Skincare products that actually work

Skincare products that actually work can be pretty elusive. For years I found myself overlooking skincare because of the hassle, and I was using makeup almost daily. After a while, my skin showed it. I continued to neglect my skin and only abused it further by applying more makeup to cover my newly-worsening skin issues.

Eventually, I gave in and started trying products. Navigating through flowery marketing and overpriced serums was exhausting, but I found a handful of holy grail products that made me feel better in my skin. 

  1. Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

This toner is appropriately named; it definitely made me glow. It can feel a bit drying at first, so start with only one application a day. Once it had a few days to exfoliate fully, my skin was noticeably less dull.

  1. St. Ives Apricot Scrub

This scrub is pretty harsh, so I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for those with sensitive skin. For me, it worked almost overnight. My face wasn’t oily the day I used it, and after a week the small bumps and blemishes on my forehead all but disappeared.

  1. Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Face Wash

This wash is gentle, which is a necessity if you’re also using a scrub. This wash is soothing while still removing the dirt of the day to create a clean slate for the rest of your skincare routine. I find that using a plain face wash daily and then using other specialized products on top is most effective because you are not overdoing it.

  1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum is genuinely worth it. When trying to improve your skin, many people over-dry their skin with harsh cleansers. Neutrogena Hydro Boost eliminates that risk. It hydrates the skin with only a light layer. It’s light and refreshing; perfect for the morning.

  1. Unscented Sensitive Skin Facial Moisturizer – Up&Up

When also using a hydrating serum, you only need a simple moisturizer to ensure your skin stays soft. I use this every day before I apply my makeup.

  1. COOLA Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30

Technically this is a makeup product, but it is also a really important step in any skincare routine. This setting spray works as a sunscreen but is light and easy to apply over makeup. Sunscreen should be worn every day to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and dark spots.