The Affordable Skincare Routine that Finally Stopped my Breakout Cycle
Struggling with combination skin, breakouts, blackheads and both dry & oily patches? Looking for affordable skincare options?
It took me 37 years, but I can finally say that year 36 was the year that I got my skin under control and for not a ton of money.
Anyone else in their 30’s struggling to finally get clear skin?
After years of breakouts and having my skin be a total stress factor in my life, I decided to reach out to the consultants at The Ordinary. Not only did they come highly recommended by a good friend of mine, but once I saw the prices, I knew I had to try them out. Most of the little bottles of serum are under $8.00, with a few around $10 and one under $30. So, I chatted with a consultant and she suggested a routine that I began immediately and within probably 2 weeks, I noticed significant changes in my skin. This is in no way paid or sponsored by The Ordinary, or anyone, by the way…this is just my real, honest struggle and the exact way in which I went about trying to repair my skin issues.
The consultant provided me with both a morning routine, as well as a night time routine.
My Morning Skincare Routine:
I know this looks like a lot, and sure, it takes 5-10 mins to do this entire routine twice a day, but I’ve been consistent. I haven’t skipped one single day and I’m totally reaping the benefits of it!
I begin by washing my face with this cleanser. This one is different than my night time cleanser, as I believe that switching it up and keeping some things changing in your routine will help to keep your skin guessing and in tippy top shape.
After I wash my face, every third day, I’ll use this AMAZING exfoliator. I don’t use it more than that, because it’s not necessary and you don’t want to over do it, but you always want to exfoliate and slough off the dead skin thats at the surface. Otherwise, you’re using all of these serums below for no reason, because you’re only treating the top layer of dead skin. It’s a bit of a splurge, but for timing reference, I bought mine 7 months ago and it’s still going strong. You don’t need a lot…about a dime to nickel sized amount.
Here is the exact order in which I apply each serum. I use 3-4 drops each and any extra that is leftover, I just rub on my neck. I wait a minute or two before applying the next, just to let each serum soak in.
First:
I wash my face with this cleanser.
On exfoliation days, I’ll use this AMAZING exfoliator
Second:
Apply 3-4 drops Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
It’s purpose? To offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration. Super duper important.
Third:
Apply 3-4 drops Argireline Solution 10%
The one improves the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds (hello, wrinkles!), including around the eyes and in the forehead area.
Fourth:
Apply 3-4 drops Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This one is for the breakouts. It is a high strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula, indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion.
The Fifth and most important step:
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, followed by your SPF
Slather up!
Pro tip: NEVER, I REPEAT, NEVER skip moisturizer. I know that when you have oily skin, your natural reaction is to skip the moisturizer, and try to dry your skin out, in an attempt to strip it of all that oil. But, moisturizer is KEY in helping to combat breakouts, as backwards as it sounds. Let me break it down for you as to why:
Your skin is producing oil, because it isn’t well enough hydrated. So, it produces oil for you and in doing so, clogs your pores. If you provide it with the moisture that it needs, it won’t need to try and provide it for you, so your pores won’t get clogged! It took me so long to figure this out and I kept buying so many products that would dry my skin out and consequently strip my skin of it’s natural oils and moisture. That was the worst move I EVER made and I so wish that someone would have explained this to me sooner. So, STOP stripping your skin of it’s oils and drying it out. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
The best part of this whole routine is that they are all rated a “1” in the EWG’s database, which means that they fully disclose the products' ingredients on their labels or packaging, they do not contain EWG ingredients of concern, and are made with good manufacturing practices, among other criteria. To put it plainly, that means they are as good as you can get!
I will only put clean products on my skin, so this was a super important requirement for me. The other really huge plus is the price point. Literally all of these products are under $8.00. No, I’m not kidding. Each bottle will last you for MONTHS, saving you so much money. Basically, you can’t afford NOT to try out this routine!
Please be sure to comment below if you have any questions or try this routine and it works for you!
My Night time Skincare Routine:
Let me preface this by telling you that I NEVER skip a night of washing my face. No matter what time it is, how tired I am. I always, ALWAYS wash my face before bed. This routine takes me 10 mins, tops. Just do it!
First:
I melt off all my makeup, especially my eye makeup, using Clinique take the day off
Second:
I wash my face using this cleanser. It’s a different one than I use in the morning, because I like to keep my skin guessing.
Third:
Apply 3-4 drops Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
It’s purpose? To offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration. Super duper important.
Fourth:
Apply 3-4 drops Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
This one reduces the looks of spots and hyperpigmentation, so for me…my dumb brown spots that crept in during pregnancy. Those things need to go!
Fifth:
Apply 3-4 drops Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
This one addresses dullness and uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne and blemishes.
Every other day, I’ll swap out the Mandelic Acid 10% + HA for the Hylamide C25 Booster
This one addresses dullness and uneven tone, textural irregularities and fine lines
Sixth:
Apply 3-4 drops 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This reduces the signs of photo-aging and many other skin conditions. I find that this is super moisturizing and heals breakouts quickly.
Thats it! Feel free to screen shot or print out this handy dandy little schedule and stick it to the inside of your medicine cabinet door. That’s how I keep track of what I’m applying so easily.
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