How to get smooth skin?

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Jun 20, 2017

Jessy L.

Lately my skin has been acting up. It has been breaking out, it's not inflamed or anything but the pimples are small and the color of my skin, I also have two or three small white heads. And now that its hot outside my face gets really oily because I sweat more and that enhances my acne even more. I've been breaking out on my forehead and cheeks, and I haven't broken out on my forehead in a while. These pimples tend to be pretty small but really noticeable. And my skin has also been incredibly oily and I don't know how to keep my oil at bay, especially when it gets really hot outside! My skin has also been looking very dull and lacks the natural "glow."I do have uneven skin tone and have had it for a long time, especially around my mouth. As for now my skin care routine consists of a cleanser in the morning and night (Aveeno brightening cleanser) and a moisturizer which I only use in the morning (Neutrogena spf 15 oil-free). What are the first steps I can take to getting healthier looking skin?

Jun 20, 2017

Leuca S.

Do you have a budget per item?

Jun 20, 2017

Jessy L.

@Leuca $15-30 per item.

Jun 21, 2017

Leuca S.

A "basic" routine I recommend includes four products/3 steps: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturizer for PM, and spf moisturizer for daytime. These are what I would consider the essentials for a complete routine, which you can add things to as desired.

Aveeno's cleansers tend to have a lot of extra stuff that doesn't do much in a cleanser, on top of fragrance. I recommend checking out the Gentle Clean cleanser by Olay, or the foaming cleanser by CeraVe. They're both pretty budget friendly, ranging from 5-12$ depending on where you buy them (usually Amazon for me).

Next step would be exfoliation. This doesn't refer to physically scrubbing with a cloth or cleanser scrub, though you can still use those; it refers to chemically exfoliating your skin with leave on products. Since you're oily and prone to skin congestion, I would recommend a salicylic acid product. I cannot say enough how much I love Paula's Choice for their extensive range of SA products. They have multiple formulas and strengths for different skin types and the quality far exceeds pricier brands I've tried. I'd guess a liquid formula would work best, but you can speak to a customer service rep free of charge and tell them your exact concerns. The difference between a properly formulated SA product and the ones you'll find at most stores is truly astounding. I used to think my skin hated SA until I discovered the right formula for me.

Moisturizing is key both day and night, but you can use a light formula if you're concerned about breakouts. A good starting point is the CeraVe PM, which has a thin gel lotion texture but hydrates very well. I keep it in my cabinet even though I don't use it often as a safe option if my skin is upset. There are even lighter formulas out there but the good ones tend to be much more expensive and there's absolutely nothing functionally wrong with the CeraVe, so I tend to default to it.

For daytime SPF is nonnegotiable in my book. Finding the formula you like best is up to you, and depends on what you feel your skin still needs after you've finished your other steps, so I tend to direct people to different formulas based on their aesthetic preferences.

Jun 21, 2017

Jessy L.

@Leuca S. Thank you so much! What products would you recommend for dull/uneven skin tone? As I mentioned my skin is uneven especially around my mouth and I lack the natural glow.

Jun 21, 2017

Leuca S.

Exfoliation combined with a higher % vitamin c product should handle most pigmentation or dullness that you're facing. A good starting option is the vitamin c serum by Timeless or the one by Complete Skin Solutions. Both can be found on Amazon. This must be backed up with spf usage everyday; at least spf30 with broad spectrum on the label.

Jun 21, 2017

Jessy L.

@Leuca S Would I apply the serum at night like a moisturizer?

Jun 22, 2017

Leuca S.

You can apply it after exfoliation as a targeted spot treatment for spots, or mix some into your moisturizer for all over effect. This will also help to reduce the risk of irritation from high concentration actives.

Jun 24, 2017

Jessy L.

Thank you!