Updated Skincare Routine for Sensitive and Acne-prone Skin

I spent my unashamed coin and holiday gift card on some adult skin care products and I can't believe I waited so long to do it!

so, a little back story:

I've had acne since i was thirteen (pretty much the day I started middle school), and these pimples, dark marks and uneven textures have made their presence known and felt ever since then. consequently, I was also introduced to makeup at that time, and I used foundation to cover up the intense breakouts. Me, acne and makeup had been going pretty steady for 15 years now, but i was ready to break it off with acne. (you still my boo, makeup!) On my birthday last December, I prophetically proclaimed that my 28th-year would be my time to walk it like I talk it and get a handle on skin care and skin health. I knew I was too old to be suffering from acne like I was, even though my mother had acne and the corresponding oily skin well into her adulthood. So thus began my fight against genetics, hormones, bacteria and those pesky free radicals. Onward to the new products!

I've seen two different dermatologists since I last posted about my clear skin journey. The first dermatologist prescribed an antibiotic and two topical creams. Truthfully, I don't keep up with medication and I have always been wary of being on antibiotics, given my medical history. The medications seemed to help clear my skin for a while, but they didn't really have much of an effect on hormonal breakouts. The second dermatologist prescribed me Trenoitin, which works almost overnight but was way too strong and over-drying for my personal taste. So I poured out my skin care woes to my new bestie Candace Denea and took a field trip to ULTA to try to find a solution. After walking in UNGREETED and left to figure it all out on our own, we finally met up with a sista who worked in the Clinique section [vlog and interview with her coming soon!] and she told us everything we needed to know about Clinique's Acne Solutions Clear Skin System.

This three-step kit started working from day one by gently clearing away dirt and oil and unclogging my pores. My skin felt clean, but not stripped raw. The cleanser is a foam that comes in a pump, so 2-3 pumps is the perfect amount of product to cleanse the face and neck. the next step in the system is the clarifying lotion which works as a chemical exfoliator to reduce excess oil and control shine. Last in the system is the all-over clearing treatment and this little guy packs in lightweight hydration to minimize peeling and flakiness. What I like about the system is that it combines both Salicylic Acid as well as Benzoyl Peroxide to deliver the 1-2 punch to annoying acne, all without the harshness of the other acne products on the market, including Proactiv (their three-step solution left me raw and irritated). Another bang for your buck: this system fights breakouts AND acne scarring! I was always told that you couldn't treat active breakouts and scars together because the scar treatment could lead to more breakouts, and that's a problem that nobody has time for. I was already sold on the system before the spiel was over! Clinique's Acne Solution Clear Skin System is perfect for all skin types and you can pick yours up today at ULTA for $28.

since we were focused on clearing my skin, i learned that the other biggest component in keeping the skin acne free is by keeping it moisturized, so I picked up Clinique's Moisture Surge 72-hour auto-replenishing hydrator. This tiny jar packs in buttery moisture that lasts three days in a gel-cream. A little dab goes a looong way and the auto-replenishing technology locks in moisture and keeps your skin glowy and fresh. The one-ounce jar is also found at ULTA and can be yours for $19.

I love makeup, but I'm lazy af. but thankfully our associate friend introduced us to Dermalogica's Power Couple Double Cleanse system. I'm usually the half-awake makeup wipe type, but this kit takes the cake. The Precleanse is an emulsifier and dissolves oil and makeup with gentle circular motions and a thorough rinse. Follow that up the Special Cleansing Gel, which provides a gentle, soap-free lather to wash the makeup away. Call me shook. I had never been able to get my skin that clean after rocking a full face. i am a believer. This Jay-Z and Beyonce of the makeup remover world is found at ULTA and copped for a tender $10.

Your skin care is only as good as your sunscreen, so to put the icing on the proverbial cake, I stumbled into Target and found a gem. Bare Republic's Mineral Sunscreen Lotion has absolutely changed my mind sun care for my face. The biggest annoyance for me and sun care is smelling like a public pool after applying. Lemme tell you something about this mineral face sunscreen: not only does it not have the chemical smell of regular sunscreen products, its also feather-light, absorbs easily into the skin without excess rubbing, there's no annoying white-purpley cast left on your skin after application, and it kinda smells like coconut! I have found my sunscreen soul mate and I could not be happier. This mineral sunscreen is a whopping SPF 30 and free of active chemical sunscreens. It is water-resistant for 40 minutes and you can bring this baby home for $15. 

Last, but certainly not least, A Daddy's Love Intense Healing Shea Butter in Orange scent. Sensitive skin would not be what it is without random rashes and uneven textures. One day as I was applying my sunscreen, i noticed some rough patches on my neck and i almost went crazy. I had just been sent some products from A Daddy's Love so i applied the shea butter to the rashes and i lost my mind AGAIN. This shea butter cream had healed my skin in THREE DAYS. I was delivert. A Daddy's Love is a local small business in the DFW area dedicated to bringing handmade holistic healing right to your doorstep. Malik, the founder of the company, developed the body butter out of desperation to find relief for his daughter's severe eczema. She found relief using her daddy's specially made products and I'm a believer now, too! You can take the healing goodness home to you in Orange, Lavender, Lemongrass or Unscented aromas here and the sale price is $15. 

I've never felt more comfortable going out bare faced than how I feel now. My skin is clearing, smooth and supple and I love it! If you suffer from acne and have sensitive skin and you try some of these products, please let me know what you think. Drop your two cents everywhere @jazzmynblu

Updated Skincare Routine for Sensitive and Acne-prone Skin is an original post and appeared first on BYNKradio.com by Jazzmyn Blu