Getting into skincare can feel overwhelming, especially with the rise of skincare influencers and an endless stream of social media videos. It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of advice and products.
I started my skincare journey about a decade ago. Back then, I struggled with severe texture issues, uneven skin tone, and persistent acne. I avoided pictures because of how I felt about my skin—and to top it off, I had gone most of my life without using sunscreen! Looking back now, I can’t believe it.
Building a skincare routine was both overwhelming and expensive. I bought products that didn’t suit my skin, and many of them ended up collecting dust in my cabinets. I wish I had access to the wealth of information available today—it would have saved me so much frustration.
If I could go back, I’d start with these basics:
- Oil Cleanser – Perfect for breaking down oil-based debris like makeup and sunscreen.
- Water-Based Cleanser – Essential for removing sweat and other water-based impurities.
- Toner – Helps balance your skin’s moisture and pH levels.
- Moisturizer – Locks in hydration, leaving skin smooth and plump.
- Sunscreen – The most important step! It protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
These five products create a strong foundation for any skincare routine. Once you understand what works for your skin, you’ll avoid wasting money and time on products that can harm your skin barrier.
Above all, remember that skincare is a journey. Results take patience and consistency, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate changes.
I’ll share some of my favorite products below—hope they help you on your journey! 🌟
*note: I have combination skin, which means finding balance is key. Some days my skin feels overly oily, while on others, it leans toward being too dry.
OIL CLEANSERS:
HANSKIN – Pore Cleansing Balm BHA
My favorite oil cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean, hydrated, and perfectly balanced. It has definitely helped reduce my blackheads! This oil cleanse has Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), a chemical exfoliant that helps improve skin texture, unclog pores, and reduce acne. Ideal for oily and combination skin types!
HANSINK – Pore Cleansing Balm PHA
This oil cleanser is perfect for sensitive, dry, or aging skin. Formulated with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), a gentle chemical exfoliant, it softly exfoliates to smooth skin texture while hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.
MA:NYO – Pure Cleansing Oil
Another favorite oil cleanser of mine. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed, clean, and soft without any greasy residue. It is known for its lightweight texture and powerful cleansing properties, this product is a favorite for those seeking a deep yet non-stripping cleanse.
WATER-BASED CLEANSERS:
GOOD DAYS FOR ALL – A New Leaf Cream Cleanser
Ideal for sensitive or combination skin, this creamy formula is enriched with plant-based ingredients to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. This cleanser is great for those seeking a balance between cleansing and hydration.
GOOD LIGHT – Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser
My current night water cleanser. It gently cleanses my skin while maintaining its natural hydration and barrier. This cleanser is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is great for those who want a hydrating, non-stripping formula for a fresh, clean feeling without tightness.
NEUTROGENA – Stubborn Texture
One of my all-time favorite cleansers! This was a game-changer for me when I struggled with texture issues, and I still rely on it to this day. This cleanser is designed to target uneven skin texture and clogged pores. It combines gentle exfoliation with deep cleansing to leave your skin smoother, clearer, and more refined. It’s particularly suited for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
Don’t forget to pair it with sunscreen during the day, as exfoliating ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun!
TONERS:
ACWELL – Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
The savior for my skin! I can’t stop recommending this toner to everyone. This toner is a multi-tasking skin product designed to tone, cleanse, and brighten your skin while maintaining its natural pH balance. It is enriched with natural ingredients that soothe and refresh, making it a staple for a radiant complexion. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
And the best thing? They have toner pads, which I absolutely love!
SOME BY MI – AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
Another staple in my skincare routine! These toner pads are designed to target blemishes, uneven texture, and clogged pores while calming and soothing the skin. They are beneficial for oily and combination skin types but are gentle enough for sensitive skin.
GOOD LIGHT – Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion
This product is a lightweight, hydrating toner designed to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier while delivering a dewy, radiant glow. Beneficial for those with dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin.
MOISTURIZERS:
KLAIRS – Rich Moist Soothing Cream
A moisturizer I am currently trying out. I like using it at night due to its hydrating and calming properties. This moisturizer is designed to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. It is perfect for those with dry, sensitive, or combination skin looking for long-lasting hydration and soothing care.
GOOD DAYS FOR ALL – On The Bright Side Moisturizer
My everyday moisturizer! It is non-greasy which makes it great for my combination skin. This moisturizer is designed to hydrate, brighten, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is great for normal, combination, and dry skin types.
COSRX – Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
A moisturizer I like to incorporate into my night skincare routine. This snail all in one cream is a deeply hydrating and repairing moisturizer formulated with snail mucin to nourish, soothe, and restore the skin. Perfect for all skin types, especially those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
SUNSCREENS:
ABIB – Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+
My all-time favorite sunscreen! It leaves my skin feeling smooth and completely shine-free. This formula works well for all skin types, but it’s especially perfect for combination to oily skin. What I love most is that it’s infused with calming ingredients like centella asiatica and ceramides, which help soothe and strengthen the skin barrier.
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