The Aureus Life

🇵🇷 Versión español

I haven’t written in forever, and I was thinking about something simple I could write.  So I thought I would share with you my acne skin care routine.

First, let me share with you a little of my skin history:

My Skin Story

I had very few skin breakouts as a teen, so this experience has been very new to me.  I am in my late 20’s, so my main skin concern is anti-aging.  When I was 24 my skin literally went crazy and I started breaking out, mostly cystic acne on my cheeks.  I thought it was a product I used, but after stopping everything new, my skin didn’t go back to normal.  After a year of trying to fix the problem at home, I decided to visit a dermatologist.

The doctor explained, that it is extremely common for people who didn’t get acne as teens to get it as adults. (yay me!)  He prescribed me a cleanser and Adapalene gel as an acne treatment.  Also, birth control pills since they helped treat acne for a longer period of time than antibiotics.  My skin looked so much better, but I was so unsure of how to keep treating my skin.  Keeping it hydrated and use some anti-aging without disrupting my acne treatment.  

So, surfing youtube I found the channel for Dr. Dray (highly recommended, visit her here) and she provided so many useful tips on how to keep healthy skin while using Adapalene gel (aka Differin, now available without a prescription).  She also wards me off from buying expensive skincare that doesn’t work, so this routine is super affordable.

My skin at its worst:

My Morning Skin Care Routine

One of the things I learned, is that it is not recommended to use Salicylic acid with Adapalene gel, but you can use it when not applying it.  So, in the mornings I cleanse my face with a salicylic acid cleanser.  I’m currently alternating between the La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser and the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser.  The CeraVe is cheaper and works really great! I let my face air dry, no towel, to avoid unnecessary irritation and probably bacteria on my skin.

Although Dr. Dray does not recommend a toner, I do use one.  I use the Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner.  I spray it and while wet on my face I apply my moisturizer.  I’m currently using the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.  Now, I know is morning and I am using the PM one, the reason is the AM one has sun protection and I already have a sunscreen I love.  Once this sunscreen is over, I will probably just purchase the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30 or keep this routine.  I can update you on my Instagram.

Lastly,  for sunscreen, I am using the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk.  I love this sunscreen because it does not feel sticky like most sunscreens.  

And that’s it!  A super simple morning routine.

My Night Skin Care Routine

At night, I remove my makeup with the MAC Cosmetics Cleanse Off Oil. This is the best makeup remover I have tried by far.  It removes everything, including waterproof makeup.  The best part is that once it comes into contact with water it rinses right off, so now oil residue is left.

As a cleanser, I am using the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.  Because I am using Adapalene gel, I cannot use anything with Salicylic Acid.  Also, it helps keep the skin hydrated.  I follow the same steps as in the morning.  I leave my face to air dry, apply my toner and with a wet face I apply the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.  Once my face is dry, I apply the Adapalene gel.

That’s it!  Very simple and to the point.  

This is my skin Today:

PS. My skin looks lighter because of a. better lighting and b. better camera.

Have you found a skincare routine that works?  Leave a comment below and tell me what you are using.

Disclaimer: I am no skin expert no professional, this is just my experience using these products.  I highly recommend visiting a dermatologist to help you make an appropriate routine for your individual skin needs.