Blush logo

Skincare Made Simple for the Twenty-Something

How I'm Managing Skin Changes in My Second Decade

By Reilly HailPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
Like

I got an early birthday present in January, a few months before I started my twentieth trip around the sun that, honestly, I could've dealt without. See, I was fortunate to have minor (if any) skin issues in my teens. The occasional small, hormone-related pimple on my chin or nose—nothing that wouldn't go away on its own in a few days. But the start of the new year brought me breakouts like I'd never before encountered. I've been battling stubborn cluster breakouts that are so long-lasting that I can no longer blame them on my cycle, and I have gotten used to the appearance of acne scars on my cheeks. 'Acne face mapping' told me it has to do with respiratory issues (fairly positive I'm fine in that area of health); countless articles have told me to change my pillowcases often and clean my phone screen (but, like, when do I ever hold my phone up to my face anymore? Do people still make phone calls?); and I'm sure there are many other reasons for cheek breakouts that the internet has come up with - none of which really seem to click with me or my lifestyle.

I recently found out while complaining to my mom about my skin woes that both her and my dad didn't deal with skin problems until their mid-to late twenties, and they both often had acne on their cheeks! Okay, I thought, so I'm not alone. But how do I remedy this?

Over the last couple years, I've tried so many different facial cleansers, face masks, toners, moisturizers, serums—all on a college girl budget, though! I have finally settled on a routine that works really well for my skin. My breakouts have calmed down, the scars are starting to fade, my skin tone is evening out, and life just feels a little easier, you know?

Disclaimer: I have a 'normal' skin type, if there even is such a thing. What I mean to say is my skin is neither dry nor oily. My recommendations below would work better for someone more on the dry side than oily.

Good Morning!

I wash my face at night to remove makeup, but I shower in the morning. I start with the Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Scrub (Target, $11.99), but I only use it two or three times a week. It's a great exfoliant, and since I use a jelly cleanser (spoiler alert), it's a necessary step in my routine to keep my skin healthy and glowing.

After showering, I prep my skin for makeup with toner. I have used Glossier's Solution (Glossier, $24), Pixi's Glow Tonic (Target, $15), and Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (Target, $6.99), but I am currently finishing up a bottle of Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray (Amazon, $6.99) which has hyaluronic acid in it. Of all of these toners I have used recently, the Pixi Glow Tonic is by far my favorite, and it's on my shopping list for when I run out of my current toner! It preps my skin well for the natural, glowy look I go for.

Since the microdermabrasion scrub and acidic toners make skin more sensitive to the sun, I use the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (Amazon, $13.49) with SPF 30. It's a nice basic moisturizer by a well-trusted brand at a good price - can't go wrong with that! On my no makeup days, it's light enough to wear on its own and keeps my skin looking refreshed.

Good Night!

At night, I remove my makeup with the Bliss Jelly Cleanser (Target, $9.99). Y'all. This stuff is pure magic, I swear. It's gentle enough to even use around the eyes, smells like roses, and, seriously, removes all my makeup. It's a pretty obvious rival to Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser (Glossier, $18), but seems to get the same job done at around half the price. That's what I call a College Girl Budget Win! I have a feeling this cleanser will be in my life for a while. I love it. I talk it up to all my friends. We have a very special bond.

Next up is more toner. Still on that cheap random Amazon find B.S. See morning ritual for details.

Lastly—and this is almost as exciting to me as my cleanser—is rosehip oil. I specifically have Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil (Amazon, $14.95), but any organic, pure rosehip oil would work. I use this as my nighttime moisturizer and I like to think it gives me reason to use the term 'beauty rest' because this stuff has done wonders, worked straight up miracles, on my acne scars. I've used it regularly as my PM moisturizer for four months, and my acne scars are almost completely cleared up. I think it could also be a factor in my preventing new breakouts as well. The best part is, you only need about five or six drops and the bottle is a great size for its price! So ideally, it would last you quite a while. As long as you don't forget to tighten the cap all the way and spill half of it in your weekender bag... Yeah, she did that. Oops.

Extras!

There are a couple of things I use when I feel I need them, but don't use every day.

I swear by the Burt's Bees Blemish Stick (Target, $7.79). It is an excellent, all-natural spot treatment that always clears up my zits within a day or two. I always have it with me!

When I indulge in a face mask, I use my Pacifica Kale Charcoal Ultimate Detox Mask (Target, $10.09) for a deep clean. I also love and will use absolutely anything from Lush, especially their Cup O' Coffee mask (Lush, $11.95).

So that is how I take care of my ever-changing, stressed-out skin as I navigate the adult world and balance school, work, family, friends... the list goes on.

Have you tried any of these products? How have they worked for you? What other budget-friendly, natural skincare products have you used?

skincare
Like

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.