How to Do My Fall Skincare Routine to Fade Post-Acne Marks and Restore a Healthy Skin Barrier
Is it just me or did this year fly by? I can’t believe it’s already time for me to share my fall skincare routine—and all the adjustments I’ve made since the summer. (And yes, I switched up my hair, too. No more blonde!)
The biggest change with my skin is that I started getting these mysterious breakouts on my forehead a couple months ago. At first, I thought they might be sweat- or sunscreen-related. Then, I wondered if it could be stress. And then, I noticed the area was looking and feeling dry... and I realized I’d actually caused the problem myself! 🤪
Here’s the lowdown on what happened (and why), and everything I’m doing to get my skin strong and even-toned again.
My Fall 2021 Skincare Routine
This is what (I think) caused the forehead breakouts, and what I’ve switched up as a result:
- Vitamin C: Remember how I was using SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF in the summer? It’s a new vitamin C serum that also contains 0.5% salicylic acid. I think it was just too much acid for my skin in combination with the COSRX BHA I was already using. My skin didn’t get irritated (BHAs are anti-inflammatory), but my forehead did become unusually dry. My theory is that I weakened my skin barrier, and that’s what led to the breakouts.
- BHA: To solve the problem, I changed my twice-daily BHA habit to only once a day, away from the Silymarin CF. For years, I’ve been using the COSRX BHA the same way as Lotion P50 (because my theory is that it gets results not just due to its ingredients, but because you’re meant to apply it morning and night). Fortunately, my skin didn’t rebel when I cut back—and in fact, the breakouts and dryness subsided. So it looks like once a day is sufficient from now on!
- Niacinamide: To help get my skin back on track, I upped the amount of niacinamide in my routine. Before, I was using 5% (Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist), but now I’m using a 10% formula from the same brand. Not only does niacinamide reduce excess oil, redness and dark spots, it also strengthens the skin barrier.
- Vitamin C Derivative: One more active that I added is sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a non-irritating vitamin C derivative that helps with brightening as well as breakouts. Mind you, I don’t really need it in addition to the L-ascorbic acid... I just wanted to try this product because there’s nothing else like it.
Alright, now allow me to take you through each step in more detail.
My Morning Skincare Routine
1. Cleanser
2. Vitamin C
3. Eye Cream
4. Lip Balm
5. Vitamin C Derivative
6. Essence
7. Niacinamide
8. Sunscreen
9. Powder Sunscreen
My Nighttime Skincare Routine
1. Micellar Water
2. Cleanser
3. Toner
4. Acid Exfoliant
5. Eye Balm
6. Retinoid
7. Lip Balm
My Extra Skincare Treatments
Microcurrent
Red Light Therapy
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