Caring for my Skin
Skin, oh the ever ending stressful moments I've had with you. Growing up, I had pretty great skin. I rarely had any breakouts. I remember being a junior in high school and having a classmate ask me what I used to wash my face. This was before the big trend on skin care came around, and there were no vloggers giving you product reviews. With that being said, I confusedly answered "uh Dove soap when I shower." I was so naive. Senior year in high school was okay towards my skin. A few blemishes here and there, nothing too serious.
Then, adulthood happened. College tore me apart (aside from student loans). Living off of ramen, staying up until 4 a.m., stressing about school, adulting, and crying REALLY took a toll on my skin. It's like somehow my skin was against me. It wasn't a beautiful transformation like you see on videos. NO. It wasn't "hey I tried this product for 3 weeks and my face looks as flawless as a baby's butt." It was more like "HAHAHA I HATE MY SKIN MORE PLS STOP PLS SEND HELP ASDFGHJKL!!" The more I stressed, the more my skin hated me. After 2 years of trying literally everything (Neutrogena, Dermatologist prescribed pills and lotions, Proactive, Clean & Clear, oils, soaps, lotions, prayers, star dust, lots and lots of crying) I randomly came across the 3 step system by Clinique. I had read a ton of positive reviews online, from people of all ages, which I've learnt is a good thing. I've been using the 3 steps for almost 2 years now. Things got even better when Glossier decided to exist, making my skin the happiest and healthiest I have seen it in a while with the combination of the two brands.
So here we go, the products I use and when I use them. Hopefully it can help someone else that has struggled with breakouts, scars, dry but oily on T zone, and dark spots.
From Glossier, I use:
Detoxifying face mask - Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
Moisturizing face mask - Moisturizing Moon Mask
From Clinique I use:
Acne Solutions 3 Step - Cleansing Foam, Clarifying Lotion, All Over Clearing Treatment
Moisture Surge - Extended Thirst Relief
Make up remover - Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (not pictured, I forgot to invite it to the photoshoot apparently whoops)
This is the order I use them in:
Night -
If I have makeup on I start off with the Clinique Rinse-off Foam Cleanser (if I don't wear makeup, I skip this step).
Clinique Cleansing Foam (Step 1 in the 3 step Acne Solution pack)
Clinique Clarifying Lotion (Step 2 in the 3 step Acne Solution pack); ironically this isn't lotion at all, it's a liquid toner that I use with a cotton ball
Glossier Soothing Face Mist (let this air dry for a second)
Clinique All Over Clearing Treatment (Step 3 in the 3 step Acne Solution pack)
*if I have recent blemishes, I dab on a dot of Clinical Clearing Gel. This stuff is made of magic and you will wake up with spots 85% gone.
*If my face needs moisture, I finish off with the Clinique Moisture Surge, especially during colder days.
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector - dab on a dot on needed spots
Mornings -
Clinique Cleansing Foam (Step 1 in the 3 step Acne Solution pack)
Glossier Soothing Face Mist (let this air dry for a second)
Clinique Moisture Surge
Then I just do my usual makeup
Fridays after a long week of work (aka once a week) -
If I have makeup on I start off with the Clinique Rinse-off Foam Cleanser (if I don't wear makeup, I skip this step).
Glossier Detoxifying face mask - Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
Glossier Moisturizing face mask - Moisturizing Moon Mask
Glossier Soothing Face Mist
Clinique Moisture Surge - Extended Thirst Relief
Hopefully this helps at least 1 other individual out there. I know it's stressful feeling like you don't have pleasant skin, and I know it causes emotional break downs. Trust me, I've been there. At the end of the day, I think we need to realize that skin isn't worth stressing over, there are bigger things in life. I think that helped me calm down my breakouts brought on by stress, along with an organized skincare routine and lots of water.
For 20% off your first purchase of Glossier products, feel free to use this link here.