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in Your 20s
Right before graduating from college, Maria, who has combination skin, was regularly breaking out on her forehead, chin and back. "I wasn't comfortable in my own skin," she explains. The acne was taking a toll on her confidence, so she started experimenting with skincare products.
After years of trial and error, Maria has found a reliable lineup of cleaners, serums, and spot treatments that help keep her skin clear and glowing. Exfoliating in the shower has also helped unclog her pores and prevent breakouts, and she tries to stay away from heavy moisturizers with fragrance.
Choosing the right cleanser was challenging because many are alcohol-based and can be too drying for sensitive skin. Maria likes to begin and end each day by washing her face with gentle Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser. "It helps prep my skin in the morning before I do my makeup and wash away dirt at night," Maria says. "My skin hasn't been as oily since I started using this product. It's light, effective, and makes my skin feel tighter and brighter."
After cleansing, Maria applies Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum. It's cruelty-free and formulated with 4% niacinamide to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture. "This serum is like a conditioner for your skin, and it has even improved some of my acne scars," she says. "Sometimes I use it on my face and arms, too!"
To help reduce breakouts that flare up during her menstrual cycle, Maria reaches for Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots. "Hormonal acne can be painful. Protecting spots with these patches prevents me from touching them and spreading the bacteria around," Maria explains. "The Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots help reduce the size of my blemishes, which makes them less painful."
Although these skincare products have made it easier to manage her acne, Maria says drinking plenty of water can also make a difference. "It keeps your skin hydrated and flushes out what your body doesn't need," she explains. Patience is important, too. "Give your body time to adjust to new treatments," she suggests. "Some things won't work, but eventually something will work, and it will be liberating. There's a certain peace that comes when you find what works for you."
Some things won't work, but eventually something will work, and it will be liberating. There's a certain peace that comes when you find what works for you."
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