This is a vulnerable post for me as my skin was my biggest insecurity for years. In high school, I would stand in front of the mirror, find one patch of clear skin, cover the rest of my face, and dream of what it would be like if all of my skin was clear. 

My Experience with Acne

Before my bf (now husband) would come over and before school, I’d spend an extraordinarily long time trying over and over to conceal acne that was open and wouldn’t cover. My mom would try to help, it would be unsuccessful, and occasionally I would cry.

On countless occasions, I turned down fun things because of my skin insecurities. In college, I would do crazy things like put on makeup for 5 seconds just to run down the hall to the communal bathroom. After washing my face for the night, I would stay in there until the coast was clear, RUN down the hall, and shut myself in my dorm for the night. It was torture.

I tried everything I knew of to fix it, including everything from drugstore to expensive skincare. My mom also has trouble skin, even as an adult, and she always used to say she’d put poop on her face if it would clear it up. This may be an over exaggeration, but if you get it you get it. 

Why did I tell you my (former) deepest darkest insecurities? Although I had hoped and prayed relentlessly, in my wildest dreams I never fully believed that I would be able to go without makeup and now it’s a regular occasion. Although I’m sure coming out of adolescence helped my skin drastically (I’m 25 now), there are quite a few things that I’ve changed that have noticeably transformed my skin.

I know how hopeless it can feel when you’re in the trenches of bad skin. I’m here to give you hope that this is not forever and it will get better. Plus I have some really great tips for you so without further ado, the 7 things I believe transformed my skin. 

Skincare Tips

1. Don’t Look At Your Skin With the Lights On

…especially if you’re a picker. I spent so much of my life standing in front of the mirror and obsessing over my skin. The truth is, very few people are that close to your face, and the ones that are likely think nicer things than what you are saying to yourself. 

So what do I mean by don’t look at your skin with the lights on? Well, while you’re on your skincare journey, it’s best to not inspect your skin. It isn’t going to get better overnight and I can promise you that stretching your skin and picking is only going to make it worse. Feel bad about yourself. Pick. Feel worse. It’s a cycle. 

Reduce the temptation by doing your skincare in the dark. This is a great night time routine and can even be nice for while you’re waking up in the morning. It will boost your self-confidence because you aren’t staring into every little pore. You obviously need light to do your makeup, but I have even coated my skin in a base layer of foundation prior to turning on the lights and blending to avoid feeling bad about myself. 

2. Switch to Natural Skincare

I know, I know. When your face is more red than skin color, you feel like you need the absolute harshest product to make it go away. Unless directed otherwise by a doctor/dermatologist, before you grab the highest dose of salicylic acid, consider switching to a natural skincare. This has been huge for me, which leads me to my next point. 

3. Use Serums

YES even if you have oily skin. I have used the natural, Australian skincare brand Esmi Skin Minerals  for at least three years and I absolutely LOVE it. Even my mom will tell you that my whole complexion changed and is so much more balanced and glowy. They even have a skin consultation feature where you can send in pics of your skin and tell them what you’d like to improve and they’ll recommend products! This is how I started and I’ve even done this a few times since as I’ve obtained clearer skin. It truly is an awesome feature.

4. Invest in a Nice Face Mask 

When my skin is looking its best, I am usually using a good face mask at least once a week. Facials are also amazing if you can afford them. My absolute favorite mask is Osmosis MD’s Cranberry Enzyme Mask. This was used on me once during a facial, I bought it, and fell in love. Now I have my mom hooked! I recently learned that it’s best to put on right before a shower and leave on in the steam, but I previously hadn’t done it this way. It’s truly the best mask for the most “immediate” results!

5. Go Without Makeup as Much as Possible 

In the early stages, I know this is rough. I personally would never leave the house without makeup when my skin was at its worst. However, I distinctly remember a handful of times my skin would look decent and, although it wasn’t perfect, I would force myself to go without makeup to give it a break.

That being said, if your natural skin makes you feel like crap and will make you pick, it’s better to wear makeup. This is a nervous habit of mine and there are certain days where I will wear it just so I don’t touch my face. A huge part of life is becoming self-aware enough to understand your behaviors and #hackyourself.

6. Ditch Your Makeup Wipes 

 Switch to using makeup cloths instead! I was astounded at how well these work when I started using them. Makeup wipes typically have fragrance and the very popular blue Neutrogena ones always made my skin burn. Makeup remover cloths don’t burn, remove your makeup just as well, and are great for the environment! My absolute favorite so far have been the classic Makeup Eraser. These are available at all makeup stores but they have cuter ones on their website. Also, this goes without being said but NEVER go to bed with your makeup on!

7. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Face

Saving my favorite tip for last- obsess over not touching your face with dirty hands!! This might be excessive, but I wash my hands multiple times while getting ready/doing my makeup. Even after touching my toothbrush I wash my hands before touching my face. This is huge for keeping the bacteria at bay! The same goes for your makeup brushes/sponges- clean anything that is going to touch your skin.

That’s all loves! I hope this post is relatable and gives you some new tips to try. Share your thoughts and/or your best skin tips in the comment box below!