Sunday, August 24, 2014

Monthly Favorites #3 | the ultimate acne-free skincare routine





New monthly favorites is finally here! This time I want to introduce my skincare routine to keep the break-outs away.







I've mentioned in several beauty posts that I don't have the best skin and I break out easily (and still do if I am not careful), but I think I finally found a skincare routine using products that work with my skin. The key is to cleanse thoroughly and to moisturize, but in an oil-free way.


This is essentially water for your face. I do use tap water to wash my face, but it just feels nice to spritz some of this on before and after I wash my face. It's great for sensitive skin (as the website notes), and it really does soften and moisturize my face. They have this in a travel size, which is great.

This is actually very similar to the Shu Uemura cleansing oils, but I happened to be in Shinokubo (Tokyo's Korea Town), and decided to give this one a shot. It definitely does its job - all my makeup is off in one wash, no rubbing, just light circular motions with some water and your fingertips. A dermatologist I spoke with recently told me this is the best way to remove makeup and dirt. I use this only at night before I use a regular cleanser.

This is the most gentle cleanser ever. I use a foaming sponge to get it really foamy, and gently cleanse my entire face with it. This is especially made for oily sensitive skin, so it's perfect. A little goes a long way too. The one I use seems like it is only sold in Japan, so I think this is a similar version sold in the U.S. 

After cleansing and spritzing on more thermal water, I apply witch hazel with a cotton ball. Yes, I am aware that the website says it is used for first aid, but it is an astringent and I swear they sell it in the skincare section in Japanese stores! (that's where I got mine). Anyways, this stuff is amazing. It gently removes any and all traces of dirt. It may seem like I am crazy about cleansing my skin to the last bit, but I read an article that if you take the time to apply makeup, you should also take more time to remove it well at the end of the day. It is the best way to avoid break outs and imperfections on the face. This astringent is alcohol-free, and I use it as a toner.

This is also an important step in my routine. La Roche-Posay is a a great skincare line that has amazing products for sensitive skin. This essence in particular smooths the surface of the skin while unclogging and minimizing the appearance of pores. I think this is a similar product sold on the U.S. site. Lovely product. 

Fragrance free, for all skin types, light, non-greasy, broad spectrum protection, enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, PABA free, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). I think that explains this product well. Non-comedogenic is a key word. 

I can't and will not let go of this product. I've been using it for over half a year now and it does wonders. Paraben and sulfate-free, this is a non-greasy cream that really awakens dull skin. It's almost like a mask I wear overnight, finding my skin looking so much healthier in the morning no matter how tired I am. 

The perfect sunscreen for the face. It is water resistant, fragrance-free and tested on sensitive skin. No problems with this one.  



I hope this helps if you also have sensitive, acne-prone skin like I do. I'm not saying you will never break out because I still do sometimes because of stress or hormonal factors, but this routine has  helped me significantly. I think because I take my time to cleanse and prep my skin, it feels and looks better than before. It's the first thing a person sees, so it might be best to take extra care of it :)


I would love to read any suggestions, any questions, concerns, or even any comments if you have used these products already. Love reading your opinions!



Have a great week! (almost the end of summer - enjoy it!)



Love,

Samantha Mariko










19 comments:

  1. Hi and thanks for stopping by me :)
    I love LRP products, they are great- also I found that when I stopped using foundation on a regular basis and started using Nuxe cleansing foam and facial cream. I hardly ever get a pimple it is fantastic.. I used to have some really problematic ones every month- so that has to be my tip.
    x
    e d i o t

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi and thanks for stopping by me :)
    I love LRP products, they are great- also I found that when I stopped using foundation on a regular basis and started using Nuxe cleansing foam and facial cream. I hardly ever get a pimple it is fantastic.. I used to have some really problematic ones every month- so that has to be my tip.
    x
    e d i o t

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is my favourite post ever! Love it!
    Keep in touch!
    OOTD: Vessos Dress

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was a really great list of products and I will definitely try to keep some of them in my mind when I will have skin problems! Thanks a lot for the review! :)

    www.callmemaddie.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. i've been concocting my own natural skin care products and read some really great things about witch hazel. so intrigued to read it over here as well! i'm cursed with adult acne and it's been irritating to control but slowly i think i'm coming to my own in finding a routine. and these are lovely tips!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I use that La Roche-Posay sunscreen too! Someone introduced this to me a long time ago when I had acne problem back then. I love it because it doesn't give me bad breakout <3 Thanks for sharing tho!

    http://www.vonvogue.com/
    New Post: Dear Sweater
    xoxo, Claire from Vancouver, Canada

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am shocked to read that you have problematic skin, I feel like your complexion is flawless. I guess that routine really works magic! Which makes me more than happy to take skincare advice from you, thanks for sharing this!

    xx Hélène
    www.FashionOverReason.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great post, I heard a lot of good things about Avene brand, have to try some of their products. :)
    Fashion Happenss

    ReplyDelete
  9. thank you for the product recommendations.
    xx http://1finedai.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. looks like some really cool stuff to try out here, I'm always a fan of La Roche!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post! The Trader Joe face cream looks great!

    xx,
    www.mellowyellowblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks a ton! Do you have prices on these? I've been meaning to try witch hazel for a while. What I've been doing lately that's been working for me is just washing, spot treating and aloe vera-ing my face twice daily. What tweaks would you recommend for that routine.
    laurenbrownunrated.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I just started using cleansing oil and love. You use some awesome products Sam! It's important to find something that works for you. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is probably one of the best post written for acne skincare - so many people cover this topic lightly but you've gone into so much more detail!! :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm a big fan of Avene,too. Enrich also sounds nice!
    http://fetish-tokyo.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing your experiences! I've actually considered changing my skincare routine and I'll make sure to try out these products! :)

    www.nevernotinspired.de

    ReplyDelete
  17. Amazing Blog.
    Want to follow eachother? Maybe you like my blog too.
    Let me know if you followed me I will follow you right back :)
    Love, rabeasbeautytipps.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment! I read each and every one!