to me too, but sounds wonderful. I love the clean look of the packaging and labeling
ReplyDeleteHa, you probably did! I love Kypris.
DeleteThis line-up sounds great! I'm a fan of face masks, and sometimes I wonder if I overuse them haha! I have to watch myself :)
ReplyDeleteAcne sucks at any age, but it seems so unfair to have to have it as an adult too! I agree about natural products...I have been using a natural sea salt scrub and it is the only thing that has ever worked for me!
ReplyDeleteYep, I've come to the conclusion that natural is the only way to go when you have problem skin!
DeleteOohh I need to try some of these!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It is always so interestng to read about other beauty bloggers' nightly skincare routines.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the adult acne....it's like I'm 31 skin, you can stop with the t-zone breakouts lol. I learned through trial and error that for me, less is more. Once I slimmed my facial routine down to a face wash, treatment, eye cream, and moisturizer (and every other week scrub) my skin was much happier!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have it perfected! The spot treatment sounds like something I need to check out.
ReplyDeleteLove your routine!
ReplyDeleteI'm 33 and still have a slight case of adult acne and it drives me INSANE
ReplyDeleteAdult acne, my waterloo. I still have it once in a while. I'm intrigued w/ your routine!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great routine. With finicky skin it's best to stick with products that work like these do.
ReplyDeleteAdult acne has been my bane for the last 4-5 years as well - I never had acne as a teen :( You're right, I've lost count of the "guaranteed, this will work" products I have purchased over the years as well. Need to try the all-natural route, and also my derm told me last week that I needed to moisturise more. If acne treatment isn't helping, then why not save the money and just moisturise?
ReplyDeleteI might have to pick some of these up for my oldest. She has skin like my mother. Luckily, it skipped me but I'm super dry. :(
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fantastic routine!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Laurel, but the brand sounds exceptional. Great to see what works for you.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs to seem sensible and contemporary particularly for females therefore your article is incredibly emotive concerning skin care.
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Just found you on instagram the other other day and I am loving this post. I will need to add you to Periscope too. I love the Kypris clearing serum but have not reacted well to the other two serums, I think it might be the algae which is not good for acne. I have the Mahalo rare indigo and I love it. Can I ask why you add the serums afterwards? I was always told serums first, or lightest in consistency first etc so I always tend to add the balm last. I'd be interested if there is a better way of doing it. So looking forward to your face mask post, I love a facemask! I've heard good things about Salis Skincare salt scrubs, have you heard anything or tried them?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and punctual routine. I am really impressed with how concerned you are for your skincare. Well, I used to apply multi vitamin serum while going to sleep as well to keep my skin glowing.
ReplyDeleteGreat job for publishing such a nice article. Your article isn’t only useful but it is additionally really informative. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. Mary Si is one of the leading natural skincare company where you can buy the Natural Organic Skin Products at an affordable price.
ReplyDelete