my favorite skincare products

Hives, peeling skin, and red fiery patchy blotches. That’s what my skin felt like after 1 trip to the dermatologist. Yikes.

All my life, my skin was normal. Not too dry, not too oily. No painful acne. Maybe the occasional pimple. Nothing too serious. When I started to get interested in skin care, my mom suggested we take a trip to the dermatologist and see what they thought. This is absolutely NOT to say that dermatologists are all bad and have no knowledge. This was definitely one isolated incident and I know plenty of people who have had FLAWLESS, MIRACULOUS, and dare I say REALITY ALTERING experiences with dermatologists. I, however, did not have that same experience.

Despite describing how extremely sensitive my skin was, the normal texture, and the lack of acne, I was prescribed extreme gels, creams, and cleansers. I went home and excitedly started cleansing and moisturizing, excited to see the results. After several days of using it, my skin was peeling, covered in hives, itchy, and felt like it was on fire.

We went back to the dermatologist and they said I was probably allergic to a few different chemicals and prescribed more and more and more. Safe to say, I said no thank you. This started my curiosity about skin care. I started researching ingredients, formulas, brands, and treatments endlessly, until I developed a routine that worked for me. Over the last few years I’ve found some of my favorite products all listed below. Enjoy!

Youth To The People: Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

Seriously the most incredible cleanser you will EVER use. I use this every morning because it’s so gentle, non-stripping, and cleansing. You will feel so refreshed after using it without feeling like your skin’s natural oils and vibrancy have been taken away like with other more abrasive cleansers. OBSESSED.

Differin Cleanser: Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Sensitive Skin Cleanser

This cleanser is not only extremely affordable and accessible, but works so well. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most incredible ingredients for keeping away any acne. I use this every night, and it absolutely saves my skin from any break outs. Whenever I take a break from this to try another, I always regret it and come crawling right back. Run don’t walk to your local drug store and pick this up!

First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream

This moisturizer is so nourishing for your skin and definitely worth the investment. It’s light enough for the summer, but thick enough to protect your skin from the colder winds in the later months of the year. I use it year round, morning and night, and it always leaves my skin soft, supple, and happy!

Biossance: Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil

While this product is in the higher price range of skin care, it’s wroth the investment. I’ve had the same bottle for almost a year and use it almost daily. Using just a drop or two on your neck and face followed by using a Gua Sha to massage it in, will do wonders for your complexion. This is the only oil that does not break me out, but leaves my skin nourished, especially during those colder winter months.

Biossance: Squalane and Lactic Acid Resurfacing Treatment

This serum is incredible and is a must in your routine. Again, as is the case with most products from Biossance, it is in the luxury price range, but again, is worth the investment. This really has helped my skin exfoliate over night and has really decreased the amount of red marks left over from pimples.

The Ordinary: Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

This mask is INCREDIBLE and SO AFFORDABLE. I use this mask once or twice a week and it keeps my skin clear and ready to face the smog of the New York City air. It can be a little intense, but as someone with extremely sensitive skin, it just leaves my complexion a little red for about 20 minutes after I wash the mask off, but does not sting or feel overly drying.