Acne sucks. Acne in your twenties sucks even more. I’ve tried a lot of soaps, masks, and serums to keep my skin looking clear and feeling healthy. Here are the top three products that work for me.
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1. Replenix Gly/Sal 5-2 Cleanser
Formulated with 5% glycosylic acid and 2% salicylic acid, this cleanser is gentle but effective. I started using it because a good friend had it and I noticed that every time I washed my face at her place, my skin would feel and look amazing the day after. Now that my skin is a little less oily, I often wash my face with just water and add this into my routine as needed. When I need an even deeper cleanse, I’ll lather up the soap in my hands with a little water, massage into my face and leave it for a few minutes as if it were a face mask. Then I remove it with a washcloth and warm water.
2. CSI Vitamin C + 12% Youth Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates cell renewal and the production of collagen and elastin. While its primary effects are to increase skin firmness, it also fades sunspots, tightens pores, and reduces acne. It is safe to use twice a day but I only use it a few times a week as needed. Apply by rubbing a few drops gently into your skin, focusing on problem areas. Keep the bottle in a cool dark place so it doesn’t oxidize. I always apply my serum right after a shower when my skin is perfectly clean and my pores are open before any other products or moisturizers. Be sure to use sunscreen in conjunction with vitamin c oil or any other exfoliators as they can leave your skin sensitive to the sun.
3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
I’ve been using this face moisturizer since I was a teen and I absolutely love how light it is on my skin. It was hard to find a lotion that would moisturize my dry zones and control my oily zones without feeling heavy or greasy. I use it at least twice a day, every day, and the 4oz. bottle will still last me 4-6 months. I’ve also used Neutrogena’s oil-free moisturizer and the Olay Regenerist anti-aging moisturizer and had similar results. Even people with oily skin need face lotion. Staying moisturized will help your skin produce less oil and stay clearer in the end.